Ready to transform student learning and reflection? In this session, discover how Book Creator can be used as a powerful digital portfolio to set goals, showcase growth, and highlight classroom achievements throughout the year. We will share how digital portfolios can be used during parent conferences to connect families to student learning. You'll leave with practical ideas for making student growth visible and meaningful. Please bring a laptop or tablet to participate in active learning during the session.
I've spent the last 18 years on a thrilling journey as an educator. My mission? To ignite a passion for reading and make technology an accessible, empowering tool for all students. It's not just about teaching; it's about opening doors to new worlds and possibilities. Let's explore... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT B123
Discover how to transform your teaching practice with the power of artificial intelligence and gamified assessments. In this hands-on session, educators will explore how SchoolAI can support personalized learning and generate differentiated content with ease. We’ll also dive into Quizizz, an engaging platform that turns assessments into fun, interactive experiences for students of all ages. Learn how to integrate both tools to boost student engagement, track progress in real time, and make data-driven instructional decisions. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas, templates, and the confidence to bring AI-powered tools into your classroom.
IXL in Action: Smarter Planning, Stronger Engagement- Let IXL lighten your load with powerful tools designed to save you time and spark student interest—all in just a few clicks. In this session, we’ll explore IXL’s newest features, including updated engagement tools, assessment enhancements, SparkStudio, and exciting new interactive games. Walk away with fresh ideas and easy-to-use strategies to supercharge your instructional planning and boost classroom engagement.
OrbiNote is a Google Extension which allows the user to create, convert and manage pdf documents. OrbiNote contains tools that will make the pdfs accessible to all students by providing text to speech, voice dictation, annotation, spelling ,dictionary and math supports.
I am the Assistive Technology Coordinator for NNPS. I am part of a three-person team that works closely with the ITC's to provide Universal Supports for ALL students in NNPS. While our focus is on students with special needs we recognize that ALL students could benefit from using... Read More →
Join us for a dynamic session focused on practical strategies to support diverse learners and create an inclusive, engaging classroom for all. Participants will learn how to differentiate instruction, build on students’ strengths, and foster a sense of belonging. You’ll leave with adaptable tools and resources to meet a wide range of learning needs. Please bring a notebook, a pen, and a lesson plan or activity you’d like to adapt for diverse learners.
Join us for an interactive session on app smashing with eMediaVA! Learn how to combine eMediaVA’s free digital resources with tools like MagicSchool, Edpuzzle, Gimkit, and Nearpod to boost student engagement. Discover practical strategies and creative ideas to enhance your lessons, whether you're a beginner or a pro. Don’t miss this chance to innovate your teaching with top edtech tools!
Engage and inspire your students with eMediaVA, Virginia’s premier digital media content library. Access tens of thousands of free, innovative, and SOL-aligned media and content. eMediaVA is available to all public and private schools in Virginia free of charge. Unlock the power... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT B131
This session focuses on the seamless integration of Digital Learning Standards of Learning into instruction, helping educators create engaging and innovative learning experiences. Educators will examine practical ways to use the VDOE's instructional guides creating meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, we will explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in education and how it can enhance digital learning strategies. Through interactive discussions, participants will gain insights into digital learning integration and its role in supporting student development aligned with the profile of a graduate.
Ready to engage your students’ voices in a new way? In this session, you’ll explore how Adobe Express’s “Animate with Audio” can build language proficiency, boost speaking confidence, and support creativity. You will create your own video recording, see how lessons integrate smoothly in Canvas using the External Tool, and leave with ideas to incorporate this school year. No matter what you're teaching, this flexible tool has something to offer. Bring a laptop to follow along!
In this interactive professional development session, discover how podcasting can transform student engagement and empower learners to share their voices in meaningful ways. We will explore the full process — from planning and instruction to creating and assessing student podcasts. You will get a behind-the-scenes look at how structured podcasting projects can enhance communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity across content areas. Participants will also receive a hands-on introduction to Soundtrap, a user-friendly digital platform that makes podcast production accessible for all students. Walk away with practical strategies, instructional best practices, and tech tips you can immediately apply in your own classroom.
