Professional Development workshops

Building Relationships to Motivate, Engage and Encourage Students

Positive and effective relationships between teachers and students are the foundation upon which good teaching and learning occurs “You can’t teach them if you can’t reach them.” What are some strategies that you can implement to develop strong and powerful relationships with your students? This session covers techniques that are easy to integrate into your everyday interactions with students: communicating positive expectations, giving feedback in a constructive way, developing pride, demonstrating caring and creating safe and happy environments for all to grow and thrive in!

Culturally Responsive Teaching—Fostering Inclusive Classrooms

Creating an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment is an integral part of our teaching practice. This workshop will explore key approaches and practical strategies for integrating diverse perspectives, building cultural competence, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. Through interactive discussions and activities, you will gain insights into effective communication, addressing implicit biases, and infusing cultural sensitivity into the school and classroom. Join us as we explore tools to celebrate diversity in education and create a space where every student feels valued and respected. 

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ATELIER MIS À JOUR – L’enseignement adapté aux différences culturelles : favoriser l’inclusion en salle de classe

La création d’un environnement de classe inclusif et adapté aux différences culturelles fait partie intégrante de notre pratique pédagogique. Cet atelier explorera des approches clés et des stratégies pratiques permettant de tenir compte de perspectives diverses, de renforcer les compétences culturelles et de favoriser un environnement d’apprentissage inclusif. En participant à des discussions et à des activités interactives, vous développerez une meilleure compréhension de la communication efficace, des préjugés inconscients et de la sensibilisation aux réalités culturelles à l’école et dans la salle de classe. Joignez-vous à nous afin d’explorer des outils permettant de célébrer la diversité dans un cadre pédagogique et de créer un milieu où chaque élève se sent valorisé et respecté.

Enseigner en milieu minoritaire : l'importance de transmettre l'amour de la langue

Comment valoriser la langue et la culture francophone dans nos milieux ? Venez découvrir comment et pourquoi il est important de développer la culture identitaire francophone chez nos élèves. L'identité francophone, le bilinguisme additif, la légitimité linguistique seront aussi abordés. Cet atelier vous aidera à avoir des pratiques gagnantes pour la construction identitaire.

Generational Diversity in Schools—Building Empathy and Growing Together  

Currently, schools across Alberta employ staff who fall within a wide range of ages, and the reality of four generations working together can create both synergies and clashes. This session is designed to help participants understand the different generations found on school staffs and to understand their own and others’ “generational views”; explore the challenges and triumphs of generations working together and develop strategies to address generational diversity in the areas of communication, collaboration, professional development and school culture.  

Let's Get Talking! Discussion Skills for All Subjects

Conversation is a powerful part of the learning process. However, it can be frustrating for all when students are reluctant to participate in discussions or when small group conversations go off-the-rails. Join this interactive workshop to explore strategies that help support student discussion skills (and learning) in any subject! We will explore strategies that build a safe environment for productive discussion, specific conversation skills for students at any age or stage (including those who are learning English as an Additional Language), and activities that involve students in learning-focused conversations. 

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Parlons-en! Compétences conversationnelles pour l'apprentissage

La conversation est un élément important du processus d’apprentissage. Cependant, il peut être frustrant pour l’enseignant comme pour les élèves de constater que ces derniers sont réticents à participer aux discussions ou que les conversations en petits groupes dérapent. En participant à cet atelier interactif, vous découvrirez des stratégies qui renforcent et développent les aptitudes à la conversation des élèves (et leur apprentissage) dans n’importe quelle matière! Nous explorerons des stratégies permettant de créer un environnement sûr, favorable aux discussions productives et à l’acquisition de compétences conversationnelles selon l’âge ou le niveau des élèves (sans oublier les élèves qui apprennent l’anglais comme langue additionnelle). Des activités où les élèves engagent des conversations centrées sur l’apprentissage seront également présentées. 

