Learning Opportunities

EAL Symposium 2026

Presented By

Various

Series Sessions

Date Time
Thursday, March 12, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location

FFCA - Learning Centre 110 - 7000 Railway St. SE, Calgary, AB

Grade Levels

K-3, Grades 4 - 6, Grades 7 - 9, Grades 10 - 12

Target Audience - This event is specifically designed for EAL leads

The Consortium’s EAL Symposium is a full-day, in-person collaborative event that brings together EAL leaders from Calgary and surrounding districts for meaningful dialogue and professional learning.

 Sessions offered this year include : 

  • Reducing the Load: How AI Can Help Support EAL Learners
  • EAL Benchmarks 2.0: Now What? From Assessment to Instruction 
  • How to Host a HS International Festival 
  • Instructional Approaches for Teaching Content to Level B/1 Middle and High School EAL Learners

2026 EAL Symposium Agenda

Date: March 12, 226
Location: The Consortium (Calgary Office): 7000 Railway Street SE, Calgary, Alberta 

Note: This agenda is subject to change. 

9:00 – 9:05 a.m.

Welcome & Land Acknowledgement

9:05 – 9:25 a.m.

Introductions & Ice Breaker: Language Guessing Challenge (Part 1 & Part 2)
Facilitators: Cara Bell & Kim Tackaberry

9:25 – 10:30 a.m.

Session 1: Instructional Approaches for Teaching Content to Level B/1 Middle and High School Learners
Presenter: Dr. Kathy Salmon

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Break

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Session 2: Reducing the Load: How AI Can Help with EAL Annotations
Facilitators: Cara Bell & Kari Hamilton

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lunch (Provided)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Session 3: EAL Benchmarks 2.0: Now What? From Assessment to Instruction
Facilitators: Cara Bell& Suzy Madden

1:35 – 2:00 p.m.

Session 4: How to Plan a High School International Festival
Presenter: Jenny Lam

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.

Global Café: Collaboration & Networking
Facilitator: Dr Kathy Salmon

The Global Café is an informal, collaborative conversation space. Participants will rotate between four to six “Café Menu” topics, joining discussions that align with their interests.

Participants are invited to help shape the menu by:

  • Sharing a resource

  • Posing a question

  • Suggesting a discussion topic

This session focuses on connection, shared learning, and collective expertise. Participants are welcome to come prepared with a resource or idea to contribute.

2:45 – 3:00 p.m.

Closing Activity: Roots & Wings
Facilitators: Kim Tackabery & Cara Bell

 

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