Empowered Parenting
2023-09-06 - 2026-06-30
In this class you will talk about developing positive relationships and positive parenting skills. We will talk about:

Health
Safety
Behavior
Child development

You will learn through games, videos and conversations. The goal of this group is to learn positive parenting techniques and develop skills for success.

ECALA's 25th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting (AGM)
2023-09-20 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Edmonton)
ECALA’s 25th Anniversary and Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Debbie Clark
Registration: Click here
Join ECALA-funded agencies to celebrate ECALA’s 25th Anniversary and participate in our Annual General Meeting
The Agenda and meeting materials outlined in the ECALA Bylaws will be sent to registrants at the end of August.

Reading Strategies for Working with Adult Learners
2023-09-22 09:30 - 11:30
Reading Strategies for Working with Adult Learners
Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Virtual
Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/9aS7dneTSe
Are you looking for reading strategies and tools to help you with your adult foundational learners? Join ECALA and Bonnie Caron, PALS Adult Literacy Coordinator, to examine the basic elements of learning to read:

Phonics
Word Families
Sight words
Prefixes and Suffixes
Syllables

Bonnie will share excerpts from a comprehensive curriculum she has developed that helps teach literacy from pre-reading to Grade 8. You will also receive an amazing list of resources and information on how where to purchase them. You’ll want to be there!

Teaching Basic Digital Skills: a Multilevel Curriculum
2023-10-12 13:00 - 15:00
Teaching Basic Digital Skills: a Multilevel Curriculum
Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Marnie Rempel Friesen and Chelséa Legg-St.Pierre
Registration: Click here
Do you teach digital literacy? Do you have English language learners in your classes? Is it a challenge to figure out what to teach and how to teach it? Immigrant Settlement Services of British Columbia (ISS of BC) has created a curriculum to teach basic digital skills to English language learners. Come to this session to:

Review the ISS of BC resource
Share best practices and strategies when teaching digital literacy
Explore different language levels of the same lesson
Practice working with the ISS of BC lesson plan framework
Discuss ways to adapt the curriculum to your setting

Scribe Lunch n Learn
2023-10-16 12:00 - 13:00
Scribe Lunch n Learn
Date: Monday, October 16, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire
Registration: Click here
Join our one-hour lunch and learn session to explore Scribe – the ultimate screen capture and documentation tool. Learn how to effortlessly create step-by-step guides with text and screenshots by simply recording your processes. Share instantly with your team or embed into your knowledge base. Streamline your workflow with Scribe!

The Power of Positivity
2023-10-19 09:30 - 12:00
The Power of Positivity
Date: Thursday, October 19, 2023
Time: 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Being positive and sharing that positivity with your learner can go a long way in engaging them in the learning process. Many of our learners have had negative experiences in a learning environment. This workshop will:

Look at how to incorporate and encourage positive language from both the educator and the learner
Explore the differences between fixed and growth mindsets
Practice positive ways to show support when our learners feel challenged

The Impact of Family Violence on Learning
2023-10-20 09:30 - 11:30
The Impact of Family Violence on Learning
Date: Friday, October 20, 2023
Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator: Sarah Jensen, Education Specialist at The Today Centre
Registration: Click here
Do you know how to recognize some of the signs someone is in an unhealthy relationship or is a victim of family violence? Do you know how to support someone who may be in a situation like this? How might being in this situation affect your learners? ECALA and the Today Centre are offering a workshop to empower community members to recognize, respond, and support people who may be experiencing family violence.
Information shared will include:

A more in-depth look at the different types of abuse that may be happening
Look at the role of power
Possible barriers to seeking support
Strategies to better respond to disclosures
Information on safety planning

Community Resources in Edmonton The Today Centre is a non-profit agency in Edmonton that offers a safe, inclusive place for adults who have been victims of family violence and provides educational opportunities to learn more about this topic.