Navigate, Share, Influence—Communication Skills for Teachers

Lead challenging professional conversations with confidence, credibility and impact! Be ready to explore visible and invisible dynamics that shape our professional conversations and relationships. This workshop offers practical strategies to navigate tough talks, share ideas clearly, and influence the productivity of professional conversations—tailored for Alberta’s K–12 teaching context.​

Rethinking "Boys will be Boys"—Gender Bias and Boys' Education

Join this workshop for an exploration into the influences that shape boys' educational journeys, mental well-being, and career pathways. Together, we will examine the complexities of masculinity, gender bias, and societal norms that impact boys' learning experiences. We will explore strategies to foster inclusive classrooms and school environments that empower every student to thrive.

Repenser « les garçons resteront des garçons » : les préjugés liés au genre et l'éducation des garçons

Cet atelier vous propose d’analyser les facteurs qui influencent le parcours scolaire des garçons, leur bienêtre mental et leur cheminement de carrière. Ensemble, nous examinerons la complexité de la masculinité, des préjugés liés au genre et des normes sociétales ainsi que leur impact sur les expériences d'apprentissage des garçons. Nous explorerons également des stratégies pour favoriser l’inclusion en salle de classe et créer des environnements scolaires inclusifs dans lesquels chaque élève peut s'épanouir.

Trauma-Informed Practice—Safe, Supportive and Self-Regulated Classrooms

Participants in this interactive workshop will receive information and tools to help provide safe, supportive and self-regulated environments for students who have experienced trauma. Teachers will be provided with background information on trauma and its effects on the child and adolescent brain, how to create trauma-informed environments and how to help build resiliency and self-regulation skills in students.

Working with Parents to Support Student Success

This workshop addresses the question: “How can teachers nurture and sustain positive relationships with parents to reinforce their mutual goal—to ensure that all students are successful in school?” This session will focus on the many ways to build strong relationships with parents, undertake successful approaches for communication and involving parents, understand that varied parenting styles exist and learn strategies for reframing interactions with challenging parents.

AI Tools to Amplify Your Professionalism and Save Time

Ready to revolutionize your teaching? Join our workshop on AI tools that go beyond traditional lesson planning. Explore how generative AI can create personalized content, assessments, and more. We’ll guide you through a process that balances efficiency with creativity, ensuring you remain the architect of exceptional learning experiences. Plus, let’s delve into professional considerations—because AI is not just about algorithms; it’s about impact.

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Les outils d’IA pour accroitre votre professionnalisme et gagner du temps

Envie de révolutionner votre enseignement? Participez à notre atelier sur des outils d’IA qui vous permettront de sortir des sentiers battus en matière de planification de leçons. Découvrez comment l’IA générative peut créer des contenus personnalisés, des évaluations et bien plus encore. Nous vous guiderons tout au long d’un processus alliant efficacité et créativité afin que vous demeuriez l’architecte d’expériences d’apprentissage exceptionnelles. Nous aborderons également des enjeux d’ordre professionnel, car, pour bien appréhender l’IA, il faut aller au-delà des algorithmes pour en saisir les effets.

Improving Teaching and Learning through Professional Growth Plans

This session will provide teachers with an opportunity to reflect on their understanding of provincial legislation, policy and other requirements related to teacher professional growth, promote awareness of the effective components of a professional growth plan, and share materials and tools that can be accessed to assist in the development of those plans. The session will also address the implications for teacher evaluation and permanent certification.

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Optimiser l’enseignement et l’apprentissage grâce aux plans de croissance professionnelle

Cette session offre à chacun l’occasion de réfléchir aux cadres juridiques, à la politique, et aux autres exigences relatives à la croissance professionnelle des enseignants; de se familiariser avec les composantes essentielles et efficaces du plan de croissance; et de découvrir les documents d’appuis et les outils à la disposition des enseignants pour élaborer un plan de croissance professionnelle. Le processus d’évaluation des enseignants et les exigences pour l’obtention du brevet d’enseignement permanent seront également abordés pendant la session.

Step into any classroom with confidence! This workshop series explores practical strategies for the substitute teaching context to help teachers build connections, create positive learning environments and keep students engaged—no matter the grade, subject or what the day brings. The series also explores career development guidance focused on résumés, interviews and professional growth. 

