The first years of teaching music can feel exciting, overwhelming, exhausting, and inspiring all at once. This practical and encouraging session focuses on realistic strategies for classroom management, concert preparation, assessment, organization, and teacher wellness.
We can't always be the adult at the front of the room, but how we get ready for somebody else to step in for us can take a lot of stress off of all parties involved. I've collected informed from subs from around my rural northern area to get their feedback on what they like to see and don't like to see in sub plans. I have also collected a number of sub plans from teachers across my area to build a sharing registry of what other professionals do across a range of ages and subjects. Lets get together and share some experiences, best practices, and examine common pitfalls of how we prepare for not being the teacher at the front of the room for a day.
Looking to launch a fibre arts program but not sure where to start—or how to afford it? This hands-on session is designed specifically for teachers who want practical, classroom-ready ideas they can use right away. Using simple, low-cost materials like donated fabrics, felt, and socks, you'll learn how to guide students in creating eye-catching, meaningful textile projects—without stretching your budget. We'll focus on approachable hand-stitching techniques that build student confidence and creativity, making fibre arts accessible for beginners at any grade level. Leave with ready-to-use project ideas, skill-building strategies, and the confidence to start your fibre arts program as soon as Monday. This session will be presented by the ATA Fine Arts Council.
The first years of teaching can be both rewarding and overwhelming. This practical and engaging session explores how small, intentional practices can have a big impact on classroom culture, student regulation, and teacher well-being. Participants will learn simple systems that reduce decision fatigue and save energy, including visual organization strategies, routines, and transition tools. The session will also highlight easy-to-use games, classroom structure ideas, connection activities, and regulation strategies-such as using curiosity and "silly questions" to help students shift from dysregulation to engagement. Grounded in the belief that effective classrooms are built through intentional systems and strong relationships, this session will provide beginning teachers with practical tools they can implement immediately to create calmer classrooms, stronger connections, and a more sustainable teaching experience.
