Summer Leadership Conference
August 19–22, 2025
August 19–22, 2025
SUMMER CONFERENCE
BCTF SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2025
EMPOWERING COLLECTIVE ACTION
Welcome from BCTF President Carole Gordon
Dear colleagues,
Welcome to our 2025 Summer Leadership Conference! With 552 registered attendees, we are excited to gather under the theme Empowering Collective Action a timely and powerful call to deepen our shared commitment to justice, equity, and a strong public education system across BC.
Over the next few days, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in discrete sessions tailored for your particular role in the union, and to choose from 42 dynamic elective sessions led by our amazing members and staff. You’ll also get to hear thought-provoking keynote addresses by Dr. David Stovall from the University of Illinois Chicago and by our favourite feminist economist Iglika Ivanova from the BC Society for Policy Solutions.
Our programming spanning professional learning to cultural celebration reflects the strength of our collective. We’re proud to feature the Love Intersections short film showcase during our Social Justice Film Night, and to once again enjoy music across the decades with The Timebenders at our annual banquet. As Emma Goldman said, “If I can’t dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.”
This is a vital moment for public education. With provincial bargaining underway and a new school year fast approaching, the work we do here learning, organizing, and connecting is more important than ever. Each conversation, each workshop, and each shared experience strengthens our collective power to advocate for ourselves, our students, and our profession.
Thank you for being part of this vital work.
In solidarity,
Carole
Carole Gordon President
Member-at-Large Member-at-Large Member-at-Large Designated position Aboriginal Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large Member-at-Large
Member-at-Large Designated position Member of Colour
Member-at-Large Designated position 2SLGBTQIA+
Carole Gordon Central Okanagan
Robin Tosczak Greater Victoria
Winona Waldron Greater Victoria
Jelana Bighorn Vancouver Secondary
Shannon Bowsfield Mission
Brenda Celesta Kamloops-Thompson
Adrienne Demers Fernie
Mary Lawrence Prince George
Frano Marsic Richmond
Hallan Mtatiro Surrey
Chris Perrier-Evely Nanaimo
David Peterson Nechako
Trevana Spilchen Delta
Conduct at BCTF Meetings
The Commitment to Solidarity statement outlined below is to guide the conduct of all members at all BCTF meetings.
Commitment to Solidarity
That the following Commitment to Solidarity guide the conduct of members participating in BCTF meetings:
1. We believe that union solidarity is based on the principle that all members are equal and deserve mutual respect.
2. We understand that an inclusive union is a stronger union, and commit to embracing both unity and diversity.
3. We commit to ensuring that members of equity-seeking groups are welcomed, fully included, and treated equitably and respectfully at all Federation meetings and events.
4. We believe that all members have the right to feel safe and be treated with dignity at BCTF meetings.
5. We commit to conducting all Federation meetings in an environment free from harassment, discrimination, and intolerance.
6. We undertake to give our full attention to members, presenters, and invited guests who are addressing our meetings.
7. We value vigorous discussion, welcome active participation, and encourage members to share perspectives and debate positions because through such debate we develop strong policies and practices.
8. We appreciate that our union has a long and spirited tradition standing up for firmly held views, and that we do this internally with each other and externally as a collective.
9. We respect our democratic processes and understand that, once our decisions are made, the collective position prevails.
Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité
Que la Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité suivante, guide la conduite des membres participant aux réunions de la FECB :
1. Nous croyons que la solidarité syndicale est fondée sur le principe de l’égalité des membres et de leur droit au respect mutuel.
2. Nous comprenons qu’un syndicat inclusif est un syndicat plus fort et nous nous engageons à accepter à la fois l’unité et la diversité.
3. Nous nous engageons à nous assurer que les membres des groupes en quête d’équité se fassent accueillir, inclure et traiter de manière équitable et respectueuse lors de toutes les réunions et de tous les événements de la Fédération.
4. Nous croyons que l’ensemble des membres a le droit de se sentir en sécurité et de se faire traiter avec dignité lors des réunions de la FECB.
5. Nous nous engageons à mener toutes les réunions de la Fédération dans un environnement libre de toutes formes de harcèlement, de discrimination et d’intolérance.
6. Nous nous engageons à accorder toute notre attention aux membres, aux personnes qui présentent et aux personnes invitées à nos réunions.
7. Nous valorisons les discussions dynamiques et la participation active. Nous encourageons les membres à partager leurs perspectives et à débattre de leurs positions, car grâce à ces débats, nous élaborons des politiques et des pratiques solides.
8. Nous apprécions que notre syndicat ait pour longue et solide tradition de défendre fermement ses opinions à l’interne ou à l’externe en tant qu’organisation.
9. Nous respectons nos processus démocratiques et comprenons qu’une fois que nos décisions sont prises, la position collective l’emporte. Revised 2016 Fall RA Revisée AR automne 2016
Safety Allies at Summer Leadership Conference
What does this mean?
The BCTF is committed to establishing and supporting the expectation that all Federation meetings, socials, and events be free from unwelcome or unwanted comments, gestures, and physical contact. We ask all participants to keep this in mind as you unwind with colleagues and enjoy the opportunities to socialize together. It takes all of us to actively uphold a culture of consent.
In acting on its commitment, the Federation has arranged for volunteer allies to help advance a culture of consent at the socials held during the Summer Leadership Conference.
Safety allies will be introduced at the opening plenary and will be wearing a button to be easily identifiable during social events. They will be happy to provide assistance and support, should any participants experience unwelcome or unwanted comments, gestures, or physical contact. Their role is not to supervise participants or “police” the parties; rather, it is to be effective allies available to ensure that all members can fully enjoy these events and count on their union to maintain a culture of consent.
Thank you very much to these members and to all participants at the Summer Leadership Conference for your contributions towards guaranteeing we can all count on safe, respectful, and inclusive spaces to undertake our work and socialize together.
General Information
The purpose of the BCTF Summer Leadership Conference is to develop local leadership while focusing on BCTF priorities The 2025–26 leadership priorities as established by the 2025 AGM are:
• Addressing the issue of violence and safety in our schools.
• Assert the value of public education for all and collaborate with partners in public campaigns of support.
• Strategically engage BCTF members to connect, participate in advocacy, develop professionally, build labour and community solidarity, and take action provincially and through locals.
• Bargain improvements to teacher working conditions which make teaching in BC more attractive and sustainable.
• Building political consciousness among our members about societal inequalities, and the value of the labour movement within the wider struggle for better public education and social justice.
• Protect members from discrimination (including but not limited to racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism) and support members who want to protect themselves, their families, their students, and their communities from discrimination.
• Continue to support decolonization both within and outside of our structures and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ struggles for justice around the world.
Registration desk
The registration desk is located in the Fireplace Lounge of the Walter Gage Residence and will be open at the following times:
Monday, August 18 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 19 6:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 20 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 21 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday, August 22 6:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Community spaces for delegates from equitydeserving groups
The BCTF is creating more opportunities for members to meet to discuss issues in common at the Summer Leadership Conference. The BCTF has designated spaces, in the Nest, to connect and meet for delegates who identify with specific equity-deserving groups. Please note that these are inclusive community spaces and all members who identify are welcome.
Members who identify as Aboriginal Room 2515
Members who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ Room 2508
Members who identify as a person of colour Room 2528
Members who identify as women Room 2506
Expense voucher
All expense vouchers are to be submitted using the online form. More info can be found on EventMobi, under Expense Vouchers
Internet
Complimentary "ubcvisitor" WI-FI network.
