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

Beyond the Binder: Growing Student Voices with Digital Portfolios in Book Creator

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

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.

Speakers

Holly Kerstetter

Teacher - 3rd, Newport News Public Schools

Tonia Eriksen

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

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

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Science, Social Studies, Special Education

Instructional Planning Integrating Digital Tools
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents
Assessment Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Teacher as Facilitator

10:15am EDT

Using a Comprehension Instructional Framework to Elevate Literacy

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

B231

In this session we will be examining how teachers can incorporate the different strands of language comprehension (content knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, literacy knowledge, and verbal reasoning) in their reading comprehension lessons while providing ideas for supporting all students in accessing core instruction.

Speakers

Nathalie Rose

Regional Literacy Coach, Virginia Literacy Partnerships

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B231

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Special Education

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

10:15am EDT

OrbiNote- Brace for Impact a Tool for Universally Designed Instruction is Upon Us!

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

B229

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.

Speakers

Donna Waldman

AT Coordinator, Newport News Public Schools

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 →

Emma Wilks

Assistive Technology Service Provider, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B229

10:15am EDT

Unlocking Multisyllabic Words

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

B224

Students often struggle with longer words, but with the right routines, they can confidently decode and spell multisyllabic words. In this session, educators will explore structured, research-based instructional routines that empower students to break down complex words into manageable parts. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that emphasize morphological awareness and phoneme-grapheme mapping to strengthen both decoding and encoding skills. Through explicit instruction and consistent practice routines, educators will leave equipped with tools to help students recognize patterns, apply strategies, and develop automaticity in reading and spelling multisyllabic words. No materials are needed for this session. This session is highly geared toward 2nd-3rd teachers, but all are welcome.

Speakers

Stephanie Pressley

Regional Coach, Virginia Literacy Partnerships

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B224

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting

10:15am EDT

From Newcomers to Achievers: Differentiation Strategies for Middle School Success

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

B129

Join us for a hands-on experience that will provide you with instructional strategies to support middle school newcomers. You’ll gain insights into the characteristics of middle school newcomers and the program currently in place to support their success. In this interactive session, you’ll step into the shoes of a newcomer student and experience a content lesson from this perspective.

Speakers

Kristal Arceneaux

ESL Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Katherine Vander Vennet

Lead Teacher ESL, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B129

Middle School Staff, Career & Technical Education, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Visual Arts/Performing Arts

Instructional Planning Differentiating Content, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques

10:15am EDT

ESL 101 and strategies for supporting multilingual learners

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

B132

Looking for simple ways to support English language learners in your classroom? This session will share practical strategies you can use right away, no matter what subject you teach. You'll also team up with others in your content area to brainstorm how to fit these ideas into your own lessons. Bring a current lesson or unit and a device so you can dive right in!

Speakers

Kedkarn Hetrick

ESL Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Rebecca Rysinski

Secondary ESL Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B132

Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools

10:15am EDT

Innovative Literacy Through Sensory Integration

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

B227

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!

Speakers

Theresa Soitkunowski

Special Education Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Delicia Poellnitz

Special Education Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B227

Preschool Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Library/Media Services, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks, Integrating Digital Tools, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, 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, Managing Challenging Behaviors

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

Remix Your Lesson: Self-Paced Learning with a Modern Twist

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

B226

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.

Speakers

Chanda Woods

English Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I am a lifelong learner and lover of Ed. Tech.!

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B226

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, STEM, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, 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, Inclusive Teaching, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

12:45pm EDT

Making Thinking Visible: Strategies to Encourage Critical and Analytical Thinking Skills for Schoolwide Enrichment

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

B223

In this interactive session, participants will explore practical strategies to make student thinking visible across grade levels and content areas. This session will equip K–12 teachers with tools to foster deeper critical and analytical thinking in all learners. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities, examine real classroom examples, and leave with ready-to-implement routines that elevate student voice, encourage metacognition, and support enriched learning opportunities for all students.

Speakers

Kimberly Beckerdite

Supervisor of Gifted Services and Advanced Placement, Newport News Public Schools

I am the Supervisor of Gifted Services and Advanced Placement for NNPS. I work with students, teachers, and schools K-12 with advanced academic programs.

