Summer Conference program 2025

Summer Leadership Conference

August 19–22, 2025

August 19–22, 2025

SUMMER CONFERENCE

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BCTF SUMMER LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2025 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................................................................3 Welcome from BCTF President Carole Gordon.............................................................................. 5 Meet the 2025–26 BCTF Executive Committee .............................................................................. 6 Conduct at BCTF Meetings.................................................................................................................... 7 Safety Allies at Summer Leadership Conference .......................................................................... 8 General Information................................................................................................................................. 9 PROGRAM OVERVIEW......................................................................................................................... 10 Musqueam Welcome ............................................................................................................................. 13 Opening Plenary ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Closing Plenary........................................................................................................................................ 15 New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda ........................................................................................... 16 New Local Presidents and Released Officers ..................................................................................... 16 Représentation du français comme langue de travail et/ou langue première (FLTP/FFWL) ...................................................................................................................................................... 17 New Health and Safety Representatives ............................................................................................. 18 New Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education.................................................................................... 19 New Professional Development (PD) Chairs....................................................................................... 20 New Social Justice Contacts ....................................................................................................................... 21 Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) Contacts/Representatives................................................... 22 New Bargaining Chairs ................................................................................................................................. 23 Women in Leadership ................................................................................................................................... 24 Program for additional attendees to the BCTF Summer Leadership Conference ........... 25 Discrete Day Agenda ............................................................................................................................ 28 Local Presidents and Other Released Local Table Officers.......................................................... 28 Adult Education Advisory Committee .................................................................................................... 29 Représentation du français comme langue de travail et/ou langue première (FLTP/FFWL) ...................................................................................................................................................... 30 Health and Safety Representatives ........................................................................................................ 31 Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education .............................................................................................. 32 Political Action Contacts .............................................................................................................................. 33 Professional Development (PD) Chairs.................................................................................................. 34 Provincial Specialist Associations Council (PSAC) ........................................................................... 35

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Social Justice Contacts .................................................................................................................................. 36 Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) Contacts/Representatives................................................... 37 Bargaining Chairs and Women in Leadership ................................................................................... 38 ELECTIVES BY SESSION, Wednesday, August 20, 2025.......................................................... 39 SUMMER CONFERENCE VENUE........................................................................................................ 48 UBC Health and Safety Reminders .................................................................................................. 49 Checklist While Travelling on BCTF Business .............................................................................. 50 BCTF Wellness......................................................................................................................................... 51

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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

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Meet the 2025–26 BCTF Executive Committee President

First Vice-President

Second Vice-President

Carole Gordon Central Okanagan

Robin Tosczak Greater Victoria

Winona Waldron Greater Victoria

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

Jelana Bighorn Vancouver Secondary

Shannon Bowsfield Mission

Brenda Celesta Kamloops-Thompson

Adrienne Demers Fernie

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

Mary Lawrence Prince George

Frano Marsic Richmond

Hallan Mtatiro Surrey

Chris Perrier-Evely Nanaimo

Member-at-Large

Member-at-Large

David Peterson Nechako

Trevana Spilchen Delta

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Designated position— Aboriginal

Designated position— Member of Colour

Designated position— 2SLGBTQIA+

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

Déclaration d’engagement pour la solidarité

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.

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

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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.

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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

Social Activities

The registration desk is located in the Fireplace Lounge of the Walter Gage Residence and will be open at the following times:

Summer Leadership Conference Banquet

Monday, August 18 Tuesday, August 19 Wednesday, August 20 Thursday, August 21 Friday, August 22

4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

6:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

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 Members who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ Members who identify as a person of colour Members who identify as women

Room 2515 Room 2508 Room 2528 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.

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 Ages 11–17 Adults

Free $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.

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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

Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge

DAY 1—Discrete Training Day for Delegates New to the Role Tuesday, August 19, 2025 6:30 a.m.

Registration desk open

Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge

7:00–8:45 a.m.

Breakfast

Walter Gage Residences Isabel MacInnes Room

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

New to the role discrete training for the following Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers delegates: Buchanan A202 • New Presidents and New Released Local Officers Buchanan D316 • New French Education Local Chairs Buchanan B208 • New Health and Safety Representatives Fort Camp Lounge (Gage) • New Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education Buchanan D317 • New Professional Development Chairs Buchanan B213 • New Social Justice Contacts Buchanan D217 • New Teachers Teaching on Call Contacts/Representatives Buchanan B318 • New WLC/Bargaining Chairs Mary Murrin—Gage • Women in Leadership —Coffee/Tea service available at Buchanan A, lower lobby by Stir It Up Café— —Lunch (on your own)— Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers Discrete training for new delegates (continued) Walter Gage Residences Conference check-in / Registration for all Fireplace Lounge delegates

10:30–11:00 a.m.

12:30–2:00 p.m.

2:00–4:00 p.m.

4:00–9:00 p.m.

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

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Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Center

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

DAY 2—Elective Sessions Day Wednesday, August 20, 2025 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Registration desk open

Walter Gage Residences— Fireplace Lounge

7:00–8:45 a.m.

Breakfast

Isabel MacInnes Room

9:00–10:30 a.m.

10:30–11:00 a.m.

Elective Session I —Wellness break—

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

12:30–2:30 p.m.

2:30–4:00 p.m.

6:30–9:30 p.m.

7:00–9:00 p.m.

Elective Session II —Lunch (on your own)— Elective Session III New Presidents’ dinner (by invitation only) Social Justice film night: Caring for our Queer Oral Histories with Love Intersections

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

DAY 3—Discrete Training Day Thursday, August 21, 2025 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Registration desk open

Walter Gage Residences – Fireplace Lounge

7:00–8:45 a.m.

Breakfast

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Isabel MacInnes Room Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers Buchanan A102 Buchanan D306 Buchanan B318 Buchanan B213 Fort Camp Lounge (Gage) Buchanan D204 Buchanan A202 Buchanan D325 Buchanan A103 Buchanan D217

Discrete training for the following: • Local Presidents and Released Local Officers • Adult Education Advisory Committee • French Education Local Chairs • Health and Safety Representatives • Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education • Political Action Contacts • Professional Development Chairs • Provincial Specialist Association Council • Social Justice Contacts • Teachers Teaching on Call Contacts/ Representatives Isabel MacInnes (Gage) • WLC/Bargaining Chairs/Women in Leadership Buchanan D312 Additional delegates discrete session —Coffee/Tea service available at Buchanan A, lower lobby by Stir It Up Café—

9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

10:30–11:00 a.m.

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12:00–2:00 p.m.

—Lunch (on your own)— 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Discrete training (continued) 6:30–11:00 p.m.

Summer Leadership Conference Banquet (bar open at 6:00 p.m.)

Buchanan bldg./Gage Towers The Great Hall, UBC Nest

DAY 4—Closing Session Friday, August 22, 2025 6:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Registration desk open

Walter Gage Residences Fireplace Lounge

7:00–8:45 a.m.

9:30–9:45 a.m.

Breakfast Introductions—Christine Stewart, Director, PSID

9:45–11:00 a.m.

Closing plenary—Iglika Ivanova, Senior Economist and Public Interest Researcher, BC Society for Policy Solutions

Isabel MacInnes Room Jack Poole Hall, Robert H. Lee Alumni Center

Closing remarks—Carole Gordon, BCTF President 11:00 a.m.

Adjournment

Buchanan 1866 Main Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z1

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Musqueam Welcome Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Dr. T'uy't'tanat-Cease Wyss Sḵwx̱wú7mesh/Sto:lo/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, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ Lands & WatersSkwxwú7mesh Ux̱imix̱w'] 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.

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Opening Plenary 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.

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Closing Plenary BC Isn’t Broke: Why BC Can and Should Invest in Public Education Friday, August 22, 2025

Iglika Ivanova (she/her) 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.

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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

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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

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New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Health and Safety Representatives Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Buchanan B208

9:00 a.m.

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

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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 History and Commitment to the Local Contact role

AEAC Members 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

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New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Professional Development (PD) Chairs Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Buchanan D317 9:00 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions (Tammy Le) • Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory • Commitment to Solidarity (video) • Code of Ethics • Parking lot • Communication/networking icebreaker (Norberta Heinrichs) Information Technology Department (to be confirmed) • BCTF Tech Talk • How to/why access the PD listserv 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) Break Role and Function of the PD Chair • Overview of PD Lens (Erin Coleman) • Needs assessment (Dave McCristall) —Lunch—

3:00 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) Break

3:15 p.m.