I have been in education for over 30 years. I previously taught secondary science for 10 years in private and public school settings. I've been an Instructional Technology Coach for over 20 years and I absolutely love what I do. I work for Newport News Public Schools and am... Read More →
In this session, participants will explore the creative potential of Adobe Express to design AI-generated images and characters. They will learn how to utilize Adobe Animate Your Voice to bring these characters to life with dynamic speech and animation. Through hands-on activities, attendees will create a unique animated narrative, integrating voiceovers to enhance storytelling. By the end of the workshop, participants will have the skills to produce engaging, animated content that combines visual creativity with interactive elements.
My name is Dr. Tysha Batts. I have been a teacher for over 15 years. I have also worked as a STEM Education Specialist with Virginia Space Grant Consortium where I managed a STEM summer program. As a contractor for NASA, I worked on creating curricula that follows the Artemis missions... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT C152
Kickstart your school year by building strong relationships, creating a welcoming classroom culture, and making learning irresistible! In this interactive session, we’ll explore strategies for fostering positive teacher-student connections, designing an environment where every learner feels valued, and using gamification techniques to boost excitement and engagement. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will energize your classroom and set the tone for a year of meaningful learning and fun! Please bring a smartphone, laptop, or iPad to actively participate in the session activities!
¡Hola! Soy Bree. I am a high school Spanish teacher committed to enhancing student engagement through gamified instruction, with the goal of creating a welcoming and positive learning environment. I prioritize building positive, supportive relationships with my students as a foundation... Read More →
This session will explore how to create self-checking code within Desmos activities to enhance student engagement and provide immediate feedback in mathematics instruction. Participants will learn how to use Computation Layer (CL) scripting to build interactive, responsive elements in their lessons. By the end of the session, attendees will have hands-on experience designing and customizing self-checking math tasks for their own classrooms.
Join us for an engaging session on how to enhance literacy skills through sensory integration techniques! Participants will explore innovative strategies that incorporate tactile, auditory, and visual elements to create a dynamic learning environment. Discover practical activities and resources that promote literacy development while catering to diverse learners' needs. Let's transform literacy education together!
session will explore the innovative integration of Makey Makey technology to engage students in language arts, specifically focusing on poetry and storytelling and music. The session will demonstrate how interactive, hands-on strategies can transform the learning experience for students, making complex concepts in poetry and storytelling and music accessible, fun, and memorable. Participants will leave with concrete strategies to apply in their classrooms to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
This session will provide educators with various ways to engage and encourge scholars wth IXL. IXL Group Jams, Quizzes, Leaderboards, and Analytics will be explored to promote learning in Math, English, and Science. Please bring your charged laptop to the seesion and be ready to Jam!
Today’s classroom can feel like juggling fire—but it doesn’t have to. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to remix a lesson you already use into a self-paced powerhouse using the 4E framework. Just like the teachers in the one-room schoolhouse, you’ll discover how to meet the needs of all your learners—without running yourself ragged. I will show you how to build student ownership, integrate digital tools, and differentiate instruction while streamlining your workload. Come ready to roll up your sleeves and rethink your teaching—one remix at a time.
Get ready to bring collaboration to life in your classroom! In this hands-on session, we’ll break down the logistics of successful station teaching—from planning with purpose to grouping students and managing time and behavior. Then, experience the magic for yourself as you rotate through engaging, sensory-rich stations featuring blacklight, games, music, tech, and art. Walk away with practical strategies and fresh inspiration to meet the needs of every learner. Come ready to move, create, and collaborate!
Learn how to use Canva to create stop motion animation videos with K-12 students in any subject matter. Your students will have so much fun creating their own short videos, they won’t even realize they are learning and reviewing along the way!
Middle School Visual Arts Teacher, Newport News Public Schools
I am the Art teacher at Palmer Elementary School. This is going to be my 9th year teaching Art. I enjoy incorporating the general education curriculum into all of my art lessons.
Take digital learning to the next level by appsmashing Book Creator with powerful tools like MagicSchool AI, Wakelet, WeWillWrite, Adobe Image Generator, Canva, and Nearpod. Learn how to integrate AI, multimedia, design, and interactive lessons to amplify student voice, boost engagement, and create dynamic, student-centered learning experiences. Bring your laptop and get ready to create hands-on, classroom-ready content!