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B223

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages | High School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

12:45pm EDT

Testing and Annotation: Facilitating Critical Thinking Skills during Assessments

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

B229

When our students take reading tests, do they actually READ the texts? Are they engaged? How do we know? In this session, we will explore annotation strategies that help our students engage with test passages and determine the correct answers. These strategies can also help us to gain insight into our students’ thought processes, providing us with valuable data.

Speakers

David Richardson

English Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B229

Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies | High School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Science, Social Studies

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement
Learning Environment Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction

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

12:45pm EDT

Lumio and SMART Solution

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

B125

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.

Speakers

Ellen Walker

Area Manager, SMART Technologies

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B125

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, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, 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, Managing Challenging Behaviors

2:00pm EDT

Differentiation for Student Success Through Flexible Questioning and Kaplan's Depth and Complexity

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

B223

Are you aiming to customize your lessons to better cater to the diverse needs of your students? In this session, participants will delve into effective strategies for differentiation using flexible questioning techniques, student inquiry, and Kaplan’s Depth and Complexity icons. By exploring a range of differentiated learning approaches, this workshop aims to ignite creativity and foster critical thinking among learners. Attendees will depart equipped with practical tools to seamlessly integrate differentiation strategies into their teaching practices.

Speakers

Kimberly Beckerdite

Supervisor of Gifted Services and Advanced Placement, Newport News Public Schools

I am the Supervisor of Gifted Services and Advanced Placement for NNPS. I work with students, teachers, and schools K-12 with advanced academic programs.

Wendy Morgan

Gifted Services Resource Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I enjoy attending engaging sessions about brain-based learning, brain gym, creativity, inquiry learning, gifted learning, and STEM. I teach and work with K-5 gifted students and elementary and early childhood educators. I love learning through collaboration, visualization, and... Read More →

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
B223

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

2:00pm EDT

Read, Set, Goal: Boosting Reading Fluency with Purpose

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

A104

Join us to explore how a 1st grade team and reading specialist partnered to use literacy data to identify a problem, create a plan to address it, and implement the plan to produce measurable growth in Oral Reading Fluency scores across the grade level. We’re often told to ‘get students in text,’ but how exactly can we do this? What practices will truly make an impact in moving my students towards grade-level reading expectations? We will share what worked for us to change a problematic trend in ORF scores and explore the multitude of resources available to teachers.

Speakers

Casey Reilly

1st Grade Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Barbara Brinker

Reading Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Sherkuria Steward

1st Grade Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
A104

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Special Education

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Literacy Across Contents
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting

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

From Overwhelmed to Intentional: Daily Feedback Strategies That Work

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

A207

Managing six classes and over 160 students as a first-year teacher was overwhelming—but it also sparked a journey of discovery. In this session, I’ll share how I transformed my approach to assessment in my second year of teaching by implementing simple, daily formative feedback tools that not only reduced my grading load but dramatically increased student engagement and performance. You’ll walk away with classroom-tested strategies for quickly gauging what students know (and don’t yet know), aligning feedback with test-taking skills, and using that data to plan high-impact, intentional lessons. Whether you’re a new or veteran teacher, this session will offer practical ideas to help you teach with purpose and maximize your students’ growth.

Speakers

Kaylee Horne

middle school science teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
A207

Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies | High School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Health/Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies

Instructional Planning Differentiating Content, Data Driven Planning
Learning Environment Literacy Across Contents
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator

2:00pm EDT

Student Centered Learning Through Stations

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

B127

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.

Speakers

Kathleen Pessini

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

Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, World Languages | High School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, World Languages

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
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

2:00pm EDT

Talk, Read, Talk, Write: Maximizing Student Academic Talk to Deepen Understanding and Process Learning

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

C149

In this session, participants will explore the Talk, Read, Talk, Write framework designed by Nancy Motley to maximize student academic talk and deepen understanding. This strategy builds in purposeful conversation before reading, after reading, and before writing. By encouraging students to talk through ideas, they are better able to process material, clarify thinking, and strengthen writing. Walk away with practical routines that support engagement, comprehension, and academic language development across all content areas.

Speakers

Rebecca Rysinski

Secondary ESL Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Virginia Palencia

Lead ESL Teacher at Gildersleeve Middle School, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
C149

Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Math, Science, Social Studies, Special Education, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

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

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