Sun West Teachers' Association
SWTA
Convention
Convention
From Where We've Come: Look at Us Now!
May 15, 2026
Day at a Glance
Dwayne Matthews — International keynote speaker, future strategist, and author of HumanOS: The Critical Update.
Rural educators have always done more with less. While large systems hesitate, small regions where teachers already personalize, improvise, and know every student by name are the ones best positioned to shape what learning becomes in the age of accelerated environments. Look at how far you have come, and look at who your students and your profession can become now that the rules have changed. AI has shifted the world from cognitive scarcity to cognitive abundance. Information is everywhere. What is rare is attention, agency, and orientation. Burnout, screen time pressure, and student mental health are symptoms of a world whose operating system has not been updated.
Using the HumanOS framework, Dwayne gives educators a practical vocabulary and a set of classroom-ready shifts: Cognitive Sovereignty (for themselves and their students, including real safety and boundaries with technology), AI Fluency (AI as a thinking partner, and a future careers partner, not a threat), and Mode Shift (the burnout antidote they can use Monday morning).
The closing idea is the one they take home: every classroom holds stranded brilliance, and rural educators are uniquely positioned to unlock it at scale.
The talk is built around the goals named in your brief: hope and inspiration for the year ahead, confidence about the future of education, teaching students to use technology with agency and real boundaries, and honest acknowledgement of burnout and student mental health — paired with a forward-looking framework.
Your theme, "From Where We've Come: Look at Us Now," is woven from open to close. The opening honors the history of rural education. The closing hands it back to the room: look at us now, and look at what only we can do from here.
International keynote speaker, future strategist, and author of HumanOS: The Critical Update. XPRIZE Education Advisor. Has spoken to audiences from 54 countries at the United Nations and briefed the Canadian Prime Minister on the future of education.
Break-Out Sessions
SWTA is sporting a new logo! Brenna Orton, elementary teacher and creator of many handmade and personalized items, is our new supplier of Sun West Teachers' Association merchandise. Visit Busy Bee Creations' table for samples, sizing, unlimited ideas and to place your online order. Sun West teachers are proud to support and sport SWTA SWAG!
This session is for members who plan to get certified/re-certified for the 'Safe Contact' course.
Please review the keynote information above for more details. We think many of you will be ready for a second dose of Dwayne Matthews in a question-and-answer-style.
Two teachers, one classroom, endless possibilities. This session dives into the magic of co-teaching-where collaboration meets creativity and student success gets a serious boost. Discover how sharing the load can double the impact (and maybe even the fun).
Join 306 Peep Consulting for a compelling and insightful presentation designed to resonate with educators and professionals alike. In this engaging one-hour session, Mitchel Hope shares his personal journey through the mental health system, highlighting the roadblocks he encountered while advocating for his own well-being.
Through honest reflection and practical insight, Mitchel explores the critical importance of self-advocacy, emphasizing a powerful truth: no one understands your mind and body better than you do. While his experiences stem from a first responder background, the challenges he addresses — navigating mental health struggles and overcoming systemic barriers — are universal and deeply relevant across all professions, including education.
With over 23 years of experience in public education and recognition through multiple federal and provincial awards, Mitchel brings a unique, non-clinical perspective grounded in real-life experience. His approach is relatable, thought-provoking, and designed to leave attendees with meaningful takeaways they can apply both personally and professionally.
This presentation provides a meaningful opportunity to deepen your understanding of the impacts of mental health, empower you to advocate for both you and others, and gain insights that extend beyond the classroom into your everyday life at home.
This session explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping assessment in Grades 7–12, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it introduces for teaching and learning. Participants will examine practical strategies to design meaningful, student-centered assessments that leverage AI responsibly while preserving academic integrity and deeper thinking.
Join classroom teacher Adina Coles as she shares hands-on STEAM resources developed with support from the Teachers Innovation and Support Fund that ignites curiosity and creativity in middle years and high school learners. Participants will explore practical tools, ready-to-use activities, and cross-curricular strategies that make science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics engaging and accessible. Leave this session inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to bring STEAM learning to life in your own classroom.
As a former teacher with extensive knowledge of the STF Benefits and Pension, Mike can provide teachers with strategies to make the most of their money before and during retirement. With a focus on tax efficiency, we will explore the gaps in the current retirement plan for teachers and share concepts to help teachers retire comfortably while maintaining their current lifestyle. As a financial advisor with Sun Life, Mike works with his clients to provide solutions to enhance their current financial plan.
Teachers have a right to a healthy and safe workplace, free of violence and harassment. Learn about the rights and responsibilities regarding safety in the workplace, trends in education, and how a safe school environment is a shared responsibility. This session will also look at several scenarios and discuss how to address difficult situations in the workplace.
