iNNovate 2025 NNPS: Full Schedule

10:15am EDT

How to Train Your Dragons

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

Having trouble training your dragons... umm... students? Want your students to be independent and your room to be calm? Come learn from two dedicated dragon tamers. Learn to decrease disruptive behaviors, increase engagement, and create a predictable environment for dragons to soar!

Speakers

Kendra Thomas

Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Krista Wyman

First Grade Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
B223

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Math, Science, Social Studies

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Embedding the 5 C's, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Proactive Management Techniques, Teacher as Facilitator, Managing Challenging Behaviors

12:45pm EDT

Making Thinking Visible: Strategies to Encourage Critical and Analytical Thinking Skills for Schoolwide Enrichment

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

B223

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.

Speakers

Kimberly Beckerdite

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

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages | High School Staff, English/Literacy, Gifted, Library/Media Services, Science, Social Studies, STEM, World Languages

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

2:00pm EDT

Differentiation for Student Success Through Flexible Questioning and Kaplan's Depth and Complexity

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

B223

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.

Speakers

Kimberly Beckerdite

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.

Wendy Morgan

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

3rd-5th Grade Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies | Middle School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies | High School Staff, English/Literacy, ESL, Gifted, Math, Science, Social Studies

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, iNNovative Tools for Personalized Learning, Differentiating Content
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Embedding the 5 C's, Literacy Across Contents, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools, Student Feedback and Goals Setting
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator