Learning Opportunities

Ted brings over 30 years of experience in education across Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, having served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and instructional leader. His work focuses on learning for transfer, conceptual understanding, and the explicit teaching of thinking skills. He is particularly interested in how a range of instructional strategies, used across grades and subject areas, can deepen student understanding and support meaningful learning. Trained in Control Theory and Restitution–Self Discipline, Ted also has extensive experience supporting positive classroom environments and responsive approaches to student behaviour. For more than 15 years, he has also worked with gifted and twice-exceptional learners, developing approaches that both challenge and support diverse student needs. Ted enjoys working with educators to refine instructional practices that strengthen student thinking and improve learning outcomes.

Ted brings over 30 years of experience in education across Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta, having served as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and instructional leader. His work focuses on learning for transfer, conceptual understanding, and the explicit teaching of thinking skills. He is particularly interested in how a range of instructional strategies, used across grades and... Read more »

Jackie Taylor is currently serving as the one of the Career Education team members for The Consortium. Jackie has spent the last ten years of her 35 year career specializing in leadership of career education, dual credit, work experience and collegiate programming. Recently as the Executive Director of Learning for Chinook’s Edge School Division and Olds College, as well as the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI), Jackie has been deeply involved in the development of these secondary and postsecondary experiences within our school systems.

Jackie Taylor is currently serving as the one of the Career Education team members for The Consortium. Jackie has spent the last ten years of her 35 year career specializing in leadership of career education, dual credit, work experience and collegiate programming. Recently as the Executive Director of Learning for Chinook’s Edge School Division and Olds College, as well as the Central... Read more »

Chris Zarski has been an educator for over 40 years, and has served as a teacher, principal, supervisor and director and Examiner for Alberta Education. Currently is serving as a Curriculum Implementation Consultant with CARC on secondment from her role as the Director of Instruction and Staff Development for STAR Catholic Schools. Chris has led numerous district wide initiatives, provided over 600 professional learning sessions, and co-authored/consulted on 18 mathematics resources. She is actively involved with the pedagogy of deeper learning, authentic assessment designs enhancing curriculum delivery and the integration of FNMI resources into all curriculums. Chris loves to learn and believes that all students have the ability to learn at high levels. She also believes that teachers have the best profession ever – enlightening new minds and sparking interest in learning! 

Chris Zarski has been an educator for over 40 years, and has served as a teacher, principal, supervisor and director and Examiner for Alberta Education. Currently is serving as a Curriculum Implementation Consultant with CARC on secondment from her role as the Director of Instruction and Staff Development for STAR Catholic Schools. Chris has led numerous district wide initiatives, provided... Read more »

Cheryl Babin is a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia based in Calgary.  With a M.Ed. specializing in Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Cheryl has taught in public, international and independent schools. She has held many roles including classroom and lead teacher, experiential learning coordinator, instructional coach, International Baccalaureate coordinator and workshop leader, and a university sessional instructor for pre-service teachers. Cheryl currently designs and facilitates professional learning opportunities for teachers and instructional leaders. Specific areas of interest and experience include making learning meaningful through engaging learning designs that evoke critical thinking, develop conceptual understanding, involve students in the assessment process, and foster the development of international-mindedness and compassion.

Cheryl Babin is a Designer of Professional Learning with the Alberta Regional Professional Development Consortia based in Calgary.  With a M.Ed. specializing in Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, Cheryl has taught in public, international and independent schools. She has held many roles including classroom and lead teacher, experiential learning coordinator, instructional coach,... Read more »

After 39 years of full-time work in education, Rick is currently supporting the work as one of our consultant team members. Rick has experience teaching English and Social Studies (9-12 academic and non-academic streams) with some Computers, CALM, and a touch of IB Theory of Knowledge folded in for fun. Experienced in Educational leadership as a High School Administrator (14 years, the last nine as Principal) with six years at Central office, the last five as Assistant Superintendent before spending six years as the Director at SAPDC supporting professional learning.

After 39 years of full-time work in education, Rick is currently supporting the work as one of our consultant team members. Rick has experience teaching English and Social Studies (9-12 academic and non-academic streams) with some Computers, CALM, and a touch of IB Theory of Knowledge folded in for fun. Experienced in Educational leadership as a High School Administrator (14 years, the last... Read more »

Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom and gym, from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters and 10 years with the Blended Homeschooling program, he brings unique insights and innovative pedagogy to students. He is happiest outdoors and when sharing stories. Paul has been awarded local, provincial and national awards for his work in PE and has presented teachers’ convention sessions across the province for over 20 years.