This workshop may be booked as a single workshop OR in a series of three workshops lasting 1 to 2 hours each. If booked as a series, the workshop topics will be organized as follows:

• Part 1—Building Relationships and Managing the Classroom

  In this session, we will focus on building connections and shaping a space where students feel safe, respected and ready to learn. We will explore practical strategies for fostering positive relationships and maintaining a classroom environment that balances warmth with structure. Designed to be flexible across grade levels and teaching contexts (including substitute teaching assignments), these approaches will help you respond effectively to challenges and create the kind of environment where both you and your students can thrive.

• Part 2—Student Engagement and Managing the Unexpected

  Get ready to explore practical, adaptable strategies that keep students engaged—no matter what the day brings. In this session, we will explore a versatile toolbox of strategies designed to spark curiosity, sustain attention and navigate the unexpected with confidence. Whether you are in your own classroom or working as a substitute teacher, these strategies can be tailored to different grade levels and learning contexts, helping you respond with flexibility while keeping learning on track.

• Part 3—Hiring Guidance and Career Development

  Let’s talk career growth! In this session, we will explore a variety of tips and tricks for creating, résumés, cover letters and application packages that get noticed. We will also cover skills to help you navigate interviews with confidence and career development opportunities in the teaching profession. 

Using AI to Enhance Human Centered Work

In this workshop participants will explore strategies that leverage AI to enhance communication and connection. We will explore the intersection of AI and our social and emotional world, professional considerations for leveraging AI tools for human-centered work, and versatile strategies that work with a variety of AI tools. Participants are encouraged to bring a device, such as a laptop or tablet, for the hands-on activities included in this workshop.

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Mieux maitriser la dimension humaine du travail grâce à l’IA

La participation à cet atelier sera l’occasion d’explorer des stratégies qui tirent parti de l’IA pour rehausser la qualité de la communication et des relations. Nous explorerons la manière dont l’IA et notre monde social et émotionnel interagissent, les facteurs d’ordre professionnel dont il faut tenir compte lors de l’utilisation d’outils d’IA dans le cadre d’un travail centré sur l’être humain, ainsi que des stratégies pouvant être employées avec une variété de différents outils d’IA. Les participants sont invités à apporter leur propre dispositif, tel qu’un ordinateur portable ou une tablette, en prévision des activités pratiques faisant partie de cet atelier.

When Students Get in Trouble—Alternatives to Consider

When students misbehave, numerous people are impacted and involved. This workshop will look at the factors that may be behind the behaviour, choices school staff have when responding, and ways to restore relationships and provide restitution. Topics covered will also include the value of positive culture, conscious connection and accountability.

Books for Belonging—Selecting Inclusive Resources for All Subjects (Revised)

Selecting teaching and learning resources is an essential part of our work as teachers. Through our resource selection practice, we create enriching student learning experiences and welcoming, inclusive classroom environments. In this session, you will work with teaching and learning resources (applicable to a variety of subject-areas and grade levels) to explore best practices for choosing and using resources for your classroom. Be ready for discussions related to professional considerations for resource selection, as well as resource selection practices related to classroom and school social, community and academic contexts.

*Note: This workshop (formerly titled Books for Belonging - Inclusive Texts for All Subjects K-6) has been revised to reflect current resource selection context.

Brains Over Bots: AI-Resistant Approaches for Authentic Learning

Generative AI has changed what students can produce—but not what they need to learn. This session reframes the challenge of teaching in the age of AI as a design opportunity. We’ll explore how you can create AI-resistant assignments that emphasize process, creativity, and authentic demonstrations of understanding. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can apply right away to reinforce real thinking in a world of artificial answers.

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Priorité au cerveau (et non aux robots) : favoriser l’apprentissage authentique à l’aide de stratégies qui réduisent l’attrait de l’IA

L’avènement de l’IA générative a transformé ce que les élèves sont en mesure de produire, sans toutefois changer ce qu’ils doivent apprendre. Cette séance présente le défi que représente l’enseignement à l’ère de l’IA sous un angle nouveau, soit comme une occasion à saisir en matière de conception pédagogique. Nous verrons comment il est possible de créer des activités qui réduisent l’attrait de l’IA en mettant l’accent sur les processus, la créativité et l’assimilation vérifiable des concepts étudiés. Vous repartirez avec des stratégies pratiques que vous pourrez mettre en application immédiatement afin de privilégier la réflexion authentique dans un monde de réponses artificielles.

