CALP Connections: January 2026
Literacy & Learning Symposium 2026, Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities, Outstanding Contribution Award, and more...
A Message from Tanya Klappe,
CLN Board Vice Chair
CLN Board Vice Chair
Illuminating Sustainable Organizations
Through Connection
In a world that shifts like sand,
Needs change and technology continues to expand,
Demographics paint a vibrant hue,
Learning needs remain steadfast and true.
CALPs stand strong in every town,
Lifting learners when hope feels down.
Challenged but resilient, they brace and spin,
Opening doors where dreams begin.
Yet foundational needs still call our name, literacy, learning—the timeless flame.
So how to stay current, bold, and bright,
Despite the climb of the mountain’s height?
Remember, behind this local spark,
A network works to leave its mark—
CLN, the steady hand,
Strengthening roots across the land.
Training, tools, and voices loud,
Advocacy that makes us proud,
Together they weave a lasting thread,
Connecting futures where hope is spread.
From funding councils or the G.O.A.’s gate,
Capital flows to innovate,
Many circles joined, a system whole,
Empowering minds, enriching soul.
In this world of flux and flow,
Together we can illuminate and grow.
The connection between us, strong and true,
In purpose, passion, and learners too.
And yet how do we keep sustainability in sight?
There are still many challenges, right?
By CALPs and CLN keeping the dialogue bright,
Exploring new ways to sustain the light.
Thus, our efforts should continue—
Join us for some conversation, please, you!
Come tell us, what’s in your shopping cart?
We’d be so pleased for you to take part.
The CLN board is brewing delight,
Some collective fun hides out of sight.
Join us in person, don’t miss the cue,
What’s waiting for you?
Only presence will do!
Please join the CLN Board on
February 12, 2026
from 11:00 to 12:00 pm to discuss
sustainable organizations.
Let’s Illuminate!
Literacy & Learning Symposium 2026 Update
Dates: Wednesday, April 29 to Thursday, April 30
Location: Wyndham Edmonton Hotel and Conference Centre in Edmonton, AB
Our Symposium 2025 Theme is: “Illuminate”
This year, we're all about making learning and learners visible in Community Adult Learning Programs, helping to clarify or explain resources and information that equip our system. Illuminate new ideas, make new information visible, shine a beam on connecting with others and leave with bright hope for the future of adult learning. It’s time to illuminate adult learning!
REGISTRATION OPENING SOON!
Save the date!
Symposium Registration will open on February 11, 2026.
Symposium breakout sessions fill up quickly, as our event is designed to inspire and engage.
Unsure of which sessions may be most relevant for you?
Reach out to your Regional Support Staff for a conversation! Attending Symposium 2026 provides you opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute in a vibrant community committed to “illuminating” the world of adult literacy and foundational learning.
CALPx PRESENTERS
CALPx Talks
In the spirit of TED Talks, on our main stage, we have curated our own independently organized event called, “CALPx Talks”. This session will feature two 20-minute speakers on thought-provoking topics.
We are pleased to share with you the two CALPx Presenters for Symposium 2026!
CALPx PRESENTER | APRIL 30, 2026
KIMBERLY LYALL
If you’ve ever led through chaos and thought, ‘Is it just me?’, our speaker is here to say “Nope! Glad to meet you!” Kimberly has spent over 25 years guiding corporations, nonprofits, and governments through complex challenges. Her strategies for success are easy, proven, and make life feel good again!
CALPx PRESENTER | APRIL 30, 2026
RALF ST. CLAIR
Ralf St. Clair is a professor of education at the University of Victoria. He has worked in literacy in Canada, the US and his native Scotland. He has written widely on adult education and literacy, and been read narrowly. One of Ralf’s great pleasures is meeting literacy practitioners and hearing about their experiences. Another is hiking in the mountains and forests of Canada. One day he will go hiking with literacy practitioners and his life will be complete.
Symposium Questions?
