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

Level Up Learning: Building Relationships, Creating Joy, and Gamifying Engagement

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

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!

Speakers

Brianna Green

Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

¡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 →

Ebony Majeed

Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
A110

Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts/Performing Arts, World Languages | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Health/Physical Education, Math, Science, Social Studies, 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 Proactive Management Techniques, Managing Challenging Behaviors

12:45pm EDT

Start Strong! Building Classroom Systems for successful year

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

A110

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.

Speakers

Logan Ballard

Elementary Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
A110

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

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Streamlining Teacher Tasks
Learning Environment Engaging Teaching Strategies
Learning Environment Proactive Management Techniques

2:00pm EDT

Let's TALK! How to support nonspeaking students.

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

A110

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.

Speakers

Betty Menking

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

Preschool Staff, Special Education | Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Special Education | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Special Education | Middle School Staff, Special Education | High School Staff, Special Education

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Managing Challenging Behaviors

iNNovate 2025 NNPS