Paul is a purebred teacher and a maverick in education who focuses on the “art of teaching”. Having taught for over 2 decades in the classroom and gym, from grades 1 to 12 in all subject matters and 10 years with the Blended Homeschooling program, he brings unique insights and innovative pedagogy to students. He is happiest outdoors and when sharing stories. Paul has been awarded... Read more »

Elyse est une enseignante dynamique et créative avec plus de 15 ans d'expérience en immersion française, en enseignement virtuel et comme coach pédagogique. Apprenante passionnée, elle aime être à l'affût des dernières recherches et à l'avant-garde de l'application des approches théoriques et technologiques. Elle aime créer et partager ses ressources. Elle a également une formation en travail social et en thérapie par le jeu avec une expertise en développement de l'enfant et en santé mentale. Elle fait partie du programme 5 étoiles de l'ACPI où elle a l'occasion d'accompagner des enseignants dans leur premier emploi en immersion.

Elyse is a dynamic and creative teacher with over 15 years of experience in French immersion, virtual teaching and as an instructional coach. A passionate learner, she likes to be on the lookout for the latest research and at the forefront of applying theoretical and technological approaches. She loves to create and share her resources. She also has a background in social work and play therapy with expertise in child development and mental health. She is part of the ACPI 5 Star Program where she has the opportunity to coach teachers in their first immersion job.

Elyse est une enseignante dynamique et créative avec plus de 15 ans d'expérience en immersion française, en enseignement virtuel et comme coach pédagogique. Apprenante passionnée, elle aime être à l'affût des dernières recherches et à l'avant-garde de l'application des approches théoriques et technologiques.... Read more »

Cathy brings with her the experiences of: being a classroom teacher for over 20 years, taking on leadership roles within her school division that included administrative experiences, providing learning supports through being a learning coach, a math curriculum implementation lead, and an AISI leader, as well as providing professional development experiences as a Designer of Professional Learning with the Consortium since 2016. Her work has focused on the areas of literacy, mathematics, assessment, instructional practices and design. She looks for opportunities to work toward building the best possible learning environments.

Cathy earned her Master's Degree in the Science of Education focusing on the Art and Science of Teaching. In 2018, she became a certified Independent Lynn Erickson and Lois Lanning Concept-Based Curriculum & Instruction Presenter and Trainer.

Cathy brings with her the experiences of: being a classroom teacher for over 20 years, taking on leadership roles within her school division that included administrative experiences, providing learning supports through being a learning coach, a math curriculum implementation lead, and an AISI leader, as well as providing professional development experiences as a Designer of Professional... Read more »

Michelle Bence is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in K-12 classrooms and literacy education. She has worked extensively with several school boards across Western Canada as a literacy consultant, leading initiatives in literacy development, professional teacher learning, and the system-wide implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. Michelle recently completed her Ph.D. at the University of Calgary. Her research focuses on dialogic pedagogy and its role in fostering students’ complex thinking, literacy identities, and language development in relation to literacy acquisition and engagement with texts.

Michelle Bence is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in K-12 classrooms and literacy education. She has worked extensively with several school boards across Western Canada as a literacy consultant, leading initiatives in literacy development, professional teacher learning, and the system-wide implementation of evidence-based literacy practices. Michelle recently completed... Read more »

Miriam Ramzy is a teacher and researcher based in Alberta. She has worked as a classroom teacher in both English and French Immersion settings, a literacy coach and facilitator, a school administrator, and Director of Student Learning. Currently, she works with school boards across Western Canada, supporting teachers, leaders, educational assistants, parents, and students from Jr. K - 12. Her work centers on literacy research and practice, with a deep commitment to supporting partners in education to create effective, responsive, and inclusive spaces where all students thrive. Miriam holds a PhD from the University of Calgary. Her research examined writing instruction, with a particular focus on the transcription process. She continues to contribute to professional learning and educational research with a passion for bridging theory and classroom practice.

Miriam Ramzy is a teacher and researcher based in Alberta. She has worked as a classroom teacher in both English and French Immersion settings, a literacy coach and facilitator, a school administrator, and Director of Student Learning. Currently, she works with school boards across Western Canada, supporting teachers, leaders, educational assistants, parents, and students from Jr. K - 12. Her... Read more »

Betty Morris has been a math educator for over 40 years.  Her various roles included classroom teacher, district math consultant, math exam manager/new initiatives for Alberta Education, and sessional instructor at Concordia University in Edmonton.  

