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

Speaking Up: Embedding Oracy Seamlessly into Everyday Lessons Across the Curriculum

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

In an increasingly noisy world, purposeful student talk isn't just nice — it’s necessary. This session explores how educators can intentionally build oracy — the skillful ability to speak, listen, and communicate effectively — into daily instruction without derailing the curriculum. Participants will learn what oracy truly is (spoiler: it’s more than just “class participation”), why it matters across all content areas, and how to weave it into lessons with practical, ready-to-use strategies.

Speakers

Lauren Hancock

Elementary Instructional Math Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Since stepping into the role of Instructional Math Specialist July of 2024, I’ve drawn on over a decade of experience in Newport News Public Schools—including my years in the classroom teaching upper elementary math, science, and Virginia Studies. I’m passionate about making... Read More →

Melanie Malsbury

Elementary Instructional Reading Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

I began teaching for Newport News Public Schools 13 years ago, I have taught 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at both Crittenden Middle School and Passage Middle School, served as a proud reading specialist for An Achievable Dream Academy, and supported literacy instruction in K-5 as an... Read More →

Brittany Rolfes

Elementary Instructional Science and SS Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

I am in my 11th year with NNPS and love my job in the science and social studies department! I have a little girl who wants to be a NASA scientist and a toddler that likes to engineer. I am passionate about integrating science into everyday life. I believe that through science, reading... Read More →

Wednesday August 13, 2025 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
C151

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

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Inclusive Teaching, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Socio-Emotional Learning, Teacher as Facilitator

12:45pm EDT

Small Hands, Big Math: Making Counting Collections Meaningful in K–1 Classrooms

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

C151

Counting isn’t just an early math skill — it’s the foundation for number sense, place value, and mathematical confidence. This session invites Kindergarten and 1st grade teachers to dive into the powerful practice of Counting Collections — a hands-on, high-engagement routine that builds students’ understanding of quantity, counting strategies, grouping, and early operations.

Speakers

Lauren Hancock

Elementary Instructional Math Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Marilee Ward

Math Instructional Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
C151

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Math

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement, Differentiating Content, Streamlining Teacher Tasks
Learning Environment Supporting Diverse Learners, Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Data-Driven Instruction, Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

2:00pm EDT

Struggle Is the Strategy: Fostering Grit and Growth in Elementary Math

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

C151

In this session, we will explore how intentional, well-supported struggle can lead to deep mathematical understanding in elementary classrooms. Participants will examine what productive struggle looks like in action and how it differs from frustration. We'll discuss strategies that encourage students to persevere through challenges, make independent discoveries, and develop a growth mindset as mathematicians.

Speakers

Marilee Ward

Math Instructional Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 13, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
C151

Kindergarten-2nd Grade Staff, Math | 3rd-5th Grade Staff, Math

Instructional Planning Planning and Student Engagement
Learning Environment Engaging Teaching Strategies
Assessment Formative Strategies/Tools
Learning Environment Teacher as Facilitator

iNNovate 2025 NNPS