Chat GPT Lunch n Learn
2023-10-23 12:00 - 13:00
Chat GPT Lunch n Learn
Date: Monday, October 23, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire
Registration: Click here
Join our hour-long session to explore an easy introduction to ChatGPT. Unlock the potential of ChatGPT in teaching, even if you’re tech-cautious! See how it can boost lesson planning, simplifies info finding, and learn simple techniques to create helpful prompts. Embrace AI step by step and enrich your teaching experience!

Scribe Check-In Lunch n Learn
2023-10-30 12:00 - 13:00
Scribe Check-In Lunch n Learn
Date: Monday, October 20, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire
Registration: Click here
Did you attend the Scribe lunch n learn? Join us for this check-in session. Discover how fellow participants are incorporating Scribe into their work, share your experiences, and get your questions answered. It’s a great opportunity to enhance your Scribe skills and learn valuable insights from your peers. Don’t miss out!

Outcome, Measurement, and Evaluation
2023-11-16 13:00 - 14:30
Outcome, Measurement, and Evaluation
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Walk through the ECALA Outcomes, Measurement and Evaluation (OME) table and review the different measurements that educators must collect and report on in accordance with the Community Adult Learning Programs (CALP) Guidelines 2020. This session is of interest to anyone who is interacting with learners, is involved with collecting data during sessions or is filling out ECALA reports.
Please note: this session is only for ECALA-funded agencies.

Engaging Activities for Multilevel English Classes
2023-11-21 13:00 - 15:00
Engaging Activities for Multilevel English Classes
Date: Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: In person, ECALA Office, #104 4207 98 St NW
Registration: is limited to 12 participants. Click here, to register. Please note registration closes at 5 pm on Friday, November 17.
Do you work with learners who have various goals and skills? Encouraging learners with different strengths to push themselves in the same activity can be a daunting task, but we’ll share creative solutions to make sure each learner is engaged without being left behind or feeling bored. In this session, we share six examples of activities and strategies that you can take with you. You’ll take home a packet of printable resources and digital links that you can modify for your classes.

Fall ECALA Community Conversation 2023
2023-11-24 08:30 - 11:30
Fall ECALA Community Conversation 2023
Date: Friday, November 24, 2023
Time:
8:30 am – 9:00 am Networking online and in person
9:00 am – 11:30 am Community Conversation, a hybrid event
Where: Hybrid: In person in the ECALA Learning Space, Online through Zoom
Registration is now closed.
Join ECALA staff and CALP-funded agency leadership for a morning of timely and relevant conversations. This is a hybrid event. The tentative agenda includes:

Networking
Our Heart and Purse Check-In Conversation
Advanced Education Update – CALP Grant
ECALA CALP Grant Additional Funding, Reporting Update and Group Conversations
Professional Development
Edmonton Literacy Coalition

Please note: this session is only for ECALA-funded agencies.

Lesson Planning (Online Option)
2023-11-29 16:00 - 18:00
Lesson Planning (Online Option)
Date: Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
In the community learning environment, sometimes it’s challenging to find a balance between Learner Centred Practice and too much Structure. In this session, we will explore how clear Learning Objectives, Interactive Activities, and a clear plan going into a class can provide just enough structure for your learners to thrive. This session is for educators working in all funded categories. Please note this workshop will cover the same content as the in-person workshop on November 30.

Lesson Planning (In Person Option)
2023-11-30 13:00 - 15:00
Lesson Planning (In Person Option)
Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: In person, ECALA Office, #104 4207 98 St NW
Registration is closed.
In the community learning environment, sometimes it’s challenging to find a balance between Learner Centred Practice and too much Structure. In this session, we will explore how clear Learning Objectives, Interactive Activities, and a clear plan going into a class can provide just enough structure for your learners to thrive. This session is for educators working in all funded categories. Please note this workshop will cover the same content as the online workshop on November 29.