Open Space —Q&A (Ruth Wadsworth)

4:00 p.m.

—Adjournment—

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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—

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New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) Contacts/Representatives Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Buchanan D217 9:00 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

2:00 p.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 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 —Break— 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 —Lunch—

3:50 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 Parking Lot—Kelly

4:00 p.m.

Announcements—opening plenary time and location—Jodi —Adjournment—

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New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda New Bargaining Chairs Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Buchanan B318 9:00 a.m.

Welcome • 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

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New to the Role Discrete Day Agenda Women in Leadership Tuesday, August 19, 2025 Gage Towers—Mary Murrin Room 9:00 a.m.

Welcome • 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

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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.

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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

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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—

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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

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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

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Discrete Day Agenda Local Contacts for Aboriginal Education Thursday, August 21, 2025 Gage Towers––Fort Camp Lounge 9:00 a.m.

Cedar Brushing/Smudging

9:30 a.m.

Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory

Shane 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

3:00 p.m.

Break

3:15 p.m.

AEA PSA – Conference

Jaime Black

Carol, Brian, Jean, Penny

Membership and newsletter PSA Conference News REDress School Initiative 4:30 p.m.

Closing circle

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Penny Carnrite, Carol Arnold, Jean Moir

Discrete Day Agenda Political Action Contacts 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

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Discrete Day Agenda Professional Development (PD) Chairs Thursday, August 21, 2025 Buchanan A202

9:00 a.m.

10:15 a.m.

Welcome and Introductions (Runa Bjarnason-Wilson) • Acknowledgment of Traditional Territory • Parking lot 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) FTTO Greeting (15 minutes) • PSA Presidents join 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 —Lunch—

9:15 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m.

3:45 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Zone and Mix (with 3 breakout rooms) • PD Chair discussions (PD days, conferences) Break Mentorship—Anne Hales, Information, Research, and International Solidarity (to be confirmed) • Where do we go from here?

• Parking lot • Reflection moving forward at zones (e.g., PD Handbook, topics for fall zone) • Q&A —Adjournment—

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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—

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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—

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Discrete Day Agenda Teachers Teaching on Call (TTOC) Contacts/Representatives Thursday, August 21, 2025 Buchanan D217 9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

9:45 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:45 p.m.

4:00 p.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 FTTO Greeting Robin Tosczak—Chris introduces 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 —Break— 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 —Lunch— 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 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 —Adjournment—

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Discrete Day Agenda Bargaining 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

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ELECTIVES BY SESSION, Wednesday, August 20, 2025 Elective Session I

9:00–10:30 a.m.

Accommodations and Human Rights Presented by: Joanne Sutherland, Matt Westphal, and Alanna Tom Room: D317

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%

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

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%

Our environment and economy are changing, and workers are on the frontlines of those changes: workplace closures, wildfire evacuations, cold 39 | BCTF Summer Leadership Conference 2025

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

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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.

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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 Harassment?

Presented by: James Sanyshyn, George Serra, and Vivian Wan Room: D201

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%

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%

Elective Session II

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The Art of Learning and Unlearning Within Educational Spaces Presented by: Heather Kelley and Daniel Shiu Room: D316

Decision-Making with A Sustainability Lens Presented by: Sarah Newton and Lindsay Lockhart Room: B318

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%

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%

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%

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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

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.

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 43 | BCTF Summer Leadership Conference 2025

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.

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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

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.

Elective Session III

2:30–4:00 p.m.

Artificial Intelligence—An Introductory Exploration Presented by: Lena Palermo and Jessica Dmytruk Room: D317

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!

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%

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%

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

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 45 | BCTF Summer Leadership Conference 2025

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 46 | BCTF Summer Leadership Conference 2025

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%

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SUMMER CONFERENCE VENUE

5

3 1

3

2

4

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

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UBC Health and Safety Reminders Campus Security UBC First Aid UBC Hospital Urgent Care

604-822-2222 604-822-4444 604-822-7662

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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. o

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.

o o

o

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

50 | BCTF Summer Leadership Conference 2025

the device is voice-activated or requires only one touch to initiate, accept, or end a call 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 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 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.

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British Columbia Teachers’ Federation 100–550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2 604-871-2283 or 1-800-663-9163 | bctf.ca | #BCTF2025