Social Activities
Summer Leadership Conference Banquet
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
Time: 6:30-11:00 p.m.
Location: UBC Great Hall
Please present your conference name tag for entry. Due to restrictions based on capacity, a very limited number of guest tickets will be available for guests of BCTF members:
For 10 and under Free Ages 11–17
Adults
$25
$40
New Presidents’ dinner (by invitation only)
Social Justice Film Night: Caring for our Queer Oral Histories with Love Intersections
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Location: Performance Theatre in the Nest
• Yellow Peril: Queer Destiny (2019)
• Drag is for Everyone (2024)
• Yellow Peril: Queer Futures (2022)
• Loving our Language: Pride in Disability Culture (2018)
Queer Crafternoon Pop-Up
Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Time: 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Location: 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Space (UBC Nest, Room 2508)
Come join us for an afternoon of Queer Community and Creative Endeavors. This event is for folks from the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community.
BCTF SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2025
University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to Friday, August 22, 2025
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Registration for Delegates New to the Role
Monday, August 18, 2025
4:00–9:00 p.m.
Registration desk open
DAY 1—Discrete Training Day for Delegates New to the Role
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
6:30 a.m.
Registration desk open
7:00–8:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge
Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge
Walter Gage Residences Isabel MacInnes Room
New to the role discrete training for the following delegates: Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers
• New Presidents and New Released Local Officers Buchanan A202
• New French Education Local Chairs
Buchanan D316
• New Health and Safety Representatives Buchanan B208
• New Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education Fort Camp Lounge (Gage)
• New Professional Development Chairs Buchanan D317
• New Social Justice Contacts
• New Teachers Teaching on Call Contacts/Representatives
• New WLC/Bargaining Chairs
Buchanan B213
Buchanan D217
Buchanan B318
• Women in Leadership Mary Murrin Gage
10:30–11:00 a.m. Coffee/Tea service available at Buchanan A, lower lobby by Stir It Up Café
12:30–2:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
2:00–4:00 p.m. Discrete training for new delegates (continued) Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers
4:00–9:00 p.m. Conference check-in / Registration for all delegates
Opening Session
7:00–8:30 p.m. Introductions Christine Stewart, Director, Professional and Social Issues Division (PSID)
Musqueam welcome Dr. T'uy't'tanat-Cease Wyss
Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge
Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Center
DAY 2
Opening welcome Carole Gordon, BCTF President
Opening plenary Dr. David Stovall, Professor In the department of Black Studies and in the department of Criminology, Law & Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago
Closing remarks Henry Lee, Assistant Director, Leadership and Member Training, PSID
Elective Sessions Day
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
7:00–8:45 a.m.
Registration desk open
Breakfast
9:00–10:30 a.m. Elective Session I
10:30–11:00 a.m. Wellness break
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Elective Session II
12:30–2:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
2:30–4:00 p.m. Elective Session III
6:30–9:30 p.m.
New Presidents’ dinner (by invitation only)
7:00–9:00 p.m. Social Justice film night: Caring for our Queer Oral Histories with Love Intersections
DAY 3 Discrete Training Day
Thursday, August 21, 2025
6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
7:00–8:45 a.m.
Registration desk open Breakfast
Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge
Isabel MacInnes Room
Buchanan bldg
Coffee/Tea service available at Buchanan A, lower lobby by Stir It Up Café
Buchanan bldg.
Buchanan bldg.
Sage Bistro, UBC
Performance Theatre, UBC Nest
Walter Gage Residences –Fireplace Lounge
Isabel MacInnes Room
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Discrete training for the following: Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers
• Local Presidents and Released Local Officers Buchanan A102
• Adult Education Advisory Committee Buchanan D306
• French Education Local Chairs Buchanan B318
• Health and Safety Representatives Buchanan B213
• Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education Fort Camp Lounge (Gage)
• Political Action Contacts Buchanan D204
• Professional Development Chairs
• Provincial Specialist Association Council Buchanan A202 Buchanan D325
• Social Justice Contacts Buchanan A103
• Teachers Teaching on Call Contacts/ Representatives Buchanan D217
• WLC/Bargaining Chairs/Women in Leadership Isabel MacInnes (Gage)
9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Additional delegates discrete session
Buchanan D312
10:30–11:00 a.m. Coffee/Tea service available at Buchanan A, lower lobby by Stir It Up Café
12:00–2:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
2:00–4:00 p.m.
6:30–11:00 p.m. (bar open at 6:00 p.m.)
Discrete training (continued) Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers
Summer Leadership Conference Banquet The Great Hall, UBC Nest
DAY 4—Closing Session
Friday, August 22, 2025
6:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
7:00–8:45 a.m.
Registration desk open Breakfast Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge Isabel MacInnes Room
9:30–9:45 a.m. Introductions Christine Stewart, Director, PSID Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Center
9:45–11:00 a.m.
Closing plenary Iglika Ivanova, Senior Economist and Public Interest Researcher, BC Society for Policy Solutions
Closing remarks Carole Gordon, BCTF President
11:00 a.m. Adjournment
Buchanan
1866 Main Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z1
Musqueam Welcome
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Dr. T'uy't'tanat-Cease Wyss Sḵ wx̱ wú7mesh/Sto:l o/Hawaiian/Swiss
Dr T'uy't'tanat-Cease Wyss is an interdisciplinary artist who works with digital media, writing, performance, and land-based remediations as her multidisciplinary arts practice. She is a community engaged and public artist, Indigi-Futurisms developer/artist, landbased artist, and ethnobotanist/permaculture designer.
She is currently working with the healing sounds of plants and fungi, through biosonification with modular synthesizers. Wyss is working on bridging the languages of plants and mushroom as well as other forms of fungi, with Indigenous languages and creating conversations between them all.
Her works range over 30+ years and have always focussed on sustainability, permaculture techniques, Coast Salish Cultural elements, and have included themes of ethnobotany, Indigenous language revival, Salish weaving and digital media technology.
In 2022, Cease was awarded an honorary Ph D from ECUAD and in 2023 was awarded the MST [Musqueam/Skwxwu7mesh/Tsleil waututh: aka Skwxwú7mesh, xʷməθkʷ əyəm, and səlílwətaʔɬ Lands & WatersSkwxwú7mesh Ux̱ imix̱ w'] AiR fieldhouse in Stanley Park for the next 4 years. She will be infusing all elements of her diverse practice into this time spent reconnecting to her ancestors whose spirits remain a part of this forest and shoreline.
Defending our Past, Present and Future in the Hellscape: Teaching as Resistance to Disposable Labour
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
David Stovall, Ph.D.
David Stovall, Ph.D. is a professor in the department of Black Studies and in the department of Criminology, Law & Justice at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). His scholarship investigates three areas 1) Critical Race Theory, 2) the relationship between housing and education, and 3) the intersection of race, place, and school. In the attempt to bring theory to action, he works with community organizations and schools to address issues of equity, justice and abolishing the school/prison nexus. His work led him to become a member of the design team for the Greater Lawndale/Little Village School for Social Justice (SOJO), which opened in the Fall of 2005. Furthering his work with communities, students, and teachers, his work manifests itself in his involvement with the Peoples Education Movement, a collection of classroom teachers, community members, students, and university professors in Chicago, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area who engage in collaborative community projects centered in creating relevant curriculum. In addition to his duties and responsibilities as a professor at UIC, he also served as a volunteer social studies teacher at the Greater Lawndale/Little Village School for Social Justice from 2005-2018.
BC Isn’t Broke: Why BC Can and Should Invest in Public Education
Friday, August 22, 2025
Iglika Ivanova (she/her) is a Senior Economist and Public Interest Researcher at the BC Society for Policy Solutions (bcpolicy.ca). Iglika brings 17 years of experience analyzing economic and social policy in British Columbia and Canada, having previously served as Senior Economist and Public Interest Researcher with the BC Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) until its closure. Her work focuses on labour market trends, poverty reduction, living wages, precarious work, inequality, and public finance, with a commitment to turning economic analysis into actionable policy solutions that promote economic security and justice. Iglika co-directs the Understanding Precarity in BC project, a multi-year research and public engagement initiative investigating precarious work and multi-dimensional precarity in British Columbia.
Iglika is a frequent media commentator and has provided expert analysis to provincial and federal policymakers through public consultations, task forces, and policy roundtables, helping to shape conversations on key issues affecting people in BC.
Iglika Ivanova (she/her)
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda
New Local Presidents and Released Officers
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Buchanan A202
9:00 a.m. Welcome
• Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory
• Introductions of Field Service Division (FSD) staff
9:30 a.m. Greeting from BCTF President Carole Gordon
9:45 a.m. Know Your BCTF Who's Who and How Can They Help You Matt Westphal, Katrina Russell, and Carolyn Pena, Assistant Directors, FSD
10:25 a.m. Your Burning Questions—Generated
10:30 a.m. —Break
10:45 a.m. Your Burning Questions ANSWERED!
11:00 a.m. Carousel 1
12:00 p.m. —Lunch (on your own)
2:00 p.m. Carousel 2
3:00 p.m. —Break—
3:15 p.m. Carousel 3
4:15 p.m. Your Burning Questions—Revisited
4:30 p.m. Adjournment
Carousel topics:
• Investigations and Discipline Matt Westphal and Katrina Russell, Assistant Directors, FSD
• Collective Agreements and Grievances—George Serra and Gavin Slade-Kerr, Assistant Directors, FSD
• Running a Local Office Joanne Sutherland and Carolyn Pena, Assistant Directors, FSD
Conférence d’été sur le leadership 2025
Présidence locale de l’éducation en français (PLEF/FELC) et/ou
Représentation du français comme langue de travail et/ou langue première (FLTP/FFWL)
Mardi, 19 août 2025
Buchanan D316
Ordre du Jour
THÈME DE LA CONFÉRENCE: Renforcer l'action collective
Ouverture et reconnaissance des territoires autochtones
Tour de table
Thème 1 : Représentation locale de l'éducation en français (historique, gouvernance, prise de décisions)
Thème 2 : Le rôle et la fonction de la personne élue à la présidence locale de l’éducation en français (PLEF) et la représentation du français langue de travail ou langue première (FLTP)
Thème 3 : Les fonds fédéraux
Thème 4: Questions brulantes
9:00 a.m.
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda
New Health and Safety Representatives
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Buchanan B208
Creating an Effective Health and Safety Culture in Your Workplace
10:30 a.m. Wellness Break
10:45 a.m.
Creating an Effective Health and Safety Culture in Your Workplace cont’d
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m.
Occupational Health and Safety Training for New Committee
Members and Worker Reps
3:00 p.m. Wellness Break
3:15 p.m.
Occupational Health and Safety Training for New Committee
Members and Worker Reps cont’d
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
*to be given presentation handouts for participants
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Gage Towers Fort Camp Lounge
9:00 a.m. Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory Coreen
Commitment to Solidarity Jenna
Introductions: Aboriginal Education Advisory Committee and new Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education AEAC Members
History and Commitment to the Local Contact role Chris Stewart
10:45 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Getting to Know the BCTF and Role of Local Contacts
Jessica Bell, Su Chang, Jenna Hopper, Denise Hendry, Coreen Loe, Claire Shannon-Akiwenzie, Wal-aks Tait
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:30 p.m. Aboriginal Education Workshops Summary and Update Workshops by Teachers for Teachers Carol, Su, Coreen, Brian, Denise, Brandon, Claire
• New Project of Heart
• Indigenous Focused Grad Requirement
• 215 - Le Estcwicwéy Honouring the Children
• Their Voices Will Guide Us
• Decolonizing our Spaces
• Disrupting Anti-Indigenous Racism
• Canadian Geographic Indigenous Map
3:00 p.m. The REDress Project and Orange Heart Project Elders, Diane Stewart, Marion Dixon, AEAC
4:00 p.m. Closing Circle
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Professional Development (PD) Chairs
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Buchanan D317
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions (Tammy Le)
• Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory
• Commitment to Solidarity (video)
• Code of Ethics
• Parking lot
• Communication/networking icebreaker (Norberta Heinrichs)
9:45 a.m. Information Technology Department (to be confirmed)
• BCTF Tech Talk
• How to/why access the PD listserv
10:00 a.m. You're the PD Chair, Now What?
• History of PD supporting PD and the changing culture of PD (Runa Bjarnason-Wilson)
• In-service vs. Training vs. Professional Development vs. Professional Learning (Norberta Heinrichs)
• Local PD collective agreement; policies and procedures (Lena Palermo)
• How to organize a conference (Dennis Mousseau)
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Role and Function of the PD Chair
• Overview of PD Lens (Erin Coleman)
• Needs assessment (Dave McCristall)
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Carousel (15 minutes each with 1 breakout room)
• Potential role of PD chair/professional issues and standards (Jessica Dmytruk/Lena Palermo)
• Teacher Inquiry Program (Ruth Wadsworth)
• SURT vs. PSID workshops (Jessica Dmytruk/Lena Palermo)
• BCTF PD Policy and Procedures (Members' Guide) (Stephen Price)
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Open Space Q&A (Ruth Wadsworth)
4:00 p.m Adjournment
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Social
Justice Contacts
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Buchanan B213
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
• Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory
• Commitment to Solidarity
• Health and safety
9:30 a.m. Role of the Social Justice Local Contact
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Social Justice and the BCTF
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Solidarity Connections
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda Teachers Teaching on Call
(TTOC) Contacts/Representatives
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Buchanan D217
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
● Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory Paul F
● Commitment to Solidarity Jodi
● Health and safety Jodi
● Introduction of TTOCAC members Individual TTOCAC
● Agenda Raphaela
● Icebreaker activity (TTOC Bingo, Gifts) Carla
● Parking lot Kelly
9:45 a.m. Power of Leadership
● How to find Power of Leadership in EventMobi Kelly
● Page 12, How to log into the BCTF website Kelly
● Pages 17-18, Role of TTOC Rep Chris
● Page 19, TTOC checklists Chris
● Pages 20-21, Communications Jodi
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Power of Leadership (continued)
● Page 35, Taking minutes Carla
● Governance of BCTF Kelly www.bctf.ca/topics/servicesinformation/governance/BCTF-leadership
● Page 7, BCTF acronyms Kara
● Page 39, Code of Ethics/Standards Raphaela
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Collective Agreement
● What’s in it? (Provide digital copies) Doug
● Advocating for TTOCs Paul
● Provincial vs Local language Doug/Kelly
● How to find information in the collective agreement Doug/Kelly
● Exploring TTOC-related language within the collective agreement Doug/Kelly
● Page 70, Scavenger hunt activity Paul
● Developing an Action Plan, Breakout Groups Jodi
3:50 p.m. Parking Lot Kelly
Announcements opening plenary time and location Jodi
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
9:00 a.m. Welcome
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Bargaining Chairs
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Buchanan B318
• Land Acknowledgment
• Commitment to Solidarity
• Introductions
• FTTO Greetings
10:00 a.m. BCTF Bargaining History
10:30 a.m. Know your Collective Agreement
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
2:00 p.m. Split of Issues Local and Provincial
3:30 p.m. Provincial Bargaining Updates BCTF Website
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
9:00 a.m. Welcome
New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda Women in Leadership
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Gage Towers—Mary Murrin Room
• Land Acknowledgement
• Commitment to Solidarity
• Introductions
9:30 a.m. Greetings from Robin Tosczak, BCTF Vice-President
10:00 a.m. Power in the Circle our Stories our Strengths
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Power in the Circle, continued
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
2:00 p.m. BCTF Governance
3:00 p.m. Bargaining Basics
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Program for additional attendees to the BCTF Summer Leadership Conference
Guiding principles of this group’s participation in the BCTF Summer Leadership Conference:
• cultivating members’ union literacy
• investing BCTF resources in members’ first five years
• enhancing personal connections and opportunities for members
• negotiating union membership and identity
• creating platforms and places where BIPOC teachers’ voices and perspectives are foregrounded.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
4:00 p.m. Orientation Room 2528 in the Nest at UBC
5:00 p.m. Dinner members can arrange to have dinner together on their own
7:00 p.m. Opening conference session Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (see page 10)
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Members will join the elective sessions they registered for.