Edmonton Public Library (EPL)101
2023-12-06 12:00 - 13:00
Edmonton Public Library (EPL) 101
Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Sarah Foy, Community Librarian – Sprucewood
Registration: Click here
Join Edmonton Public Library to learn about all of our FREE in-person and digital resources for learners of all ages, demographics, and needs. We’ll discuss:

how to get a library card
library classes and services- newcomers, educators, early literacy, conversation circles, computer skills, makerspace
Search strategies for:

Physical items – how to search the catalogue (by keyword, language, lexile level, Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability)
Digital content – language learning, new career, technology and software skills, job search help, homework help for all ages, FUN stuff!

ECALA Classroom: Learners Skills Use
2024-01-15 13:30 - 15:30
ECALA Classroom: Learners Skills Use
Date: Monday, January 15, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Join our ECALA Classroom series and learn strategies to help you create meaningful learning opportunities. This series is for all educators, such as tutors, volunteers, and facilitators who are working directly with learners.
In this session, we’ll:
• Explore what Skills Use looks like in your learners’ lives
• Develop strategies for encouraging use of foundational skills outside the classroom
• Connect Skills Use to the overall learning journey

Intro to Chat GPT Lunch n Learn
2024-01-17 12:00 - 13:00
Intro to Chat GPT Lunch n Learn
Date: Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire, Grants Liaison
Registration: Click here
Join us for a one-hour session introducing Chat GPT. Learn its basics and how it can benefit you as an educator. We’ll introduce Chat GPT and showcase how it can answer questions, provide explanations, and generate text in various languages, making it a versatile tool for educational content.

Newcomer Mental Health Resources
2024-01-22 10:00 - 11:30
Newcomer Mental Health Resources
Date: Monday, January 22, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 11:30 am
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Rupa Ray, Family Counsellor, Cross-Cultural Counselling, Catholic Social Services
Registration: Click here
The session emphasizes the information about Mental Health Resources for Newcomers and Refugees in Edmonton and Calgary. The session also discusses the signs and symptoms of trauma, including the phase of Dissociation as the most common symptom among refugees. The discussion continues with the types of Mental Health Stigma that the refugees come with. Part of the session focuses on the basic Relaxation Techniques for clients who need them on the spot.

Chat GPT for Lesson Planning
2024-01-29 12:00 - 13:00
Chat GPT for Lesson Planning
Date: Monday, January 29, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire, Grants Liaison
Registration: Closed due to reaching the maximum participant count. Please email pdcoordinator@ecala.org or pd@ecala.org to be put on a waitlist.
Discover how Chat GPT can transform lesson planning. Explore its practical use in generating ideas and content for engaging lessons. We’ll demonstrate how Chat GPT can generate topic ideas, outline lesson structures, and even provide learning objectives and activities, saving you time and boosting creativity in your planning process.

ECALA Classroom: Tracking Learner Progress
2024-02-05 13:30 - 15:30
ECALA Classroom: Tracking Learner Progress
Date: Monday, February 5, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Join our ECALA Classroom series and learn strategies to help you create meaningful learning opportunities. This series is for all educators, such as tutors, volunteers, and facilitators who are working directly with learners.
In this session, we’ll:

Discuss how to support your learners in creating goals
Explore ways to monitor progress toward goals
Develop strategies to review, revise and reflect on goals for better learning

Chat GPT for Developing Activities
2024-02-12 12:00 - 13:00
Chat GPT for Developing Activities
Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire, Grants Liaison
Registration: Click here
Explore how Chat GPT can help create interactive language and literacy activities tailored to your learners’ needs. We’ll showcase examples of Chat GPT generating writing prompts, brainstorming story ideas, and suggesting vocabulary exercises, all designed to make your lessons more dynamic and engaging.

Edmonton Public Library (EPL)101 February 2024
2024-02-14 12:00 - 13:00
Edmonton Public Library (EPL) 101
Date: Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Sarah Foy, Community Librarian – Sprucewood
Registration: Click here
Join Edmonton Public Library to learn about all of our FREE in-person and digital resources for learners of all ages, demographics, and needs. We’ll discuss:

how to get a library card
library classes and services- newcomers, educators, early literacy, conversation circles, computer skills, makerspace
Search strategies for:

Physical items – how to search the catalogue (by keyword, language, lexile level, Hi-Lo (high interest, low readability)
Digital content – language learning, new career, technology and software skills, job search help, homework help for all ages, FUN stuff!