Terry & Doug (Sun West Technology Coaches) will share information and become your guides, based on your needs, questions, and interest.
Step inside our immersive portable dome for a 10-minute journey through the stars. Designed for small groups, this experience brings the solar system, constellations, and Indigenous sky stories to life through a guided, interactive presentation. Perfect for educators interested in integrating science, storytelling, and cultural perspectives into their classrooms, each session offers a unique blend of astronomy and Indigenous knowledge, aligned with engaging, curriculum-friendly learning. Join us for a quick but impactful exploration of the universe—no prior knowledge required. During your down time, consider visiting the nearby SWTA Merch booth in the upper lobby.
This session explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping assessment in Grades 7–12, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it introduces for teaching and learning. Participants will examine practical strategies to design meaningful, student-centered assessments that leverage AI responsibly while preserving academic integrity and deeper thinking.
We all remember how nice it was to get out of the classroom and go on a field trip in nature with our class. It turns out, however, that the residual memories aren't just because we got to shake things up for a day. Outdoor education serves as a powerful tool for holistic development and learning, benefiting mental and physical health, increasing environmental awareness, fostering social skills, and even aiding knowledge retention.
Bring your sense of adventure outdoors as we explore K-9 outdoor packs and experiences. This picture scavenger hunt will explore various hands-on activities addressing curricula from math, science, social, FNMI connections, and ELA. Be prepared to head outdoors, bring out your inner kid and play!
Bonus: The scavenger hunt winner will have their name entered to receive their own outdoor pack.
Gentle yoga is essentially what sounds like—a gentler style of yoga practice. In this class we will combine gentle yoga poses with breathing exercises and restorative postures to stretch and strengthen the body, reduce stress and calm the mind. We will move at a slower pace, with less intense positions, and include extended time for meditation, yogic breath work, and relaxation. Modifications are made to help people of all fitness levels enjoy the benefits of yoga without putting themselves at risk for injuries. No yoga experience is required.
As a former teacher with extensive knowledge of the STF Benefits and Pension, Mike can provide teachers with strategies to make the most of their money before and during retirement. With a focus on tax efficiency, we will explore the gaps in the current retirement plan for teachers and share concepts to help teachers retire comfortably while maintaining their current lifestyle. As a financial advisor with Sun Life, Mike works with his clients to provide solutions to enhance their current financial plan.
Food Connects Us all to Agriculture (K-8): AITC-SK will provide an overview of their elementary & middle years hands-on, cross-curricular programs and resources that are free for teachers to order. The session will provide insight into how AITC-SK offers to get students excited about learning as they explore where their food comes from.
Come outside for a session on creating a spark—both figuratively and literally! Using the framework of fire-lighting, we'll discuss what benefits outdoor learning can bring to your classroom, no matter what the age of your students. We'll talk about literacy, math, chemistry, physics, biology and history all while trying our hand at creating fire using a variety of methods.
Witness Gord Downie's urgent mission to share Chanie Wenjak's story, aiming to educate Canadians about the dark history of the residential school system and encourage reconciliation. The film features behind-the-scenes footage of Downie creating the Secret Path album and graphic novel, emotional rehearsals, and his final rehearsals and performances of the project. Be moved by history, truth, art and the music of renowned Canadian singer, songwriter and poet best known as the lead frontman of The Tragically Hip.
Please register for Part 2 at 2:15–3:00. Attending both sessions includes the full documentary, brief follow-up discussion and/or a chance to review curricular resources and the opportunity to sign up as a Legacy School. Legacy Schools is a free national initiative to engage, empower and connect students and educators to further reconciliation through awareness, education and action. By signing up, you will receive free tools and resources to help you teach not only about Canada's dark history, but also the richness, diversity, and strength of Indigenous cultures in all subject areas.
Teachers have a right to a healthy and safe workplace, free of violence and harassment. Learn about the rights and responsibilities regarding safety in the workplace, trends in education, and how a safe school environment is a shared responsibility. This session will also look at several scenarios and discuss how to address difficult situations in the workplace.
Adam and Rae are excited to share strategies about regulation with you. They are part of the SOAR Program at Westberry Elementary School. SOAR is a specialized classroom that helps school-wide and focuses on regulation, social emotional learning, neuro-affirming practices, and trauma-informed education. Throughout the year, Adam and Rae have learned a lot about how to help students regulate and solve problems. They hope that this presentation with practical examples of how to build these skills is just as exciting for you as it is for them!