Thursday, August 21, 2025, Discrete day Buchanan D312
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
• Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory
• Commitment to Solidarity
• Health and Safety
10:30 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Greetings from Carole Gordon, BCTF President
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Friday, August 22, 2025
Members will join the closing conference session Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre.
Discrete Day Agenda
Local Presidents and Other Released Local Table Officers
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan A102
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
Lee -Anne Clarke, Field Service Division (FSD) Director
• Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory
• Health and Safety Check
• Introductions
• Greetings from BCTF President Carole Gordon
9:30 a.m. Legal Update
Gretchen Brown, General Counsel and Stefanie Quelch, Associate General Counsel
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Provincial Bargaining Update
11:15 a.m. Using BCTF Grants to Strengthen Your Local “Wouldn't it be Great” Activity
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Lightning Talks
2:45 p.m. Climate Change Local President Panel
3:15 p.m. Honouring the Work of Leadership Small Group Discussions
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Discrete Day Agenda Adult Education Advisory Committee
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan D306
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
• Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory
• Parking lot
9:15 a.m. Check In
9:45 a.m. Summer Conference to Date Debrief
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Virtual Connection Event Planning
• What will bring them?
• What will help them?
• What will move us forward?
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Virtual Connection Event cont'd.
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Planning for the Year to Come
4:00 p.m Adjournment
Conférence d’été sur le leadership 2025
Présidence locale de l’éducation en français (PLEF/FELC) et/ou
Représentation du français comme langue de travail et/ou langue première (FLTP/FFWL)
Ordre du Jour
Jeudi, 21 août 2025
Buchanan B318
THÈME DE LA CONFÉRENCE: Renforcer l'action collective
Ouverture et reconnaissance des territoires autochtones et tour de table
Thème 1 : Sommaire du mardi, mise à jour au document du fonds fédéraux.
Thème 2 : Visite d’un·e officier·ière à temps plein (FTTO)
Thème 3 : Coalition du français
Thème 4 : Visite du responsable de la politique éducative et de la liaison avec le ministère
Thème 5 : Réunions de zones
Thème 6 : Viste de la Facilitatrice du développement professionnel et de la rétention d'éducateurs des programmes français du réseau de l'Intérieur sud de la C.-B
Thème 7 : Partage de ressources
Discrete Day Agenda Health and Safety Representatives
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan B213
9:00 a.m. Occupational Health and Safety Program Overview
10:30 a.m. Wellness Break—
10:45 a.m. FTTO Greeting
Occupational Health and Safety Program Overview cont'd
12:00 p.m. Lunch—
2:00 p.m. Violence Prevention
3:00 p.m. Wellness Break—
3:15 p.m. Violence Prevention cont'd
4:00 p.m
*to be given presentation handouts for participants
9:00 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
Discrete Day Agenda
Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Gage Towers Fort Camp Lounge
Cedar Brushing/Smudging Shane
Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory Su Chang
Commitment to Solidarity
Meet and greet with the AEAC in regions:
• Vancouver Island Carol
• Metro West Claire/Jessica
• Fraser Valley Brian
• North Coast Denise, Wal-aks
• North Central Coreen
• Kootenay Jenna
• Okanagan Su
9:45 a.m. Greetings Carole Gordon
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Indigenous Sovereignty and Justice in K -7 BC Curriculum ‘ Jo-ann Archibald, Jeannie Kerr
12:00 p.m. Lunch (on your own)
1:30 p.m. REDress Project Jaime Black
3:00 p.m.
3:15 p.m. Break
AEA PSA – Conference Carol, Brian, Jean, Penny
Membership and newsletter
PSA Conference News Penny Carnrite, Carol Arnold, Jean Moir
REDress School Initiative
4:30 p.m. Closing circle
Discrete Day Agenda
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan D204
1. Acknowledgement
2. Introductions
3. Review year plan including available training leading up to and including expanded Public Education Conference in 2026 (all with an eye to municipal elections)
4. Building Your Public Education Advocacy Team
5. Tools available to locals/including review of grants
Discrete Day Agenda
Professional Development (PD) Chairs
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan A202
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions (Runa Bjarnason-Wilson)
• Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory
• Parking lot
9:15 a.m. Role of the PD Chair
• How to chair a meeting (Jessica Dmytruk)
• BCTF website and booking workshops (Dennis Mousseau)
• Self-Directed PD (Stephen Price/Erin Coleman/Lena Palermo)
• PD Handbook/Policy and Procedures (template) (Dave McCristall/Ruth Wadsworth)
10:00 a.m. FTTO Greeting (15 minutes)
• PSA Presidents join
10:15 a.m. BCTF Library Information Karen Rojem and Frances Purcell (to be confirmed)
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Assistant Director in PSID for PSAs Jennie Slack (to be confirmed)
• Speed-networking with PSAs
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Zone and Mix (with 3 breakout rooms)
• PD Chair discussions (PD days, conferences)
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Mentorship Anne Hales, Information, Research, and International Solidarity (to be confirmed)
3:45 p.m.
• Where do we go from here?