Please note this PD has been postponed until further notice.

Beyond Chat GPT: Other AI You Have to Try!
2024-02-26 12:00 - 13:00
Beyond Chat GPT: Other AI You Have to Try!
Date: Monday, February 26, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Leanne Adegbonmire, Grants Liaison
Registration: Click here
Join us to discover AI tools beyond Chat GPT, revolutionizing education with personalized learning. Everyday more tools are being introduced – it’s challenging to keep up! We’ll introduce you to AI-driven platforms such as MagicSchool and Twee that can support you in so many ways. We welcome you to come and share your own experiences as well!

ECALA Classroom 3: Learner Confidence
2024-03-04 13:30 - 15:30
ECALA Classroom 3: Learner Confidence
Date: Monday, March 4, 2024
Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Join our ECALA Classroom series and learn strategies to help you create meaningful learning opportunities. This series is for all educators, such as tutors, volunteers, and facilitators who are working directly with learners.
In this session, we’ll:

Explore what learner confidence looks like in ECALA-funded learning opportunities
Develop strategies for supporting the growth of learner’s self-confidence through meaningful activities and recognition
Connect increasing learner confidence to the overall learning journey

Emotional Intelligence
2024-03-06 12:00 - 13:00
Emotional Intelligence
Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Nataliya Fladager, Family Educator, Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre
Registration: Click here
Would you like to get an understanding of emotional intelligence and learn a few practical ideas for managing emotions in your professional and personal life? Join us for this interactive session, full of ready-to-use practical ideas.
Nataliya Fladager, a family educator at Norwood Child and Family Resource Centre, is excited to share with you the passion and knowledge about emotional intelligence that she has gathered over her 20-year career in the education field

The Elders Speak
2024-03-15 10:00 - 12:00
The Elders Speak
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Facilitator(s): Selestia Herrera-Ganton, Regional Advisor (North, East-West)
Registration: Click here
Promoting Indigenous Awareness: The Elders Speak
As part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s call to action, this workshop supports ESL practitioners with content and strategies to teach newcomers about the country’s indigenous history and cultures.
This workshop will be held online.

Outcome, Measurement, Evaluation
2024-05-16 13:00 - 15:00
Outcome, Measurement, Evaluation
Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
We will review the ECALA Outcomes, Measurement and Evaluation (OME) table and review the different measurements that educators must collect and report on in accordance with the 2020 CALP Guidelines. This session is of interest to anyone involved with collecting data during sessions or filling out ECALA reports.
Please note this PD workshop is for ECALA-funded agencies only.

ECALA 2024 Spring Community Conversations
2024-05-31 08:30 - 11:30
ECALA 2024 Spring Community Conversations
Date: Friday, May 31, 2024
Time: 8:30 am – 9:00 am Networking; 9:00 am – 11:30 am Community Conversations
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Join ECALA staff and CALP-funded agency leadership for a morning of timely and relevant conversations. This is an online event that will be hosted via Zoom. The tentative agenda includes:

Networking
CALP Grant Update
Community Conversation
Edmonton Literacy Coalition Update

Annual Report Writing
2024-06-07 10:00 - 12:00
Annual Report Writing
Date: Friday, June 7, 2024
Time: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
We will review the ECALA 2023-2024 Annual Report, due July 5th. Come with questions and examples to share with other participants. As a reminder, this session will focus on the Microsoft Word and Excel documents to be saved in the ECALA Reporting shared folder.
Please note this PD workshop is for ECALA-funded agencies only.

Exploring the ATESL Resource Library Lunch n Learn
2024-06-11 12:00 - 13:00
Exploring the ATESL Resource Library Lunch n Learn
Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Time: 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom
Registration: Click here
Are you looking for materials to use in your classes? Join us in this lunch n learn as we walk through how to use the ATESL Resource Library and explore the Initial Sounds resource as an example.
