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.
In this professional development session, we’ll explore how to set up effective classroom systems that pave the way for a smooth and successful school year. You'll learn what to prioritize before students arrive—from organizing your space to planning routines—and how to launch those systems during the crucial first week. We'll focus on creating a positive classroom culture, clear expectations, and consistent procedures. Walk away with practical tools and a plan to confidently kick off your year.
Come learn and practice specific strategies to promote primary students' critical thinking skills and expand their understanding of topics. Participants will practice asking higher-order thinking questions, feedback loops, self talk, and more. Please bring a book that you plan to read aloud in the upcoming school year, if possible.
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
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
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 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
Unlock the keys to a calmer, more connected classroom in this engaging professional development session! We’ll define what challenging behavior really means and explore proactive strategies to address it before it escalates. Dive into the ABCs of behavior, understand the phases of acting-out behavior, and learn how to respond—not just react—with clarity and confidence. You’ll also identify your own triggers and discover practical tools for self-regulation. Walk away with real-world strategies you can apply immediately to transform tough moments into teachable ones.
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.
In Mission: Manageable – Your Classroom, Your Mission Plan, teachers will develop a classroom management strategy that empowers both educators and students. This session focuses on building a positive environment through consistent, meaningful reinforcement that celebrates student success. Educators will also design a clear system of tiered consequences to address misbehavior with fairness and structure. Participants will explore practical techniques for responding to behavior in real time, ensuring students feel seen, supported, and accountable. By the end, you'll walk away with a mission-ready plan tailored to your teaching style and students' needs.
My whole teaching career has been with NNPS. After 17 years, I have taught multiple grade levels and worked in many schools. In my role as a coach, I get to work with students all over Newport News, which I love! I enjoy talking to teachers about teaching and I am looking forward... Read More →
I have been with Newport News Public Schools for 19 years. The last 11 of those, I have severed as a Teacher Coach for newly hired teachers at the elementary level.
I have been working for Newport News Public Schools for 28 years. Five of those years have been as a Teacher Coach for new teachers. I look forward to sharing tips for getting your school year off to a smooth start.
Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT B129
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.