• Parking lot
• Reflection moving forward at zones (e.g., PD Handbook, topics for fall zone)
• Q&A
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Discrete Day Agenda
Provincial Specialist Associations Council (PSAC)
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan D325
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions (Runa Bjarnason-Wilson)
• Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory
• Parking lot
9:15 a.m. Role of the PD Chair
• How to chair a meeting (Jessica Dmytruk)
• BCTF website and booking workshops (Dennis Mousseau)
• Self-Directed PD (Stephen Price/Erin Coleman/Lena Palermo)
• PD Handbook/Policy and Procedures (template) (Dave McCristall/Ruth Wadsworth)
10:00 a.m. FTTO Greeting (15 minutes)
• PSA Presidents join
10:15 a.m. BCTF Library Information Karen Rojem and Frances Purcell (to be confirmed)
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Assistant Director in PSID for PSAs Jennie Slack
• Speed-networking with PSAs
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Conference Sharing
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Share out from Electives Sessions
• What you went to
• Two key take-aways
3:45 p.m. Supporting, Maintaining, and Expanding PSA Executives
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Discrete Day Agenda Social Justice Contacts
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan A103
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
• Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory
• Commitment to Solidarity
• Health and safety
9:30 a.m. FTTO Greeting
10:00 a.m. Setting the Container
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Global Perspectives
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Intersectional Action
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Discrete Day Agenda
Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) Contacts/Representatives
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Buchanan D217
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions
● Acknowledgement of Traditional Territory Paul F
● Commitment to Solidarity Paul C
● Health and safety Casey
● Introductions of TTOCAC members Individual TTOCAC
● Participants check in (name, pronouns, local) Carla
● Agenda Kristina
● Parking lot Kelly
9:30 a.m. FTTO Greeting Robin Tosczak Chris introduces
9:45 a.m. BCTF Website
● Login, expense vouchers, TTOC resources Raphaela
● BCTF Online Events Calendar Raphaela
● TTOC Appreciation and Outreach grant and TTOC Appreciation Week Carla
● TTOC workshops Chris
● Opportunities for members Kara
10:30 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. Power of Leadership
● Page 5, Contact List Casey
● Life of a TTOC contact Paul C
● Page 17, Role of TTOC contact Kristina
● Page 18, School Union Rep List Kelly Activity/Discussion
● Professional etiquette with contract teachers Kelly
● Autonomy/discretion in the classroom Paul F
● Activity to be determined (TTOC board game 0.5h, 4 ppl. per game, 15 boards) Carla
● Parking lot Kelly
12:00 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Health and Safety
● Pages 53-58, Health and Safety, ESA Leaves Doug
● Group discussion on health and safety concerns Chris
● Guest speaker Michael-Don Borason, Health & Safety (2:30 p.m.) Paul F
2:45 p.m. Group/Open Discussions
● What’s working and what’s not Kelly
● Other issues Kelly
Parking Lot Casey
● Announcements (check out time tomorrow) Kristina
● Group dinner tonight (time and location TBA) Kristina
● Closing plenary - Kristina
4:00 p.m Adjournment
Bargaining
Discrete
Day Agenda
Chairs and Women in Leadership
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Isabel MacInnes
Room
9:00 a.m. Welcome
• Land Acknowledgment
• Commitment to Solidarity
• Introductions
9:30 a.m. Working Conditions
10:00 a.m. Greetings from Carole Gordon
10:15 a.m. —Break—
10:30 a.m. Working Conditions, continued
11:00 a.m. SOGI and Building Supports
12:00 p.m. —Lunch (on your own)
2:00 p.m. Building Capacity for Political Action
3:00 p.m. Local Engagement in Provincial Bargaining
4:00 p.m. Adjournment
Elective Session I 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Accommodations and Human Rights
Presented by: Joanne Sutherland, Matt Westphal, and Alanna Tom Room: D317
This session will provide attendees with an introduction to the accommodation process for members. The session will explore the rights and responsibilities of the local, the member, and the employer framed by the Human Rights Code, case law, and the collective agreement. What are the obligations and entitlements? How does privacy factor?
Format: lecture: 80% l interactive: 20%
Advocating for Members who Experience Discrimination
Presented by: Lori Jones, Wesley Lui, Karen Chong Room: B208
This session will provide local offices with ways to advocate and support members who experience discrimination by:
• reviewing how to utilize the collective agreement, school policies, Human Rights Code, and health and safety regulations to protect and support members.
• looking at how locals can use Federation release time grants to provide support to members.
• sharing ways the BCTF can support locals with this work.
• examining ways that locals can use union structures to support members who experience discrimination.
Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 30%
Changing Climate, Changing Economy
Presented by: Trish Garner, BCFED, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives Room: B318
Our environment and economy are changing, and workers are on the frontlines of those changes: workplace closures, wildfire evacuations, cold
stress on construction sites, heat stress in schools, and more. We need a meaningful plan to tackle these urgent issues affecting our families, our communities and our livelihoods, and we really need to hear from you in creating that plan:
• What impacts are you facing in your work and your community from the changing environment and economy?
• What do you think we should do to ensure that the clean economy benefits workers, communities, and future generations in a fair way?
• What’s the role of labour unions in moving forward on our environmental, economic, and social goals together?
This session is less workshop and more focus group. It is a high participation session where we want to hear from workers about their experiences and insights.
Format: lecture: 0% l interactive: 100%
Collective Care
Presented by: Litia Fleming and Heather Kelley Room: D301
In a world where most notions of "self care" are rooted in individual acts meant to reduce burnout, this workshop seeks to revolutionize the notion by introducing the concept of collective care. We will explore collective care as a transformative way to bring folks together and work towards community and individual wellbeing and belonging. Participants will embark on a journey into the potential of collective care as a means to enhance overall community resilience and vitality using the work of thinkers such as adrienne maree brown, Audre Lorde, Prentis Hemphill, bell hooks, Miriame Kaba, and more. Participants will come away with tools that help them center community wellness, community accountability, and the principles of emergent strategy.
Format: lecture: 50% l interactive: 50%
Cultivating Anti-Ableism Practices and Disability Pride
Presented by: Nat Raedwulf Pogue Room: D312
This workshop explores ableism as an intersectional form of oppression and emphasizes the importance of cultivating anti-ableism and disability pride. Participants will begin by defining disability through several key models, then examine how ableism operates across identities and how it can be challenged. We’ll introduce the concepts of disability justice, and pride, and conclude with practical steps for fostering antiableism and disability pride in participants’ own practice and communities.
Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 25%
Defending and Teaching our Rights
Presented by: Andrée Gacoin, members of WR Long International Solidarity Committee Room: B210
Within Canada, overt trends related to the “new rights” in the Americas are too easily dismissed as something happening south of the border. However, recent research has exposed the extent of the rise of far-right activism within Canada. Across the country, there are “oppositional social movements” that are highly diverse, with varying ideological orientations and political demands. Public education has become a key target of these movements, as seen for example in recent school board elections that mobilized “parent voice” candidates running on queer and transphobic platforms. In this workshop, participants will engage with attacks on social rights from an internationalist perspective, learning from the experiences of teacher unions in different contexts to address a key question: How can teachers take collective responsibility to create inclusive and just learning environments that foster equitable and culturally sensitive practices, build solidarity, and empower students to fight for their rights and the democratization of their societies?
Format: lecture: 10% l interactive: 90%
Disrupting Denialism
Presented by: Nancy Knickerbocker Room: D316
For over two centuries, Canadian governments, churches, and settler communities justified or concealed the violent truth of the Indian Residential School system and the broader colonial genocide. A decade after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, we are once again witnessing a dangerous rise in residential school denialism across British Columbia and Canada. This wave is not new it is part of a long-standing pattern of denial and revisionism.
Survivors have bravely done their part: launching the class action lawsuit that led to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement and sharing their truths publicly through the TRC. The burden of challenging denialism should not fall on them, or on those living with intergenerational trauma. This responsibility now rests with nonIndigenous Canadians including union members who must stand in solidarity and speak truth to power.
This workshop will examine the forces fueling this resurgence of denialism and identify what union activists, educators, and leaders can do to push back. We will explore how truth-telling, collective advocacy, and political education can serve as tools for solidarity. In this moment, confronting denialism is not optional it is a responsibility of active allyship and principled unionism.
Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 25% l handson: 34%
Developing a Local Member Engagement and Communications Plan around Bargaining
Presented by: Rich Overgaard Room: D322
Should we create social media accounts? What about a newsletter? Are Zoom meetings better than in-person meetings? How about “red for ed” and “walk-ins”? There are a lot of different ways to communicate with and engage your members. But not all locals are the same and all have different needs and capacities. This workshop will help locals and other organizers develop a general communications and member engagement strategy around bargaining to create focus and consistency. We’ll explore what it means to move a member up the “ladder of engagement” and source meaningful content to keep members informed.
How to Make Remedy Work for Your Local Carry-over Agreements
Presented by: Carolyn Pena and Gretchen Brown Room: D314
The current teacher shortage has exacerbated the issues faced by members trying to access remedy under LOU 12. This workshop will include:
• when to file a Best Efforts grievance
• examples and templates to support locals reviewing best efforts by districts
• a review of past Best Efforts grievances, and outcomes
• examples for pooling remedy and carrying remedy over from one year to the next.
Format: lecture: 60% l interactive: 40%
Preparing a Grievance: From Filing to Referral
Presented by: Gavin Slade-Kerr, Starleigh Grass, and Michael J. Prokosh Room: D204
What is a grievance? What considerations should be taken into account at the various steps of the grievance process? In this beginning level workshop, participants will learn about and discuss the process of grievance handling, including writing grievance letters, maintaining a grievance file, and negotiating creative resolutions to alleged violations.
Format: lecture: 75% l interactive: 25%
Refusal of Unsafe Work and Workplace Violence
Presented by: Linda van Barneveld Room: B213
This workshop navigates the refusal process as per regulation and applies it to the school setting, particularly to cases involving workplace violence. This presentation will help participants to understand the right to refuse unsafe work and its basic process. Discussions will involve examining the term "undue hazard," and how that translates into the complexities between classroom violence and occupational health and safety regulations.
This presentation is based on two BCTF Health and Safety SURT workshops, and will be delivered by a current member of the BCTF Health and Safety Advisory Committee (HSAC),
supported by the BCTF Health and Safety Specialist on staff.
Format: lecture: 80% l interactive: 20%
Self-Directed PD
Presented by: Dennis Mousseau and Erin Coleman Room: D218
What is self-directed professional development? When can a member choose to engage in selfdirected professional development? In this workshop, we will explore these questions and more. We will define self-directed professional development and share concrete examples. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how members engage in self-directed professional development within their locals. We will also examine how this form of learning fits within the broader frameworks of professional development and professional autonomy.
Format: lecture: 50% l interactive: 50%
Spreadsheet Superpowers
Presented by: Jennie Slack and Kristina Preston Room: D217
In a world overwhelmed by data chaos, the conference co-ordinator holds the key to order through the power of spreadsheets. Discover how to harness your registration and workshop data to perform mail merges for creating name tags and signage, while effectively organizing and analyzing information. Bring your laptop with Microsoft Excel and Word installed to smash some data!
Unpacking Burnout and Building Mental Resilience (Starling Minds)
Presented by: Michael Kimmis and Erica Comacchio Room: B215
Starling Minds invites BCTF members to Unpacking Burnout and Building Mental Resilience tailored specifically for educators. In this session, we'll explore:
• what Burnout really means its causes, symptoms, and common myths.
• the DNA of Resilience self-awareness, managing stress responses, openness, and community.
We'll also showcase how the Starling Minds Mental Fitness platform (available free to all BCTF members) helps educators build long-term resilience and mental well-being.
What is Starling Minds?
Starling Minds is a digital mental health platform offering unlimited, personalized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Developed by leading psychologists, Starling delivers accessible, ongoing mental health support anytime, anywhere.
Format: lecture: 75% l interactive: 25%
Elective Session II
The Art of Learning and Unlearning Within Educational Spaces
Presented by: Heather Kelley and Daniel Shiu Room: D316
This workshop explores deepening our learning and un-learning amid a polarizing and complex world. It will touch on unconscious bias, binary thinking, cancel culture, and strategies in navigating disagreements and creating inclusive spaces in educational settings through critical thinking, dialogue, and humility.
Format: lecture: 50% l interactive: 50%
The BCTF Health and Wellness Program and How it Supports Members
Presented by: Michael Kimmis Room: D301
The workshop will provide an overview of the stressors that impact the health and welfare of teachers. It will review the services and supports provided by the Health and Wellness program including: referral/intake, eligibility, and process used by consultants in developing wellness plans. We will also review BCTF’s current wellness initiatives; Starling Minds and The Well Teacher Groups.
Format: lecture: 80% l interactive: 20%
What is Harassment?
Presented by: James Sanyshyn, George Serra, and Vivian Wan Room: D201
What constitutes harassment? How can the union provide fair representation in member-tomember complaints? Participants will learn about the collective agreement processes for resolving harassment concerns as well as alternatives such as mediation and informal resolutions. Attendees will work through scenarios in small groups to put their understanding to the test.
Format: lecture: 60% l interactive: 40%
11:00 a.m.–12 :30 p.m.
Decision-Making with A Sustainability Lens
Presented by: Sarah Newton and Lindsay Lockhart Room: B318
Decisions at the local, district, school, and classroom level often seem to be driven by monetary forces, but there are other costs that need to be considered. The Committee for Action on Social Justice’s environmental justice working group has developed a transformative tool, a lens for decision-making that considers costs well beyond money. Learn how to use the new sustainability lens to elicit change that considers human and environmental costs to help make the best decisions for future generations.
Format: lecture: 20% l interactive: 30% l handson: 50%
Deepening Teacher Professionalism
Presented by: Stephen Price and Norberta Heinrichs Room: D312
With the increasing spread of misinformation about teachers “indoctrinating” students, teacher professionalism has become more important than ever. We have heard from members that it’s becoming harder for experienced teachers to transmit our culture of professionalism to new teachers. In this context, understanding what we can do to buttress teachers’ sense of professionalism and how we can move beyond
discussions that simply deepen generational divides within the profession is key. This session hopes to open a pragmatic conversation, understand the larger context, better define what we mean by teacher professionalism, and work towards taking concrete action to both defend and enhance teacher professionalism in BC.
Format: lecture: 40% l interactive: 40% l handson: 20%
Discipline and Investigations
Presented by: George Serra, Arshia Sattari, and Katrina Russell Room: D317
This session will help you prepare for your role in assisting members in discipline investigations. These members need clarity about the processes, and union advocates need to think strategically throughout. As well as helping members achieve the best outcome for themselves and their careers, we will consider what it means to meet the needs of members regarding equity and inclusion. You will leave with tools and strategies!
Investigations can be difficult for members and locals to deal with. This course will review the basics of investigations, discipline, and representation, including:
• basic rights of members
• initial issues to flag
• prepping for investigation meetings
• advocacy during investigation interviews
• post-interview follow-up
• assessing whether there are grounds for discipline
• post-discipline advice and actions interplay with regulatory bodies
Format: lecture: 45% l interactive: 45% l handson: 10%
Economic Theory 101: What is Capitalism and Why Should Unions Care?