Please contact:
Tanis Harms
PD & Events Specialist
Community Learning Network
pdevents@calp.ca
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Training for Instruction
Staff Picks: Teaching Writing: Strategies & Resources (Jan 14)
Digital Tools and Test-Taking Strategies for the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) – Facilitator Toolkit (Jan 20)
Family Literacy Learning Lab (Jan 20)
Assessing Reading using Readforward (Mar 3, 10, 17) Save the date!
Bitesize Learning:
- Our Brain & Reading: (Feb 3)
- Five Components of Reading: (Feb 19)
- Authentic material for reading instruction: (Mar 9) Save the date!
- Language Experience Approach (Apr 7) Save the date!
Training for New CALP Staff
Introduction to Adult Foundational Learning
- Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 (morning)
- Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18 (afternoon)
- May 14, 21, 28, June 4, 11 (morning) Save the date!
Welcome to CALP! (Jan 22)
LFL Sleuths: Investigating Adult Foundational Learning (Feb 25)
Training for CALP Management
Advocacy for Anyone (Feb 2) or (Feb 5)
Volunteer Tutor Masterclass (March 12, 19, 26)
CALP Database Learning Lab (May 12, 27, June 17)
Take Time for Your Wellness
Wellness Lunch & Learn Series:
Join in the Conversations
CALP Community Talks About…
What’s New in Adult Literacy (Jan 29)
Strategic Conversations Series:
- Showing compassion and leading with empathy (Feb 10)
- Our relationships with ourselves and others (Mar 23) Save the date!
- Challenging systems and a desire for change (Apr 14) Save the date!
- Celebrating success and bringing hope (May 13) Save the date!
Professional Communities
North and West Connections Café (Feb 17)
South Connections Café (Jan 26) (Feb 25)
Blog Backtrack:
Missed a post? We've got your back.
Missed a post? We've got your back.
Tech Without the Jargon
https://calp.ca/blog/tech-without-the-jargon-2025-12-18
Opening Doors with Digital Skills
https://calp.ca/blog/opening-doors-with-digital-skills-2025-12-08
Reluctant Advocates: Write Letters
https://calp.ca/blog/reluctant-advocates-write-letters-2025-12-01
Mute vs. Unmute
https://calp.ca/blog/mute-vs-unmute--everyday-digital-skills-2025-11-28
Outstanding Contribution to Adult Learning Timeline
The CLN Board of Directors is pleased to announce we will be honouring the Outstanding Contribution to Adult Learning Award recipient at the Symposium on April 30, 2026. Begin thinking about who you want to nominate, as the deadline to submit nominations is March 20, 2026. You will want to look at the achievements of an individual or organization over the past year, between March 2025 – March 2026.
The nomination package is available now and can be accessed on the Portal. We will remind you over the coming months to submit your nomination prior to the March 20, 2026 deadline.
The CLN Board of Directors is looking forward to seeing all the great work being done in CALPs around the province.
Literacy in Action
AI is fast becoming a part of our life, therefore it’s important we learn about AI Literacy. AI Literacy is the ability to understand the basics of AI, recognize its capabilities, know its limitations and use it responsibly.
Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy has created an AI Toolkit. It is designed to help adult literacy instructors develop their skills and competencies in using AI tools for instructional purposes.
The AI Toolkit is divided into two parts, with Part 1 focused on developing our skills in using AI such as understanding AI, ethics, and limitations, and includes practice scenarios for writing prompts. Part 2 is about using AI to create lesson plans and how to support adult learners in using AI.
One-on-one coaching on using AI in CALP is now available through CLN.
This Month's Spotlight
Family Literacy Day takes place every January 27th to raise awareness about the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family.
Since 1999, schools, libraries, literacy organizations and other community groups across the country have taken part in the initiative. ABC creates free learning and promotional resources for anyone that wants to get involved.
Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development, improving a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improve their skills as well.
Quote of the Day
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.
- Hal Borland