Betty's interest in supporting teachers and students in their understanding of mathematics and instilling in them the confidence and passion that she has for mathematics, continues as she provides professional learning to districts and schools, working with both teachers and students.  A priority for her is helping all stakeholders to understand and work with the new math curriculum.  

Betty Morris has been a math educator for over 40 years.  Her various roles included classroom teacher, district math consultant, math exam manager/new initiatives for Alberta Education, and sessional instructor at Concordia University in Edmonton.  

Betty's interest in supporting teachers and students in their understanding of mathematics and... Read more »

Jess Oracheski is currently a classroom teacher, teaching junior high science in Buffalo Trail Public Schools since 2010. She has a zest for life, and always tries to infuse fun into her classroom. She has a passion for incorporating technology into her daily lessons, making her courses paperfree for almost 10 years. When she isn't teaching or consulting, she is spending time with her 3 boys on a farm she shares with her husband.

Jess Oracheski is currently a classroom teacher, teaching junior high science in Buffalo Trail Public Schools since 2010. She has a zest for life, and always tries to infuse fun into her classroom. She has a passion for incorporating technology into her daily lessons, making her courses paperfree for almost 10 years. When she isn't teaching or consulting, she is spending time with... Read more »

Jackie spent the past 24 years working alongside teachers as a math consultant and instructional coach, always starting with relationships first. She believes real change happens when there’s trust, collaboration, and a shared belief that all students can learn. Her work is rooted in real classrooms—she’s often in schools observing lessons, modeling alongside teachers, and helping make math feel doable and meaningful for everyone. Jackie is especially curious about how concrete materials are used (and sometimes misused), how visual and spatial reasoning supports number sense, and how the right question at the right time can shift thinking. Her sessions are practical, down-to-earth, and shaped by what’s actually happening in classrooms.

Jackie spent the past 24 years working alongside teachers as a math consultant and instructional coach, always starting with relationships first. She believes real change happens when there’s trust, collaboration, and a shared belief that all students can learn. Her work is rooted in real classrooms—she’s often in schools observing lessons, modeling alongside teachers, and... Read more »

Ulana Soletsky has been facilitating professional learning sessions in mathematics and numeracy for the Edmonton office of the Consortium since 2006. Prior to this, she dedicated 26 years to teaching mathematics at the Junior High level before transitioning to roles as a math and numeracy consultant for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools and ERLC. An educator since 1979, Ulana has engaged with students from Kindergarten through grade 9 and has also acted as a First Steps in Math Facilitator for Pearson Publishers, concentrating on the Number, Operation Sense, and Measurement strands. Additionally, she has collaborated with Pearson Publishers to provide professional development for the new math resource “Mathology” and the “Math Progressions K-9,” of which she was an active reviewer during its development. Currently, Ulana is involved in overseeing the creation of the Math Assessment for grades 1 to 9 in partnership with Elk Island Catholic Schools. As a math educator, her objective has always been to ensure that all students comprehend and value the mathematics they study; that they can read, write, explore, and communicate mathematical concepts with assurance; and that they can apply mathematics in their daily lives. Her primary focus lies in supporting the new curriculum, planning for staff development, and enhancing school improvement initiatives. She advocates for a cooperative, student-centered classroom as the most effective environment for learning.

Ulana Soletsky has been facilitating professional learning sessions in mathematics and numeracy for the Edmonton office of the Consortium since 2006. Prior to this, she dedicated 26 years to teaching mathematics at the Junior High level before transitioning to roles as a math and numeracy consultant for Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools and ERLC. An educator since 1979, Ulana has... Read more »

Lynn Farrugia is a newly retired educator with over 35 years of experience teaching Kindergarten to Adult Education with the majority of her years with elementary school aged students. She recently served as the Program Coordinator and as a consultant of English as an Additional Language for the Edmonton Public School Board for twelve years. Her passion for working with English as an Additional Language (EAL) Learners began with her time at an inner city school where well over 80% of her students spoke a language other than English and most of those students were newcomers to Canada.  One year she was the only person in the classroom who spoke only one language!  In fact there were nine different languages spoken in that class.  

Lynn is one of the Principal writers of: Working with Karen Immigrant Students: Teacher Resources and was a contributor to Promoting Success with Arab Immigrant Students: Teacher Resources both published by the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the Canadian Multicultural Education Foundation. 