Engaging All Students—Moving From Fact-Based To Concept-Based Learning Environments

This workshop will help participants build capacity in planning units, lessons and activities. Based on research and practice, the processes shared will show that approaching the design of instruction through concept-based learning and leveraging competencies helps create learning environments in which all students can achieve their greatest potential.

Evidence-Based Strategies for Deep Learning 

Cognitive Science has uncovered numerous practices that have been proven to help with deep and durable learning in any subject and for learners of every age. Participants will explore these practices as they implement new curricula into their classrooms to maximize learning and will leave with numerous specific strategies for implementing them in their classrooms. Practices included are: retrieval practice, spacing, interleaving, feedback-driven metacognition, elaborative interrogation, concrete examples and dual coding. 

Making Learning Meaningful: Hands-on Activities to Spark Creativity, Ignite Conversations and Promote Problem Solving

Join us for this engaging session as we delve into the world of meaningful, hands-on activities that will spark creativity, ignite conversations, and promote problem-solving skills. Be prepared to embark on a cross-curricular journey of discovery, armed with a wide array of practical resources and innovative ideas. Participants are guaranteed to leave the workshop with a collection of carefully curated activities and lessons that you can seamlessly integrate into your classroom, starting as early as Monday morning.

UDL Meets EAL—Empowerment for All Learners

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a powerful framework that can significantly enhance educational outcomes for all students, including students who are English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners. This workshop aims to empower educators with practical strategies to create inclusive and effective learning environments where all students, including those with diverse linguistic backgrounds, can thrive.

Unlocking the Power of Numbers—Building Versatile Numeracy Skills in All Subjects 

Numeracy skills belong in all subjects – not just math class! Join this engaging session to explore versatile numeracy skills that can be applied to a variety of subjects, concepts, and contexts. Come prepared to engage in a variety of activities and discussions to explore the benefits and potential of discipline-embedded numeracy skills.

Libérer le pouvoir des nombres : développer des compétences transversales en numératie pour toutes les matières 

Les compétences en numératie doivent être intégrées à toutes les matières, et non seulement aux cours de mathématiques! Prenez part à cette séance passionnante pour explorer des compétences numériques transversales qui peuvent s’appliquer à une variété de matières, de concepts et de contextes. Préparez-vous à participer à une variété d’activités et d’échanges dans le but d’explorer les avantages et le potentiel de l’intégration des compétences en numératie aux différentes disciplines.

STEM Education to Save the World

STEM Education can save the world and bring hope and excitement to learning along with building vital skills and attitudes for students and staff. STEM involves students participating in cross-disciplinary activities in (S)cience, (T)echnology, (E)ngineering, and (M)ath along with potential connections to many other subjects. With the draft K-6 curriculum including computer science and environmental stewardship and sustainability across all grades, integrating STEM activities with an environmental focus can be a great approach to meeting many of these curricular outcomes. Participants will leave with a greater understanding of the value of STEM activities and will see examples of how schools can begin integrating a STEM approach in their schools. 

Growing Into STEM with Micro:bits

In this fun, hands-on session, participants will be introduced to the BBC Micro:bit $35 computing device as an extremely student-friendly (even in elementary), flexible, powerful, low-cost tool to focus around as schools build environmental STEM education in their schools. This easy-to-use (yet powerful) tool can be programmed through a modern web browser, and participants in this beginner session will experience success through multiple introductory programming activities. The ATA Library has Micro:bit kits and other supporting resources available to be signed out at no cost to ATA members. Participants in this hands-on session will require a computer or Chromebook.

Environmental STEM Projects with Micro:bits

This session builds on the previous “Growing Into STEM with Micro:bits” session. In this hands-on session, participants will explore multiple hands-on environmental STEM activities including controlling low-power LED lights, water conservation by building an automatic plant watering system, and programming robots/cars powered with alternative energy sources including electric vehicles. The environmental add-on kits to the Micro:bit are available for sign out through the ATA Library at no cost to ATA members. Participants in this hands-on session will require a computer or Chromebook.