Lisa Lynk is an experienced educator with over 20 years in the field, dedicated to enhancing teaching and learning through technology. As a VSTE Certified Coach and Canvas Certified Educator, Lisa brings a wealth of expertise in integrating digital tools into the classroom. As a Book... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT C150
Explore how Nearpod can be leveraged to foster independent student success and meaningful differentiation during small group instruction. This session will demonstrate how interactive lessons support engagement, accountability, and individualized learning pathways, ensuring that all students' needs are met. Using a literacy classroom example—with strategies easily adaptable across content areas—you will gain practical tools to enhance small group instruction and promote equitable learning outcomes. Join us to discuss how we can help every learner thrive.
In this engaging session, educators will explore practical ways to help students strengthen their creative thinking through targeted, skill-building activities. Participants will examine sample lessons that feature creative and engaging assignments designed to spark curiosity and deeper understanding. The session will also guide teachers in transforming traditional curriculum tasks into student-centered opportunities for creative expression and ownership of learning. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that make room for imagination, voice, and choice in any classroom.
Hi, I’m Sarah Garrity, I’ve been an educator for 35 years. For 25 years I’ve worked at all levels (K-12) as an Instructional Technology Coach in Newport News Public Schools. I am a staunch advocate for creativity in all people and am especially focused on student centered learning... Read More →
Welcome to this 1-hour course introducing Code.org, an interactive platform that teaches students the basics of computer science through block-based coding. With activities tailored to different ages and skill levels, Code.org makes learning to code fun and accessible for young learners. In this session, you’ll explore how the platform works, what resources it offers, and how it can be used in both classroom and enrichment settings. Coding helps students build essential skills like problem-solving, sequencing, prediction, and perseverance, which are valuable in academics and everyday life. It encourages a growth mindset by teaching students to break down problems and adapt when things don’t go as planned. Please bring a fully charged laptop to participate in this session.
I like to talk about anything that has to do with education... technology, curriculum, student engagement, classroom environment, professional development, etc... anything and everything; you have my ear!
Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT A105
Get ready to fall back in love with Nearpod! In this upbeat session, you'll discover quick, easy ways to enhance your daily lesson slides and check for understanding on the spot. Walk away with fresh, practical ideas you can use in your classroom! Bring a laptop and your usual lesson slides to make the most of this hands-on session!
Instructional Technology Coach, Newport News Public Schools
Hi there! My name is Brandelyn Kemp and I am currently an iSTEM teacher at Sedgefield Elementary School. I love finding ways to integrate technology into the classroom and helping teachers do so as well. Want to chat about all things edtech, feel free to reach out!
Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT A111
Join us for an exciting professional development session where you'll embark on a digital scavenger hunt using Goosechase! Explore the wide range of instructional technologies for elementary classrooms featured at the iNNovation Station while completing fun, interactive missions. Collaborate with colleagues to share insights and practical applications for integrating featured technology in the classroom. Compete to earn points and secure your place on the leaderboard. No prior experience with the Goosechase app is necessary. Materials will be provided for the duration of the session.
Instructional Technology Coach, Dept. of Teaching & Learning
Join me in exploring the exciting world of instructional technology! With a decade of experience in education and Newport News Public Schools, I currently serve as an Instructional Technology Coach. During my time as a classroom teacher, I had the pleasure of teaching Biology I, Human... Read More →
Instructional Technology Coach, Dept. of Teaching & Learning
I just finished my 26th year in the Newport News Public School system! For the first 7 years I taught 8th grade English and Telecommunications at Huntington Middle School. For the last 19 years I've been an Instructional Technology Coach helping faculty and staff throughout the school... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT B123
Did you know that all Newport News students are provided a free Canva account? Learn how to make the most out of this amazing tool, to spark engaging projects, promote group learning, create seating charts, and even play exciting review games, all on ONE website. Participants will need to bring their laptops, and having a Canva account already set up is a plus.