When Lynn is not advocating for the needs of EAL Learners she can be found reading or cuddling with her rescue beagle Elliott!

Other areas of experience and interest include: culturally relevant practices, early childhood education and multicultural/diverse children’s literature.

Lynn Farrugia is a newly retired educator with over 35 years of experience teaching Kindergarten to Adult Education with the majority of her years with elementary school aged students. She recently served as the Program Coordinator and as a consultant of English as an Additional Language for the Edmonton Public School Board for twelve years. Her passion for working with English as an... Read more »

Dr. Kathy Salmon, began Aspire Education Consulting in 2023 upon her retirement as a school principal from the Calgary Board of Education where she served for 23 years. Her roles included principal at 4 schools, assistant principal at 3 schools, System Assistant Principal Corporate Partnerships, ESL specialist, ESL Learning Leader, and teacher. She was also seconded twice to Alberta Education as an ESL Curriculum Manager where she was a co-writer of the Alberta preK - 12 EAL Proficiency Benchmarks 1.0 and 2.0 and produced many resources on the Supporting English
Language Learners Website. She has a hands-on approach to supporting school leadership in creating the human architecture and protocols to support effective learning environments for diverse learners. She supports teachers with EAL, literacy, and embedding oracy into content area learning. In her consultancy work she has supported 5 international schools holding Alberta accreditation in Cambodia, Macao, and China. Through her consultancy and the APLC, she has supported Grasslands School Division, Canadian Rockies School Division, Christ the Redeemer School Division, Northern Lights, School District, Edmonton Public School Board, and other Alberta school districts with on-site leader mentoring and teacher professional learning. Her doctoral dissertation was titled Effective Teaching Practices for English as an Additional Language Learners in Alberta, Canada.

Dr. Kathy Salmon, began Aspire Education Consulting in 2023 upon her retirement as a school principal from the Calgary Board of Education where she served for 23 years. Her roles included principal at 4 schools, assistant principal at 3 schools, System Assistant Principal Corporate Partnerships, ESL specialist, ESL Learning Leader, and teacher. She was also seconded twice to Alberta Education... Read more »

Karen Filewych has twenty-five years of educational experience as an elementary teacher, school administrator, and language arts consultant.  In 2007, she completed her Master of Education degree in the area of literacy. Karen's first book - How Do I Get Them to Write? - was published by Pembroke Publishers in May of 2017. Her second book - Freewriting with Purpose - was published in January of 2019. Both books are practical guides for the teaching of writing and include lists of mentor texts for each area of study.  Karen continues to write and has some exciting projects in the works!

Karen presents regularly for teachers on a variety of topics. She especially enjoys working with students through school-based writing residencies to demonstrate how writing can transform their work and their lives in the classroom and beyond. She also offers parent literacy evenings providing simple, effective ways to engage children in literacy-rich activities in the home.

Subscribe to her blog or visit her website for more information: www.wordschangeworlds.ca. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook for teaching ideas and book suggestions.

Karen Filewych has twenty-five years of educational experience as an elementary teacher, school administrator, and language arts consultant.  In 2007, she completed her Master of Education degree in the area of literacy. Karen's first book - How Do I Get Them to Write? - was published by Pembroke Publishers in May of 2017. Her second book - Freewriting with... Read more »

Kim Tackaberry brings over 33 years of experience in education, with a deep focus and passion for literacy and inclusive teaching practices. She currently works as a Professional Learning Designer with The Consortium (Calgary office), where she develops and facilitates professional learning opportunities for educators across the region/province. Much of Kim’s teaching career was spent at Foothills Academy Society, a specialized school supporting students with learning disabilities and ADHD.

Kim Tackaberry brings over 33 years of experience in education, with a deep focus and passion for literacy and inclusive teaching practices. She currently works as a Professional Learning Designer with The Consortium (Calgary office), where she develops and facilitates professional learning opportunities for educators across the region/province. Much of Kim’s teaching career was spent at... Read more »

Kim is currently a consultant with the Northwest Regional Learning Consortium. Previously, Kim was a teacher, principal, and researcher in north western Alberta. Her work and research evolved into a focus on building educational equity. She spent many years involved in diversity leadership training which is now merging with an anti-racism focus. Additionally, Kim had a unique experience as the protegé of a Cree Elder for ten years. As a principal, Kim was able to put what she learned into practice with favourable results in student achievement. She learned first hand the complexities involved in building educational equity which led her to her current path with infusing Indigenous ways of knowing and being into new curriculum, as well as doing a deeper exploration into decolonization and anti-racism work.  Kim continues to live in the High Prairie area. Her great passions include her family and the outdoors.

