iNNovate 2026 NNPS

iNNovate 2026 NNPS

9:45am EDT

Modeling Through Coding Simulations in the Elementary Classroom

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this iNNovate Lab session, you’ll tackle a hands-on coding challenge and experience how students develop problem-solving and computational thinking skills through iteration and experimentation. You’ll work through the design process just like your students to plan, test, debug, and refine your solution. In this guided work session you will actively engage with coding and robotics and walk away with a realistic, classroom-ready activity you can use during the first marking period. Please bring your laptop to the session.

This session is intended for PreK-5.

Speakers

Jonathan Goeller

Instructional Technology Coach, Dept. of Teaching & Learning

I just finished my 27th 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 20 years I've been an Instructional Technology Coach helping faculty and staff throughout the school... Read More →

Victoria MacEntee

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 →

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
Library

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

9:45am EDT

Stations That Stick: Building Independent Literacy Workstations That Actually Work

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive 60-minute session equips K–2 educators with practical systems to design and implement purposeful, independent literacy stations that truly work. Grounded in UFLI-aligned routines, participants will learn how to create differentiated, student-centered tasks that reinforce core phonics, decoding, and language skills—without becoming “busy work.” The session also addresses the management side of stations, including rotation systems, clear expectations, accountability tools, and smooth transitions that maximize instructional time. Educators will engage in hands-on exploration of ready-to-use station activities and leave with planning templates, management structures, and scaffolding strategies they can implement immediately.

This session is intended for K–2 classroom teachers (general education and dual language), co-teachers, and interventionists. This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.
Reading specialists and instructional coaches

Speakers

Sarmanta Chase

Tamika Saunders

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
B225

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

9:45am EDT

Small Habits, Big Impact: A Better Way to Manage Your Classroom

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Classroom management is the foundation of a successful school year, and lasting systems are built through intentional habits. In this session, we’ll apply the “Four Laws of Behavior Change” from Atomic Habits—make it obvious, make it attractive, make it easy, and make it satisfying—to strengthen classroom management routines.

This session benefits new teachers with less than 3 years of experience and grade level switchers.

Speakers

Kathy Hinchey

K-1 Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Wade Wooley

Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Ann Penrose

K-1 Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
B132

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Elementary Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

9:45am EDT

Spark the Room! Strategies that Engage All Students

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will learn a variety of no to low-prep strategies to engage students. Strategies can be used across content areas and are easliy applied to all grade levels. Participants will leave with a "tool-kit" to get students thinking and talking, (less teacher talk!). Featured strategies include "Prepping the Speaker" to encourage students to speak more (from Nancy Motley) and "Find Your Match" supports partner work (from Ellevation).

This session would benefit educators who teach grades K-12.

Speakers

BethAnne Francis

ESL Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
B130

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Middle School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

9:45am EDT

Stayin’ Alive This Summer

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Staff can fulfill the CPR requirement for licensure before the hustle and bustle of the school year starts through this hands-on course. Participants will learn and practice essential life-saving techniques, gaining the knowledge and confidence to respond in emergencies.

Before you attend the session, you must watch these two videos:
* CPR: https://secure.nn.k12.va.us/safety_newhires/validate.asp?video_id=31
* First Aid: https://secure.nn.k12.va.us/safety_newhires/validate.asp?video_id=32

This session is designed for staff in a recertification year, as well as anyone seeking a refresher in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

Speakers

Jennifer Mulrine

Instructional Supervisor - Health and PE, NNPS

Peggy Harriman

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
A106

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Elementary Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Middle School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | High School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

9:45am EDT

Unseen Potential: Supporting Special Populations in the Classroom

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This professional development session is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of special populations within the classroom, with a focus on gifted and advanced learners, English Language Learners (ELL) and twice-exceptional (2e) students. Participants will explore the unique cognitive, academic, and social-emotional characteristics that often lead to under identification or misidentification of these learners. Through interactive discussion and case-based scenarios, educators will examine how giftedness can manifest differently in ELL and 2e students, including the impact of language acquisition, cultural differences, and coexisting disabilities. The session will highlight common social-emotional needs such as perfectionism, frustration, masking, and identity development. Educators will leave with practical, research-based strategies to support these learners, including differentiation techniques, culturally responsive practices, strength-based approaches, and targeted supports during instruction.

This session is intended for K-12 Administrators, Teachers, and Counselors.

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. My goal is to share strategies for differentiation, critical thinking, creative thinking, higher-order thinking and question... Read More →

Stacy Wilson

Gifted Resource Teacher, Gifted Services

I have worked with gifted students for 10 years, the last 2 years as a Gifted Resource teacher. My instructional interests involve STEM and Computer Science, as well as creative problem solving.

