iNNovate 2025 NNPS: Full Schedule

Welcome to iNNovate! Register and build your schedule by July 30, 2025 to guarantee a boxed lunch.

10:15am EDT

Supporting Diverse Learners: Strategies for Every Classroom

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

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.

Speakers

Aurora Bautista

Special Education Teacher k-5, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
A109

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education

Host Organization Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors
Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Synergy Assessments, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors

10:15am EDT

App Smashing with eMediaVA: Amplify Your Classroom with EdTech Tools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

B131

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!

Speakers

Lindsey Horner

eMediaVA Manager, WHRO Public Media

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

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

10:15am EDT

Enhancing Instruction with Digital Learning Integration Standards of Learning

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

A206

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.

Speakers

Meg Foley

Digital Learning Coordinator, VDOE

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
A206

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Learning Environment Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

10:15am EDT

Amplify Learning: Podcasting in the Classroom

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

A205

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.

Speakers

Angela Rowe

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

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 →

Kim Smith

Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I love kids, and I love learning!

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
A205

Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

12:45pm EDT

Interactive Strategies to Boost Student Engagement in Language Arts: Integrating Poetry and Storytelling with Music and Makey Makey

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

B128

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.

Speakers

Heather Bagnall

teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B128

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Special Education, STEM | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Special Education, STEM

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors

12:45pm EDT

Educator Essentials: Unpacking the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

B130

This session will focus on the 2024 Computer Science Instructional Guides that support the implementation of the Computer Science Standards of Learning. The instructional guides serve as a companion document that amplifies each standard by defining the core knowledge and skills in practice, supporting teachers and their instruction, and serving to transition classroom instruction from the 2017 Computer Science Standards of Learning to the newly adopted standards. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the structure and purpose of the instructional guides, learning how the instructional guides may be used for curriculum planning and classroom instruction.

Speakers

Keisha Tennessee

Computer Science Coordinator, VDOE_ Computer Science

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B130

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement
Learning Environment Embedding the 5 C's
Learning Environment Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

12:45pm EDT

It Can Do That? Creating With Canva

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

B231

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.

Speakers

Olivia Germann-Mc Clain

Fine Arts Lead, Newport News Public Schools

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

Preschool Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents
Assessment Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

2:00pm EDT

How Photography Can Fight Cell Phone Addiction

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

A206

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.

Speakers

Antonia Saunders-Burton

Photography Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
A206

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors

2:00pm EDT

Create, Connect, Engage: Bringing Learning to Life with Book Creator

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

A105

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.

Speakers

Elizabeth Orlando

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

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

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, Special Education | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, Special Education

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Literacy Across Contents
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

2:00pm EDT

Transform Science and STEM Learning with Merge EDU

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

B131

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!

Speakers

Isabella Gipson

VP of Sales, Merge EDU

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

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Science, STEM

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Synergy Assessments
Learning Environment Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

2:00pm EDT

Google Classroom as Communication Hub for Extracurricular Activities

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

A109

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!

Speakers

Alison Hall

Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

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

Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools, Data Driven Planning
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety

2:00pm EDT

Engaging Reluctant Learners with Book Creator

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT

B132

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.

Speakers

Janet Burnett

Teacher Success Manager, Book Creator

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

Preschool Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Digital Citizenship and Online Safety, Managing Challenging Behaviors

iNNovate 2025 NNPS