Presented by: Rozhin Emadi (International Solidarity Committee) Room: B210
When asked about our economic system, few are able to accurately examine what capitalism is, and how it has shaped our modern world. Capitalism is a contentious and conflict-driven economic system, which some have adamantly
supported throughout history while others have been staunch critics of. This is because it is a system that has allowed some to thrive at the expense of others. In the past decade, many in the working class have become more frustrated with those in positions of political power due to growing inequality and economic hardships in society. However, many do not connect their personal struggles to the shortcomings of our larger socio-economic system, and therefore, channel their frustrations towards those that have been made scapegoats. Through educational resources, activities, and debates, this workshop will provide unionists with a stronger understanding of capitalism, the varying perspectives about it, and why it is important for unions to play a role in educating the working class about economic theory
Format: lecture: 10% l interactive: 90%
Education Policy Update
Presented by: Grahame Rainey Room: B213
This session will provide updates on current Ministry of Education and Child Care education policy initiatives and related Federation advocacy Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 30%
The Exciting World of Adult Education
Presented by: Jennie Slack and members of AdEAC Room: D201
What is adult education? Come find out about an important part of the K-12 public system. We work with students from ages 16 to our oldest BC graduate of 92! Learn about the innovative and creative ways adult educators are making it happen. We help students who face barriers and challenges to achieve their academic goals, ranging from Indigenous youth to new immigrants. Our work helps make for a more equal, innovative, and sustainable world. Come join us to learn about the changemaking powers of adult education and how that manifests across the province.
Getting to know the BCTF
Presented by: Litia Fleming Room: D322
This workshop is designed specifically for members who are new to active participation in the British Columbia Teachers' Federation. Whether you're a recent new BCTF member or a seasoned member ready to take on a more engaged role in your union, this session will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate and contribute. Participants will gain an understanding of the BCTF's democratic, member-driven governance structure and how member input shapes the BCTF, about the various governance and advisory bodies, as well as the difference between local association and provincial roles and how these are connected together for advocacy and collective action
Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirements
Presented by: Carol Arnold and Penny Carnrite Room: D314
The new Indigenous Grad Requirement offers teachers both opportunities and challenges. This workshop is crafted to help educators enhance their practice. Participants will receive a toolkit filled with practical strategies and resources to engage learners and encourage activism. We invite you to bring your questions and share your success stories
Format: lecture: 33% l interactive: 33% l handson: 34%
Maternity
and Parental Leave Essentials: Top Up Your
Knowledge
Presented by: Stefanie Quelch, Renée Willock, and Derek DeGear Room: D217
This workshop provides an overview of maternity/pregnancy and parental leave entitlements, focusing on how provisions in the collective agreement align with the Employment Standards Act and Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Participants will learn about top-up benefits, notice requirements, changing leave dates, experience recognition, and how these rights apply to teachers on temporary contracts.
The session also supports local officers in understanding how to effectively advise members about their leave options and responsibilities, ensuring accurate and consistent information is shared
Format: lecture: 75% l interactive: 25%
Occupational Health and Safety Training for New Committee Members and Worker Reps Preview
Presented by: Larry Dureski Room: D204
This workshop is a preview of the Health and Safety SURT/Tripartite workshop appropriate for new members of Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees in their first six months on a committee. The full training would satisfy their eight hours of mandatory instruction on prescribed health and safety topics (OHSR 3.27). The content of the workshop also serves as a good back-to-basics refresher for all committee members.
This presentation will be delivered by a current BCTF Health and Safety Advisory Facilitator, and supported by the BCTF Health and Safety Specialist on staff.
Format: lecture: 80% l interactive: 20%
Surviving and Thriving in Your Local Office
Presented by: Julia MacRae, Gavin Slade-Kerr, and Joanne Sutherland Room: B208
Stressed and overwhelmed are words frequently used by local union officers to describe ourselves, for good reason. Our challenges are real, significant, and ongoing. This informative and interactive workshop is designed to help local presidents and other released officers not just survive but even thrive in their local union roles. We will talk about managing our time and tasks, explore ways to be transparent and thus more effective in our communications with members and others, and create strong union team relationships. Thinking strategically about these aspects of the work can help create the conditions for wellness and balance for table officers
Format: lecture: 50% l interactive: 50%
Using Canva For Digital and Print Graphic Design—Making it Easy for Locals and PSAs
Presented by: Lynda Tierney Room: D218
This workshop will provide an overview of how to use Canva to create campaign and other digital
Elective Session III
Artificial Intelligence An Introductory Exploration
Presented by: Lena Palermo and Jessica Dmytruk Room: D317
This workshop will provide an introductory look at artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts the teaching profession. This session will touch on the ethics of using AI, along with some updates about the use of AI in the teaching profession, and then allow some time to explore different AI platforms. Bringing your own device for this session is highly recommended, but you will still benefit from this session without one.
Format: lecture: 33% l interactive: 33% l handson: 34%
Crafting Engaging Newsletters (plus a Mailchimp tutorial!)
Presented by: Sunjum Jhaj and Rich Overgaard Room: D316
This workshop will discuss strategies for maximizing engagement through local newsletters by evaluating the purpose, structure, and content of newsletters. We will look at how to generate good content and present it in ways that meet your audience’s needs. We’ll also model how to make a newsletter using Mailchimp.
Discipline and Investigations
Presented by: George Serra, Arshia Sattari, Katrina Russell Room: B210
This session will help you prepare for your role in assisting members in discipline investigations. These members need clarity about the processes, and union advocates need to think strategically throughout. As well as helping members achieve
engagement materials, including websites, postcards, newsletter graphics, and social media posts. Learn the basics of developing branding and tailoring it to different mediums. Whether online or in print, this platform is a simple and cost-effective way to get your messaging out
2:30–4:00 p .m.
the best outcome for themselves and their careers, we will consider what it means to meet the needs of members regarding equity and inclusion. You will leave with tools and strategies!
Investigations can be difficult for members and locals to deal with. This course will review the basics of investigations, discipline, and representation, including:
• basic rights of members
• initial issues to flag
• prepping for investigation meetings
• advocacy during investigation interviews
• post-interview follow-up
• assessing whether there are grounds for discipline
• post-discipline advice and actions
• interplay with regulatory bodies
Format: lecture: 45% l interactive: 45% l handson: 10%
Education Policy Update
Presented by: Grahame Rainey Room: D218
This session will provide updates on current Ministry of Education and Child Care education policy initiatives and related Federation advocacy Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 30%
Information Management for Local Offices
Presented by: David Stange Room: D314
What to do with all these paper files? My email is overwhelming! Which electronic files can I delete and which must be kept?