Building Compassion Resilience (3-Part Workshop Series)

Compassion resilience is “the ability to maintain physical, emotional and mental well-being while responding compassionately”, and the best way to build this resilience is to develop excellent self-care strategies. This interactive workshop can be facilitated over a series of sessions. Throughout the sessions, participants are given strategies and ideas to use in developing their own personalized professional self-care plan. 

Topics include: 
• Understanding self-compassion
• Dimensions of wellness
• Mindfulness
• Power of positivity
• Managing emotions
• Self-critic to self-confident
• Positive pathways (journaling, gratitude, kindness and play)
• Empathy and intentional listening 
• Community building
• Trust and boundaries

Care and Connect—Social and Emotional Learning (3-Part Workshop Series)

Now, more than ever, there is a need to look at practices and systems that nurture the social and emotional health of all members of the school community. This workshop was developed to enhance the social-emotional skills of adults within a school environment so that they can more effectively model and teach SEL to their students. This interactive workshop can be facilitated over a series of sessions in which participants will learn and apply practical, powerful strategies to enhance social and emotional competence within themselves and their students.

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La puissance des liens et de la bienveillance : outils et pratiques d'apprentissage socioémotionnel

Maintenant, plus que jamais, il y a un besoin d’examiner les pratiques et les systèmes qui favorisent la santé sociale et émotionnelle de tous les membres de la communauté scolaire. Cet atelier a été conçu dans l’objectif de rehausser les compétences socioémotionnelles des adultes du milieu scolaire et leur efficacité en ce qui a trait à l’enseignement des compétences socioémotionnelles à leurs élèves et à leur capacité de servir de modèles à cet égard. Il s’agit d’un atelier interactif pouvant être réparti en plusieurs séances au cours desquelles les participants apprendront et mettront en pratique des stratégies tout aussi pratiques que puissantes pour renforcer leurs compétences sociales et émotionnelles et celles de leurs élèves.

Executive Function—Essential Skills for Deep Learning and Emotional Regulation (3-Part Workshop Series)

Executive function skills are critical for success both within the school environment and in our lives outside of school. While we are born with the capacity for executive function, these skills need to be modeled, coached, and practiced over the course of our lifetimes if we are to become self-regulated, organized, and collaborative learners. Join us as we explore fundamental knowledge, skills and strategies that support students in developing their executive function. Through this workshop, we will explore executive function skills and development, opportunities to explicitly teach executive function skills, and executive function strength training strategies.

This workshop may be booked as a single workshop OR in a series of three 1-1.5 hour workshops. If booked as a three-workshop series, the workshop topics will be organized as such:

• Executive Function 101
• Executive Function Development and Support Strategies
• Executive Function Strength Training Strategies

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Fonctions executives: compétences essentielles pour l’apprentissage en profondeur et la régulation émotionnelle (série de trois ateliers)

Les fonctions exécutives constituent un ensemble de compétences essentielles pour réussir à la fois dans l’environnement scolaire et dans notre vie en dehors de l’école. Bien que nous naissions avec la capacité d’exercer des fonctions    exécutives, ces compétences doivent être modélisées, encadrées et mises en pratique tout au long de notre vie si nous voulons devenir des apprenants capables d’autorégulation, d’organisation et de collaboration. Joignez-vous à nous afin d’explorer les connaissances fondamentales, les compétences et les stratégies qui aident les élèves à développer leurs fonctions exécutives. Au cours de cet atelier, nous explorerons les compétences associées aux fonctions exécutives et leur développement, les occasions d’enseignement explicite des compétences associées aux fonctions exécutives et les stratégies de renforcement des fonctions exécutives.

Mental Health 101

Similar to first aid training, this workshop will give teachers the basic information they need to identify and help students who may be experiencing mental health issues. Lessons learned in this workshop are not confined to the classroom however, and the skills acquired will also help teachers understand the feelings their colleagues, and even themselves, may be experiencing at times. Participants will leave with practical strategies and interventions to promote positive mental health.