My name is Olivia Germann-Mc Clain (she/they), or as my students call me, "GMC"! I serve as the Fine Arts Lead as well as the director of the Creative Writing program at Woodside High School here in Newport News, where we focus on storytelling through the lens of poetry, fiction... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT B231
Discover how Lumio software and SMART Technologies hardware can transform your classroom into an interactive, collaborative learning space. In this session, you'll explore hands-on strategies for using SMART displays and Lumio to engage students, personalize instruction, and simplify lesson delivery. Learn how to create dynamic activities, integrate with your favorite tools, and leverage real-time feedback to boost student outcomes. Whether you're new to SMART or looking to level up your use, this session will equip you with practical tips to bring learning to life.
This professional development session will empower educators to leverage IXL as a precision tool for math instruction. Participants will learn how to use diagnostic data to identify student learning gaps, utilize the Live Classroom feature to provide real-time feedback, and implement goal-setting strategies to motivate students and monitor their progress toward mastery.
By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to: • Use IXL diagnostic reports to plan differentiated instruction more effectively. • Engage students actively during math practice using real-time monitoring and feedback. • Foster a goal-driven classroom environment where students are motivated to work toward mastery. • Maximize the potential of IXL as an instructional partner to support sustained student growth and achievement.
Is the "one size fits all" model failing you and your students? When you incorporate student agency through student choice and voice, you will transform that ho-hum lesson into something meaningful. You'll learn how to incorporate student voice using tools like Canvas Studio and student choice throughout the lesson using tools from Google, Canvas, and Canva.
This is my twenty-fifth year in education, starting as a Spanish teacher. Through integration of technology in project-based assessment, I became a permanent attendee at division edtech trainings. I transitioned from teacher to coach to assist other teachers in integrating technology... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT A111
What if the solution to cell phone addiction is already in your students’ hands—just in a different form? This dynamic session explores how photography can turn scrolling into storytelling by teaching students to trade TikToks for tripods and harness the creative power of the lens. You’ll discover how the same skills students use on their phones—like framing, editing, and sharing—can transfer seamlessly to digital cameras with purpose and passion. Photography becomes the bridge, transforming tech distraction into meaningful media creation. It’s not about banning phones—it’s about reframing their habits into lifelong, career-ready visual skills.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is built on core computer science principles. By integrating foundational CS concepts like computational thinking, algorithmic design, and data analysis into instruction, K-8 educators can provide students with the foundation of AI literacy. This foundation not only helps students understand AI concepts but also empowers them to think critically about how AI systems work and impact their world. This session will explore how the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning integrate key AI concepts aligned with the Five Big Ideas of AI—Perception, Representation & Reasoning, Learning, Human-AI Interaction, and Social Impact, which is essential in understanding how AI works.
Join us for an interactive session focused on maximizing Book Creator’s potential. Participants will gain practical strategies to drive student engagement, foster creativity, and support academic growth in elementary classrooms.
Betsy Orlando has been an Instructional Technology Coach with Newport News Public Schools for the past 14 years. Prior to that, she was an ITRT with Norfolk Public Schools for 5 years and a classroom teacher in Norfolk and Florida for 10 years. Betsy enjoys sharing her passion for... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT A105
Discover the future of education with Merge EDU, a hands-on digital learning platform that helps students learn science and STEM effectively using digital teaching aids and simulations they can touch, hold and interact with. In this session, you will get an overview of the Merge EDU platform, and see how it bridges the gap between abstract concepts and tangible experiences for your students. You'll gain insights into how Merge EDU engages students with hands-on activities, empowering them to touch, hold, and interact with virtual objects, which fosters a deeper understanding of complex topics. Every attendee will receive a free Merge Cube!
Isabella Gipson is the Director of Channel Sales at Merge. She has been with the company for over 7 years, and played a pivotal role in onboarding the first 100 Merge EDU customers. In her role, she collaborates with resellers (including Bluum), personally visits schools to showcase... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT B131
Do you have an extracurricular club or team that involves multiple students in several of your classes or even students not enrolled in ANY of your classes? And do you have issues being able to communicate with all of them and in need of a communication hub? If so, this session is for you on how to use Google Classroom to communicate and even have students manage to make sure everyone is on the same page, have student choice, and learn how to properly communicate with each other using technology for good!
