iNNovate 2025 NNPS: Full Schedule

10:15am EDT

Connecting with Purpose: Building Meaningful Relationships with Students

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

In this professional development session, educators will explore practical strategies for building authentic, meaningful relationships with students. Through reflective activities, real-world examples, and actionable techniques, participants will learn how strong teacher-student connections foster a positive classroom environment, boost student engagement, and support academic and emotional growth. By the end of the session, teachers will leave with a personalized action plan to strengthen their relationships with all learners.

Speakers

Keyon Clanton

Middle School Science Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B127

12:45pm EDT

Social Emotional Learning in Middle Schools, Using ReThink

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

B127

Strong social emotional skills is an essential foundation for student learning, engagement, and reducing behavioral disruptions. Middle school is a crucial time as students are developing more independent skills. This session will give teachers how to support SEL using ReThink resources and lessons.

Speakers

Erika Daniel

Supervisor Psychological Services & SEL, Newport News Public Schools

Morgan Parker

Professional Services Coordinator, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
B127

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

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning

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