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Santé mentale 101

Semblable à la formation en secourisme, cet atelier fournit aux enseignants les renseignements de base dont ils ont besoin pour identifier et aider les élèves qui pourraient éprouver des problèmes de santé mentale. Les leçons apprises dans cet atelier ne sont toutefois pas limitées à la salle de classe. En effet, les compétences acquises aideront aussi les enseignants à comprendre les émotions et sentiments que leurs collègues ou eux-mêmes peuvent éprouver parfois. Et les diverses stratégies et interventions pratiques présentées leur permettront de quitter l’atelier mieux armés pour promouvoir une bonne santé mentale.

Recognizing and Addressing Anxiety in Schools

School staff are increasingly challenged to support individuals with all levels of anxiety and related behaviours. This workshop will provide information about the most common anxiety disorders, examine how these disorders impact people, and provide participants with strategies to help support those affected cope and manage.

Resilience and Regulation: Supporting Students with Challenging Behaviours

Join us for an interactive and empowering workshop that explores strategies for supporting students through challenging behaviours. This session focuses on approaches that cultivate student resilience, as well as strategies to support our own resilience as we respond to challenging moments of student behaviour. Through activities, discussion, and reflection, we will explore a variety of techniques that support students with challenging behaviour and care for our own wellbeing, at once.

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Résilience and regulation: soutenir les élèves ayant un comportement difficile

Joignez-vous à nous pour un atelier interactif et stimulant où vous découvrirez plusieurs stratégies pour soutenir les élèves qui affichent des comportements difficiles. Cette séance cible en particulier les approches qui privilégient la résilience des élèves, ainsi que les stratégies visant à soutenir notre propre résilience lorsque nous réagissons face au comportement difficile de certains élèves. Par le biais d’activités, de discussions et de réflexions, nous explorerons différentes techniques qui peuvent à la fois aider les élèves qui affichent un comportement difficile, et nous aider à veiller à notre propre bienêtre.

REVISED—Supporting Gender and Relationship Diversity in School Communities

Now, more than ever, there is a need to enhance school community supports for people who identify as gender and/or relationship-diverse. In this workshop, participants will examine how purposeful language choices, understanding identity and privilege, and implementing specific support strategies can help to create a supportive, inclusive environment. As well, participants will discuss practices for authentic allyship in school communities.

Take a LEAP: Unlearning Racial Bias

Join this session to explore the complex dynamics between unconscious beliefs, bias, and the impact these factors have on educational environments. Focused on building a deeper understanding of how these factors can perpetuate stereotypes and hinder student growth, this session includes discussions and practical exercises that will challenge assumptions that perpetuate labels and stereotypes. By embracing a ‘LEAP’ approach—actively listening, engaging, asking questions, and providing support we will work together to enhance our own understanding of diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Developing Our Shared Mission and Vision

Strategic planning is a key element in building a shared commitment to school improvement and developing the staff team. This workshop is designed to facilitate the development of a school’s shared mission, vision and values and will be customized to align with the school context. Participants will work through a series of collaborative activities and processes to modify an existing statement or develop new mission and vision statements. Using consensus-building activities, this workshop will encourage dialogue and collaboration among members of staff, resulting in a shared commitment to school improvement.

L'insertion professionnelle des enseignants débutants

Cet atelier permettra aux leadeurs scolaires de mieux comprendre les défis uniques auxquels font face les enseignants débutants et l’importance cruciale de la communauté scolaire pour favoriser leur insertion professionnelle. Deux thèmes principaux seront abordés : les dernières recherches sur les tendances démographiques actuelles dans l’enseignement, et les stratégies pratiques efficaces que les leadeurs scolaires peuvent mettre en place.

Instructional Leadership to Optimize Student Learning and Staff Development

Research tells us that the role of the principal as instructional leader is an extremely important one in today’s schools. In this workshop, participants will look at ways to build staff capacity, cultivate a positive school culture and environment, foster strong relationships, and support evidence-informed teaching practices.

Tend the Garden – Starting and Sustaining Change in Schools

Do you have a project, program, or initiative you'd like to get started? Join this session to explore the science behind what makes short- and long-term programs, projects and initiatives successful. This discussion-focused session will lead you through the process for planning, implementing and sustaining a successful program over time. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to bring ideas for programming, projects, and initiatives they would like to implement in their own context.