Kim is currently a consultant with the Northwest Regional Learning Consortium. Previously, Kim was a teacher, principal, and researcher in north western Alberta. Her work and research evolved into a focus on building educational equity. She spent many years involved in diversity leadership training which is now merging with an anti-racism focus. Additionally, Kim had a unique experience as the... Read more »

Tansi, Wapastim N’Sihkasoon. Hello, my name is White Horse, my colonized name is Jason Bigcharles.  I am a father of 7 and grandfather of 17. I am proudly Metis from the Metis settlement of East Prairie. I have lived on the East Prairie Metis Settlement my whole life thus far. I have been a teacher for 20+ years and taught various grade levels before moving into educational leadership for the past 13 years.  Although I am Metis, my family is deeply rooted in Cree cultural practice and spiritualism. We continue to maintain a very high subsistence lifestyle, carrying on those traditions. Currently I am an Independent Education Consultant specializing in FNMI content and curriculum.

I have specialized experience in administering Culture-Based-Learning Camps and cultural teachings to students of all ages which focus on traditional Land-Based teachings of the Woodland Cree Peoples and Metis both traditional and contemporary while infusing curriculum into lessons. I am a powwow dancer, storyteller, hunter, trapper and medicinal plant gatherer and knowledge keeper. Most of my time, aside from work, is spent on the land hunting, trapping, gathering medicinal plants, passing on teachings and visiting elders. Along with being dedicated to my traditions and spiritualism, I am also dedicated to lifelong learning and the belief that learning never stops. 

K’ninaskomitin (I am grateful, and my spirit is lifted by you)

Tansi, Wapastim N’Sihkasoon. Hello, my name is White Horse, my colonized name is Jason Bigcharles.  I am a father of 7 and grandfather of 17. I am proudly Metis from the Metis settlement of East Prairie. I have lived on the East Prairie Metis Settlement my whole life thus far. I have been a teacher for 20+ years and taught various grade levels before moving into educational... Read more »

Petronella has recently retired after teaching for 33 years. During that time Petronella was a Learning Consultant, Assistant Principal, Literacy Specialist and a Classroom Teacher. Petronella has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a dual focus on Reading Instruction  and English Language Development. Petronella’s current role with The Northeast Office of the Consortium is to support teachers of Social Studies in curriculum delivery, planning and assessment.  She believes in including students in their own learning journey through the implementation of inquiry-based learning and the creation of assessment criteria. In her spare time Petronella enjoys exploring  the great outdoors, gardening and cooking.

Petronella has recently retired after teaching for 33 years. During that time Petronella was a Learning Consultant, Assistant Principal, Literacy Specialist and a Classroom Teacher. Petronella has a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a dual focus on Reading Instruction  and English Language Development. Petronella’s current role with The Northeast Office of the... Read more »

En plus de détenir un baccalauréat en littérature et une maîtrise en création littéraire, Anne-Marie cumule 16 ans d'expérience dans le monde du livre. D'abord libraire, elle a fait sa marque dans le milieu de l'édition lors de son passage chez Québec Amérique. Elle y a œuvré durant 7 ans notamment comme directrice de production et adjointe à l'édition adulte.

Son parcours l'a ensuite menée chez Communication-Jeunesse, où elle a notamment endossé les responsabilités de direction générale adjointe et de responsable des programmes de formation. Ces 9 années lui ont permis de parcourir le Canada, du Yukon jusqu’à Terre-Neuve, développant ainsi une connaissance approfondie des réalités francophones minoritaires et des régions éloignées. Elle a également eu le privilège de piloter le Pédago Fest, un congrès pédagogique pan-canadien incontournable pour développer le plaisir de lire et la littératie chez les jeunes.

Aujourd'hui consultante spécialisée en littérature jeunesse et fondatrice de Pouce carré, elle continue à répandre l'amour des livres partout au pays. Anne-Marie est aussi l'autrice de l'album Mon beau potager, publié aux éditions de l'Isatis.

En plus de détenir un baccalauréat en littérature et une maîtrise en création littéraire, Anne-Marie cumule 16 ans d'expérience dans le monde du livre. D'abord libraire, elle a fait sa marque dans le milieu de l'édition lors de son passage chez Québec Amérique. Elle y a œuvré durant 7 ans notamment... Read more »