As a teacher, I always impressed on my students the importance of life long learning and that they are fortunate to live in a time that allowed them access to information by merely clicking a button. Teachers know the importance of continuous growth and work hard to refine their teaching practice throughout their careers. Recent changes to the TQS along with the development of the LQS and SLQS has further sparked the need for teachers and school leaders to take a reflective look at their practice. 

Teachers’ convention has always been one of my favourite times of the school year. Not only was I able to connect with colleagues I have not seen in awhile, it was a time of the year that allowed me to refocus my energy around my own professional growth. The ability for teachers to self-direct their own professional growth in the form of the professional growth plan is something that the Association has long deemed important. 

Convention also allowed me the opportunity to seek a variety of different professional development options that I could later expand on if so desired. Not only have I been fortunate to hear some great speakers who have challenged my thinking around pedagogy, or life in general, I have been fortunate to present to my colleagues on my own learning and professional practice. Both opportunities enhanced my teaching and I am grateful to the teachers who volunteer their time and energy to organize conventions for their colleagues across the province. 

Public education in Alberta is one of the best in the world and I credit our success to the hard work and professionalism of teachers and school leaders across the province.

GETCA 2023 is LIVE once again! We are very excited to see you in person this year!

Many of you prefer to stay on site at the Westin or other downtown Edmonton hotel either as a staycation or as an out of town guest; please be aware that as teachers, we are not considered government employees that qualify for their discounted room rates. When booking, you may ask if there is a GETCA Convention rate available.

The Edmonton Convention Centre (formally known as Shaw Conference Centre) is in the heart of Edmonton's downtown and overlooks the river valley. The majority of the sessions we offer are found at this location.  This is also where you will find our extensive Exhibitor Hall. Keynote speakers are also found at this location, in Hall D. ECC Address: 9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1N9

The Westin is located in the heart of Edmonton's downtown. Most of the sessions held in this location are on the second floor, including a live stream of Hall D Keynotes. There is an information booth found on the second floor (balcony) that can help direct you to your session. Westin Address: 10135 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0N7

The Stanley Miller Library will host many sessions this year as well as a live stream of Hall D Keynotes. SM Library Address: 7 Sir Winston Churchill Square, Edmonton, AB T5J 2V4

Harry Ainlay High School is one of our off site locations. Many CTS, Art, and Lab based sessions are held at this location. Live stream of Hall D Keynotes will be available as well as coffee and refreshments on sale in the Alumni Hall. Food trucks will once again be available for lunch service for any delegate wishing to have lunch on site. The food trucks will be parked out front of Harry Ainlay on the street. Confirmed so far - Pull Me, Mr. Cap, Soner Donair. When parking at Harry Ainlay, please heed the posted parking signs. Harry Ainlay Address is: 4350 111 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 1E8

Enjoy a visit with friends and colleagues at Sherlock Holmes on Thursday 3:30-5:30 and Friday 3:00-5:00 at both Sherlock Holmes and Sorrentinos Downtown (10162 100 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5J 0P5). Complimentary appetizers will be provided during these times.

Parking is the Delegates choice. There will be some areas at Harry Ainlay where you are asked not to park - please heed the posted no parking signs.

Shuttles will run to and from the Edmonton Convention Centre - Grant MacEwan University - Harry Ainlay, on a continual loop throughout the day (approximately every 40 minutes). The bus stops are as follows:

Grant MacEwan - Bus Stop #1989 108 St/104 Ave Westbound
Edmonton Convention Centre - 9797 Jasper Ave Eastbound
Harry Ainlay - Bus Stop #4490 111 St & 43 Ave Southbound

Please see SCHED for details on shuttle pickup times.