Learning Opportunities

Julia Drefs is a strong advocate for student-centered assessment, believing that high expectations, curiosity with relevant & engaging learning, community partnerships, and intentional student growth with increasing learner confidence makes education joyful for all. Ultimately, Julia advocates for collaborations and common understandings among Alberta educators to foster student success.

 Drawing from over three decades of diverse experience in education, Julia is an avid reader of pedagogical research. She has degrees from Western University (UWO), McGill University, and a Master of Education in 21st Century Teaching and Learning with the University of PEI. She has taught grades 5-9, served as a principal, mentored teachers, and supported teachers in the areas of curriculum and assessment. Her lifelong commitment to language education is evidenced by her academic pursuits in French, German, and Russian across various universities, including international studies in Nice, France; her support for student exchanges; and as an examiner for le Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF). 

Areas Of Expertise

Curriculum

• Concept Based Learning, Instruction, and Assessment
• Support for Implementation

Language Arts

• Reading and Writing - the entwined literacies
• Anchor and Mentor texts
• Literature Circles
• Vocabulary Best Practices

Leadership

• Coaching (Cognitive Coaching, Jim Knight, Erickson)
• Mentoring new teachers

Pedagogy

• Conceptual Understanding and Transfer of Learning
• Assessment Practices (Transfer, DoK, student goals)
• Student Engagement
• Socratic Circles
• Flexible Groupings

"Wisdom begins in wonder." Socrates

Chris is a Designer of Professional Learning with NRLC and with the Central Office of The Consortium. She recently served as the Director of Instruction and Staff Development for the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Division as well as Wetaskiwin Regional Schools. Throughout her 40+ year career as a teacher, administrator, Examiner with Alberta Education, author and assessment & pedagogical consultant with McGraw Hill/Nelson Publishing, Chris continues her passion for learning and sharing her experiences. With years of experience and opportunities to amass a variety of resources and approaches to pedagogy and assessment, Chris continues to read and stay up-to-date with the current literature and research. “Deepening our students' learning begins with us as educators - having a deep understanding of our subject, and a toolbox full of strategies to pull out as needed.” Come join Chris as she helps fill that toolbox and challenges your thinking!