Participants will be provided with knowledge and tools to organize the records in their local offices. Topics covered will include managing historical
paper records, organizing electronic records (Word, PDF, etc.), managing email and reducing mailbox sizes, and a discussion of digitization of paper records. Also to be discussed will be regulatory rules which affect the retention of records with a focus on privacy (PIPA) requirements
Format: lecture: 80% l interactive: 20%
The Medium to Large Office
Presented by: Joanne Sutherland Room: D204
A lot of your expertise as a teacher is transferable to local leadership work, but some demands of this work will be entirely new. For example, you may even have employees and a building to care for. If you are more than one table officer in the office, there may be tension or conflict around your work together, uneven skill sets and experiences, or communication challenges. Being a leader in a medium or large local has specific opportunities as well: you may have local committees doing some of the work, a larger pool of potential successors, and traditions and structures in the schools that also carry some of the work. This workshop is an opportunity to share ideas and strategies to build capacity, knowledge, and structures to facilitate the work of the local
Format: lecture: 50% l interactive: 50%
Navigating WorkSafeBC
Presented by: Luke Olver Room: B213
This workshop will provide key information to attendees on topics such as the filing of WorkSafeBC claims, the claims process, and resolving issues with WorkSafeBC claims. Format: lecture: 90% l interactive: 10%
The One-Person Office
Presented by: Julia MacRae and Gavin Slade-Kerr Room: D201
Working alone as president in a small local can be extremely challenging. If you are the only person released full time for union work, you bear the weight of expectations from your members. You need skills and expertise to respond to members, organize the union office work, maintain records, motivate and inspire your staff
reps and other activists, be a voice of teachers and unions in your community, interact with senior administration, and deal with daily surprising problems. It can be inspiring work that is never boring, but at times it can seem impossible. In this session we will discuss such topics as handling your local’s finances, applying for grants, staying organized with your filing and records, thinking about real or perceived conflict of interest issues, and being attuned to privacy issues
Format: lecture: 30% l interactive: 70%
Out in Schools
Presented by: Gavin Somers, Danny Lybbert Room: D322
Out In Schools (OIS) Is BC's award-winning 2SLGBTQIA+ film-based education program. Delivering presentations and workshops to students throughout BC for the last 20 years, OIS uses the transformative power of film with facilitated dialogue to engage learners in developing curiosity and empathy towards different lived experiences. Learn more about our presentations, workshops, and free resources (film catalogue and lesson plans) Format: interactive: 100%
Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Members
Presented by: James Sanyshyn, Kieran Meehan, Heather Kelley Room: B318
This session will provide local offices and members with tools and strategies to support 2SLGBTQIA+ members.
This session will:
• review specific actions that members and local offices can take when 2SLGBTQIA+ members experience harassment, hate, or discrimination.
• share ways the BCTF can support locals with this work.
• share other community and provincial resources.
Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 30%
Tools and Strategies for Media and Digital Literacy
Presented by: Aaron Korbacher Room: B215
Disinformation and misinformation are shaping our culture, politics, and world. We see this more and more as students bring online discourse and ideas into our schools. Many ideas surrounding climate change and 2SLGBTQIA+ issues actually stem from well funded disinformation campaigns by oil companies and right-wing Christian Nationalist groups in the USA. But you already know all about this. This workshop is a hands-on exploration of various resources and ways to incorporate critical thinking and media/digital literacy into your classrooms
Format: lecture: 30% l interactive: 30% l handson: 40%
Truth in Truth and Reconciliation Board Game
(Intermediate version)
Presented by: James Darin Corbiere Room: D217
James Darin Corbiere Is an Anishinaabe educator and creator of the Truth in Truth and Reconciliation Board Game, a brand new, authentic, original Indigenous-made educational resource. The game comes with a guidebook and graphic novel. James will discuss the history, development, and how to use the game in educational settings
Format: lecture: 25% l interactive: 50% l handson: 25%
What is the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS)?
Presented by: Camy Ng and Carmen Woo Room: B208
This session develops union leaders' knowledge of the Teacher Qualification Service (TQS). It will highlight the TQS's governance structures, frequently asked questions about categories, and the application and appeals processes. It will also briefly touch on the TQS in relation to the regulatory structures of the BC Teachers’ Council, the Teacher Regulation Branch, and the Director of Certification
Format: lecture: 70% l interactive: 30%
Accommodation and breakfast
1 Walter Gage Residences
Meeting locations
2 Opening and closing sessions Robert H. Lee Alumni Center
3 Discrete and elective sessions Buchanan bldg. / Ponderosa Commons
Social activities
4 Conference banquet UBC Nest
4 Film Night: Caring for our Queer Oral Histories with Love Intersections Performance Theatre, UBC Nest
4 Queer Crafternoon Pop-Up 2SLGBTQIA+ Community Space
5 New Presidents’ dinner Sage Bistro
UBC Health and Safety Reminders
Campus Security
UBC First Aid
UBC Hospital Urgent Care
604-822-2222
604-822-4444
604-822-7662
Checklist While Travelling on BCTF Business
When travelling on BCTF business, you will be travelling alone in most situations. The BCTF must take steps to ensure your health and safety. The following checklist is a guideline for you to follow when you are away from home and working alone
Let people know where you are
• Whenever possible, make sure someone personally knows where, and when, you will be travelling.
• Make contact with someone either from home or your destination to say that you have arrived.
• If possible, have someone meet you.
• If you are going out for the evening, make sure someone knows.
Travelling/driving alone
• Ensure you are well rested when travelling.
• Leave yourself plenty of time to travel and prepare for your meeting/session.
• If possible, travel during the daylight hours.
• Ensure you car is well maintained and equipped with proper tires.
• Don’t take chances. If the roads are bad, don’t drive.
• Ensure that you have a cell phone and that the batteries to your cell phone are fully charged. (Remember there are many “dead” zones for cell phones. This is why it is important to let someone know where you are and to check in when you have arrived.) Carry emergency food supplies with you.
• Carry clothing to match the weather in case you are stranded somewhere.
• If travelling on small planes or ferries, be familiar with safety procedures.
• Park in well-lit areas and lock all your doors.
• Avoid using a cell phone while driving (see below).
Cell phone use while driving
• As of January 1, 2010, drivers in BC can no longer use hand-held cell phones and other hand-held portable electronic devices while driving.
• A person may use an electronic device in a hands-free telephone function while driving if the following criteria are met:
o the electronic device, as well as any part or extension of it, is not held or operated by the hand
o the device is voice-activated or requires only one touch to initiate, accept, or end a call
o if the device includes an earpiece, that earpiece can only be worn in one ear and must be placed in the ear prior to driving
o the device is securely fixed to the vehicle or worn securely on the person’s body, and is within easy reach of the driver’s seat
o the device must be installed in a manner that does not obstruct the driver’s view of the front or sides of the motor vehicle or interfere with the safety or operating equipment of the motor vehicle.
When using hands-free technology while driving, keep conversations short. If you are engaged in a long and/or complex conversation, pull over.
Staying in hotels
• Consider asking for a room close to the front desk.
• If you are going out alone, leave contact numbers with the reception desk in the event something happens to you.
• Ask the concierge or desk clerk about safe areas and areas to avoid.
• Become familiar with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• If parked in an underground lot, ask an attendant to escort you to your car.
BCTF Wellness
The health and well-being of our Federation members is of paramount importance. Below is a selection of options available. More information on BCTF wellness resources, eligibility, and access, can be found on our website: bctf.ca/services-guidance/wellness
Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP)
The Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAP) are provided at the local level but are not provided directly through the BCTF. For more information, please contact your local union office
Well Teacher Group
The Well Teacher Group provides educators the time and space to work with their colleagues and a trained wellness facilitator to work on their wellness. This new program was developed by Wade Repta, author of the book The Well Teacher.
Starling Minds
Starling Minds is a free online mental health and wellness toolkit, designed for teachers, that provides education and training to manage stress and prevent anxiety and depression.
Further supports
The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line provides 24-hour crisis support to former Indian Residential School students and their families toll-free at 1-866-925-4419
Individuals impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls are encouraged to contact the MMIWG Crisis Line toll-free at 1-844-413-6649.
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis seeking immediate emotional support can contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line toll-free at 1-855-242-3310, or by online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.
British Columbia Teachers’ Federation
100–550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2
604-871-2283 or 1-800-663-9163 | bctf.ca | #BCTF2025