Explore how our intentional teacher moves support students’ development as they progress from speech to print. In this session, we’ll dive into key standards and curriculum resources, and collaboratively plan meaningful instruction that integrates phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and writing application across the day.
Participants will also gain practical strategies for incorporating the Sound Wall throughout the school day, making literacy instruction more impactful and connected. Walk away with tools and ideas you can implement right away!
Join us for an engaging session on supporting student success in SST 1! Participants will explore practical strategies for identifying student needs, documenting concerns, and implementing effective Tier 1 interventions. You'll leave with tools to enhance collaboration and streamline the SST process. Bring a laptop or device to access digital resources and sample templates during the session. Come ready to share, learn, and take actionable steps to support every student’s path to success!
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.
Students in NNPS represent a broad array of sociocultural backgrounds. This session will engage participants in an exploration of specific examples of our refugee and immigrant students' stories. Information, considerations, and strategies shared in this session will support participants in building empathy for students and planning for engaging with students and families in the coming school year.
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.
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
Have you wondered how to communicate with families if you don't speak their language? It's normal to be nervous! In this session, we will go over WHY it it essential to equitably communicate with ALL members of our NNPS community. We will break down best practices for communicating with the help of an interpreter. We will go over resources available to you to facilitate communication throughout the year. You will see how doable it is and leave feeling empowered to reach out to families! Participants will need a cell phone for this session.
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 session focuses on building school environments where every family feels respected, understood, and truly welcomed. Learn how intentional first impressions, cultural awareness, and accessible communication can transform a family’s school experience. Through immersive, scenario-based activities, participants will deepen their empathy and strengthen their approach to family engagement. Key Takeaways: A professionally designed Sample Welcome Packet to set the tone for new families to include important flyers, attendance information, community resource list, FACE brochure, FACE Specialist introduction letter, PTA membership form, etc. A Cultural Differences Reference Guide to support inclusive practices A Powerful Empathy-Building Toolkit to enhance connection and understanding
This session provides actionable strategies for enhancing family-school partnerships through positive interactions and a strengths-based approach. Key topics include the distinction between engagement and involvement, the importance of "connection before correction," and how to clarify classroom practices for families. Key Takeaways: A comprehensive overview of the FACE Framework to strategically elevate family and community engagement Proven tools and techniques to foster meaningful, lasting positive interactions between staff and families
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.
Our session will focus on equipping educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to create inclusive, supportive, and affirming learning environments through the lens of culturally responsive teaching and trauma informed care. We will engage in reflective dialogue, collaborative activities, and scenario-based discussions to examine our own practices and identify areas for growth. We will emphasize the importance of empathy, active listening, and student-centered approaches in building trust and belonging in the classroom.
High School Social Studies Teacher, Newport News Public Schools
Hi everyone! I'm Cat McGrath and I've been in education for 24 years. I've taught for NNPS for 12 years as a Lead Teacher of Employee Expertise (as well as the Social Studies Lead) at Enterprise Academy and am currently a social studies teacher at Warwick High School. I got my bachelors... Read More →
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT B227
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
Discover how ELLevation can help you adapt and differentiate instruction to support English Language Learners (ELLs)—and all Academic Language Learners (ALLs). This session highlights the importance of language in accessing rigorous content and shows how ELLevation connects directly to your High Quality Instructional Materials. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use strategies that build language routines and student confidence without adding to your workload. Whether you're brand new to ELLevation or looking to deepen your use, you'll leave with tools and inspiration to unlock learning for all.
