2025 Celebrating the Challenges

In this presentation, we will explore how our nervous systems are impacted by adversity, trauma, and experiences of resiliency through deepened connections and sensory regulation. Behaviors are only signals or indicators that the brain and body are struggling in survival states of functioning. In our time together, we will explore how we get out in front of the behavior through our procedures, routines, and transitions. We will also explore the differences between co-regulation and coercive regulation which is the foundation of discipline practices that move us through challenging moments while attending to our emotional, social, and physiological health.

Tired of endlessly searching for resources online? Sandra Anderson, Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) librarian, will also reveal some of the great web resources that you can find at the ATA Library without searching.

Adult nervous system states drive child and adolescent social, emotional, and cognitive well-being. In this session, we will explore how trauma and adversity impact the developing brains and bodies of our students and the powerful implications that adult regulation states positively create for a student's social, emotional, and academic growth. I will share powerful regulatory practices for adults and students.

Co-Regulation is the Core of Relational, Preventative, and Brain Aligned Discipline
In this session we will explore co-regulation practices as these relate to healthy brain and body development in our students. When a calm nervous system can connect with a dysregulated nervous system, we can share an emotionally available safe space and presence that can upregulate positive emotions while down-regulating negative emotions.

Experience how Building Thinking Classrooms practices and playful learning can transform vocabulary instruction for EAL students and struggling readers. In this hands-on session, participants will explore high-impact strategies - grounded in equity and designed to foster deep understanding and engagement. Leave with practical tools to create inclusive, thinking-centered classrooms where all students can thrive.

Tanya Braybrook has experience as an elementary teacher, and learning support teacher, and is currently a vice-principal and middle school science teacher at a K-8 school in central Alberta.

Jennifer Steiner currently teaches middle school math, science, and early numeracy intervention for Rockyview Schools. She has experience teaching in classrooms from grades 5 -12.

Our passions lie in elementary mathematics education and with supporting students with complex learning needs. We have found that recommendations typically involve providing students with more accommodations rather than supporting understanding. In our presentation, we will share what we learned through our research on how to support struggling mathematics students.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords; they are the foundation of a truly just and thriving society. When we break down barriers and dismantle systemic biases, we unlock potential that has been suppressed for too long.
Choosing equity means choosing a future in which we lift up voices that have been silenced and ensure that talent and innovation are not lost.
That vision is powerful—and it’s a world worth striving for. A world where every mind is valued for its contributions, where progress isn’t hindered by prejudice, and where innovation flourishes because all voices are heard. Sounds incredible, doesn't it?

Joanna will be doing a Meet & Greet with delegates after her keynote.