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!
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 dynamic, co-facilitated session empowers educators with actionable strategies to boost student engagement and proactively address chronic absenteeism. Participants will explore the relationship between relevant, student-centered instruction and daily attendance. Presenters will guide participants through practical tools, early intervention strategies, and classroom management techniques that foster a culture of belonging and consistency. Attendees will leave with an engagement-and-attendance action plan ready to implement the next day.
Attendance Specialist, Newport News Public Schools
I have worked in Newport News Public Schools for five years. My belief is that when we combine the influence of schools, families, and communities in a child's life they will succeed.
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!
What’s Mental Health Got to Do with It? is an interactive school-based workshop that explores the powerful role mental health plays in student learning, behavior, and relationships. From classroom performance to peer connections, mental health is at the core of it all. This eye-opening session breaks down the real impact of mental wellness on academic success, discipline, and school climate. Whether you're new to the topic or already doing the work, come ready to reflect, share, and walk away with fresh insight into why mental health matters in every part of school life.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Propel your Edpuzzle proficiency forward in this advanced hands-on course. Discover techniques to create impactful video lessons that resonate with secondary learners. Engage with Edpuzzle Live Mode, enhance your embedded questioning strategies, and discover our extensive library of challenging content. Unveil innovative features such as Audio Questions/Answers and Student Projects, all tied in to Canvas.
Maximize Edpuzzle's offerings for your classroom success!
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 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT C146
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of education? This engaging, beginner-friendly session introduces educators to the fundamentals of AI and its rapidly growing presence in schools. Participants will explore how AI works, examine real-world tools already being used in classrooms, and discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into teaching and learning. Whether you're an early adopter or just starting to explore, this session will provide practical insights and examples to help you confidently take your first steps with AI in education.
Shannon Floyd is a dedicated educator with an extensive background in instructional technology. Since 2005, Shannon has proudly served NNPS as an Instructional Technology Coach (ITC), bringing her expertise to both elementary and middle school levels.Shannon's journey in education... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT C148
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
Opportunity for case managers (i.e. Elementary Assistant Principals and Secondary Professional School Counselors) to implement 504 plan accommodations with fidelity for students that may demonstrate challenging behaviors within the school setting and require an MDR. The presentation will include the following topics: • 504 review, implementation and best practices • MDR processes and documentation
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
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
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
Let’s talk about how special educators can use evidence-based strategies to support non/minimally speaking students. We will focus on practical ways to enhance communication, understanding, engagement and independence by exploring tools such as core boards, visual schedules, first/then boards and more. There will be materials available to show/discuss, as well as web-based resources to access. This session is for any special education teacher who has students who can NOT communicate effectively due to their disability.
Assistive Technology Provider/SLP, Newport News Public Schools
I have been a Speech Language Pathologist for MANY years. As part of the Assistive Technology team I am able to follow my passion of using visual supports and technology to enhance or provide a means of communication for our students with special needs.
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT A110