Twinkl.ca: Prepare yourself for any lesson with our exciting range of Canada teaching resources. Our teacher-made resources cover every stage from preschool through to Grade 8, which can be easily downloaded and printed for use in lessons. Featuring PowerPoints, worksheets, craft activities, and games, we are sure to have the perfect addition to your lesson plan. Topics covered include mathematics, social studies, English language arts and more. No lesson is complete without one of Twinkl's Canada teaching resources.
LessonPix: Provides a platform for teachers, therapists and parents to create customized learning materials for their classroom and teaching needs.
Classroom Screen: Manage your classroom in a fun and engaging way. Classroomscreen is packed with widgets for teachers: timers, group makers, interactive polls and much more.
View the rest of the documentary. Take time to browse the Legacy Schools Program to register, get more information and find curricular resources. More information is found in Part 1 description. (You may attend this session without attending part 1)
Food Connects Us all to Agriculture (9-12): AITC-SK will provide an overview of their elementary & middle years hands-on, cross-curricular programs and resources that are free for teachers to order. The session will provide insight into how AITC-SK offers to get students excited about learning as they explore where their food comes from.
Step inside our immersive portable dome for a 10-minute journey through the stars. Designed for small groups (10–15 participants), this experience brings the solar system, constellations, and Indigenous sky stories to life through a guided, interactive presentation. Perfect for educators interested in integrating science, storytelling, and cultural perspectives into their classrooms, each session offers a unique blend of astronomy and Indigenous knowledge, aligned with engaging, curriculum-friendly learning. Join us for a quick but impactful exploration of the universe—no prior knowledge required. (During your wait time, feel free to visit the nearby SWTA Merch booth in the upper lobby)
Terry & Doug (Sun West Technology Coaches) will share information and become your guides, based on your needs, questions, and interest.
Twinkl.ca: Prepare yourself for any lesson with our exciting range of Canada teaching resources. Our teacher-made resources cover every stage from preschool through to Grade 8, which can be easily downloaded and printed for use in lessons. Featuring PowerPoints, worksheets, craft activities, and games, we are sure to have the perfect addition to your lesson plan. Topics covered include mathematics, social studies, English language arts and more. No lesson is complete without one of Twinkl's Canada teaching resources.
LessonPix: Provides a platform for teachers, therapists and parents to create customized learning materials for their classroom and teaching needs.
Classroom Screen: Manage your classroom in a fun and engaging way. Classroomscreen is packed with widgets for teachers: timers, group makers, interactive polls and much more.
Come outside for a session on creating a spark—both figuratively and literally! Using the framework of fire-lighting, we'll discuss what benefits outdoor learning can bring to your classroom, no matter what age the students are. We'll talk about literacy, math, chemistry, physics, biology, and history all while trying our hand at creating fire using a variety of methods.
Gentle yoga is essentially what sounds like—a gentler style of yoga practice. In this class we will combine gentle yoga poses with breathing exercises and restorative postures to stretch and strengthen the body, reduce stress and calm the mind. We will move at a slower pace, with less intense positions, and include extended time for meditation, yogic breath work, and relaxation. Modifications are made to help people of all fitness levels enjoy the benefits of yoga without putting themselves at risk for injuries. No yoga experience is required.
Come and move your body to great music with this high energy Zumba party movement class! The instructors will be in full 80s gear ... so why not you too? This could be the most fun way to kick start your totally radical long weekend!
Simply Satisfied Catering by Kelly Skappak
Your Choice of Homemade Soup
The "Three Sisters" are the main indigenous crops—corn, beans, and squash—traditionally interplanted together by Native American groups, acting as a sustainable agricultural system where they mutually support each other's growth. Nutritionally, they provide a balanced diet, while ecologically, they enhance soil health and water retention without chemicals.
The bison was essential to Indigenous peoples in Canada—especially the Plains Nations such as the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, and Sioux. It provided food, clothing, shelter, and tools. The bison symbolizes abundance, strength, and resilience, and is seen in many Indigenous traditions as a sacred being that connects the physical and spiritual worlds. It is considered a gift from the Creator, reminding us of our responsibility to live in balance with nature. Every part of the bison was used. For centuries, bison sustained Indigenous food systems and shaped diets, ceremonies, and economies.
Wild rice, or manoomin ("the good berry"), is a sacred staple food deeply tied to Anishinaabe culture, spiritual identity, and Treaty 6 food sovereignty. In 2022, it remained crucial for maintaining cultural continuity, exercising traditional harvesting rights, and supporting Indigenous-led economic resilience against ecological threats. Manoomin is considered a gift from the Creator and is core to migration stories and ceremonies. Harvesting is a direct exercise of Indigenous sovereignty, strengthening connections to the land, traditional knowledge, and food self-determination.