Theatre Arts educator for a total of 18 years. Taught middle and high school throughout my career. Creating a conducive environment that's safe, encourages student leadership, teamwork, and pushing students to strive for their best is intrinsically what my entire job is all about.Both... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT A109
Kick off the year with a fresh look at lesson planning through the lens of student engagement, feedback, and gamification! In this interactive session, you will explore how to infuse lessons with high-energy digital tools like Quizizz, Gimkit, and Blooket to spark curiosity and drive participation. We'll begin with "Get to Know You" activities using these tools to model how to build relationships and community from Day One.Then, we will dive into refresher demos of each tool, followed by hands-on "Make and Take" time to create engaging, feedback-driven lesson activities they can use immediately in the classroom.
I am currently an Instructional Technology Coach for Newport News Public Schools. I have worked in the secondary, and post secondary arena for over 10 years. I started my career as an Elementary school teacher and returned to that role during the 2022-2023 school year.
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT C152
Research consistently shows that student-centered activities enhance student success. In this session, participants will engage in a station rotation model designed to promote active student engagement and meaningful discussion around content. We will also explore strategies for differentiating instruction and scaffolding to support learners with diverse needs and proficiency levels. Please bring a laptop to fully participate in this blended learning experience.
Lead Social Studies Teacher, Newport News Public Schools
Hi everyone! I am Kathleen Pessini and this will be my 18th year of teaching. I taught 2 years in West Virginia and then taught 8 years at Hines Middle. I switched over to Virginia Beach at Lynnhaven Middle for 5 years and then decided I wanted to come back to Newport News. This... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT B127
What happens when curiosity meets choice in a tech-rich early-learning environment? In this session, discover how technology can support intentional instructional design, student autonomy, and personalized learning. Learn to design meaningful independent activities connected to data and learning units, model thinking through self-talk, and create learning opportunities that fit seamlessly into your current routines. Walk away with simple, powerful strategies to elevate your teaching and empower your youngest learners. This session is for teachers in early primary grades, including Preschool and Kindergarten.
Come for the muffins—stay for the meaningful conversation!
Karen Griffin is an Instructional Technology Coach with Newport News Public Schools. She has been in education for 16 years, 8 year as a preschool teacher. She works with teachers and students at the Early Childhood Centers (PK/K). Karen has been a Seesaw Certified Educator since... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT C144
How my teaching practices have become easier by using Seesaw to help with: Data collection, Parental Communication, and integrating student learning. Come to discuss successful strategies for using students' individual iPads to accomplish many time consuming tasks more quickly with Seesaw. Participants should bring a device with wi-fi access and the Seesaw app installed.
Increase your family engagement by using Talking Points, a multilingual communication tool that allows you to send and receive messages to families via an app or web-based browser. Come learn more about the benefits of Talking Points, and how to use it to connect with and empower families regardless of English proficiency.
Join us for an engaging professional development session where we'll explore Edpuzzle's latest features tailored for educators. Discover how stand-alone quizzes can enhance student assessment and boost engagement like never before. We will also delve into integrating interactive slides to create dynamic and immersive learning experiences. This session aims to empower educators to seamlessly incorporate these tools into their teaching strategies. Come ready to collaborate, brainstorm, and take your Edpuzzle proficiency to the next level!
Stephanie Bass is from Portsmouth, VA and holds a Bachelor's degree from Longwood University University and a Masters in eLearning and Technology Education. Before joining the School Success team at Edpuzzle, Stephanie served as a tech coach and classroom teacher in Portsmouth, V... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT C146
Discover how Book Creator can transform learning experiences for reluctant students by leveraging multimedia, accessibility, and collaboration tools. This session will explore strategies to boost student engagement through interactive content, support diverse learning needs with built-in accessibility features, and foster inclusivity using translation tools. Educators will leave equipped with practical approaches to create personalized, student-centered activities that empower all learners to express their understanding creatively and confidently. Be sure to bring your device for this interactive session.
Janet Burnett, from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, is more than just a teacher. She's a Technology Innovation Specialist, a speaker, a Google Trainer. She also shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor at the University of North Alabama. A significant part of her role as an educator is... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT B132