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 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
A109

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Middle School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | High School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

11:00am EDT

Tiny Humans, Strong Systems: Creating Preschool Procedures That Stick

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, participants will explore practical strategies for creating a structured, predictable preschool classroom that supports both learning and behavior. Educators will learn how to design clear routines, teach procedures effectively, and build consistency throughout the day. The workshop will highlight developmentally appropriate approaches that balance structure with flexibility and play. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas and tools to create a calm, organized environment where young learners can thrive.

This session would help educators in the Preschool program.

Speakers

Julia Gunn

teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I have been a preschool teacher in Newport News since 2002 in both the general education and special education world. I have been using Seesaw for almost a decade and have found some really fun ways to use it in my classroom to make my teaching and my students learning more effortless... Read More →

Allyson Johnson

EC Special education teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
B131

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

11:00am EDT

Exploring the Sociocultural Backgrounds of Immigrant and Refugee Students

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Students in NNPS represent a broad array of sociocultural backgrounds. This session will engage participants in an exploration of specific examples of our refugee and immigrant students' stories. Information, considerations, and strategies shared in this session will support participants in building empathy for students and planning for engaging with students and families in the coming school year.

This session is intended for any staff who work directly with diverse students and their families.

Speakers

Shana Hollis

ESL Instructional Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Elizabeth August

ESL Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Fatima Snowden

ESL Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
B228

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Middle School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | High School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

11:00am EDT

Elevating Thinking: Differentiation Through Strategic Questioning

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this engaging professional learning session, educators will explore how intentional questioning can serve as a powerful tool for differentiating instruction for all learners. Participants will examine the role of higher-order questioning in promoting critical thinking, creativity, and depth of understanding. The session will focus on designing and implementing purposeful questioning strategies during whole-group and, more specifically, small-group instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. Educators will learn how to scaffold and extend thinking through open-ended, layered, and student-driven questions, while also practicing techniques for facilitating meaningful dialogue in small-group settings.

This session is intended for K-12 Teachers.

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. My goal is to share strategies for differentiation, critical thinking, creative thinking, higher-order thinking and question... Read More →

Stacy Wilson

Gifted Resource Teacher, Gifted Services

I have worked with gifted students for 10 years, the last 2 years as a Gifted Resource teacher. My instructional interests involve STEM and Computer Science, as well as creative problem solving.

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
A109

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Middle School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

11:00am EDT

Enhancing Student Engagement & Assessment Utilizing School AI

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how to transform your teaching practice through the intentional use of artificial intelligence, with a focus on prompt engineering and student-centered design. In this hands-on session, educators will learn how to craft effective prompts to generate differentiated lessons, assessments, and feedback using SchoolAI. By the end of the session, educators will leave with practical prompt frameworks, classroom-ready ideas, and increased confidence in integrating AI tools to support teacher's instructional practices.

This session is intended for Grades PK-12 teachers across all content areas.

Speakers

Edmund Rhett

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
B132

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Middle School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | High School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

11:00am EDT

Synervention: Using AI to assist in putting Academic and Behavioral Interventions in place in the classroom

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

All too often when teachers focus too firmly on behaviors, they sometimes quick-fix away a deeper problem - academic struggles manifesting into actions that are perceived as insubordination. By utilizing MagicSchool AI's intervention tools, as well as a SchoolAi Space built specifically for our teachers to use, teachers that might feel too overwhelmed to reach out to their administration, guidance team, or even their peers, can dialogue their way to options that they can put into immediate use. This session will also provide a chance to use the tools in scenarios to build confidence and efficacy. Please bring a laptop, chromebook, or capable device for the best experience.

Any teachers that feel that creating interventions is challenging should definitely consider attending.

Speakers

JAMEY BECKNER

Instructional Technology Coach, Newport News Public Schools

I'm also an artist, love the tech overlap in graphic design, engineering, 3d printing, and AI assisted content generation.

Brittany Shuford

School Counselor, Katherine Johnson

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
B127

Preschool Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors | Elementary Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors | Middle School Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors | High School Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors

11:00am EDT

Wayground: Where Learning Takes Off!

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you heard the HYPE about how Wayground can transform your classroom? Wayground is a powerful tool for delivering teacher-led instruction, checking for understanding, and building student engagement and mastery. Join this session to learn how to: facilitate interactive lessons, create and assign activities, monitor student progress in real time, provide meaningful feedback, and explore a variety of ready-to-use resources.

This session would benefit educators who teach any subject.

Speakers

Christina Nowlin

Secondary Math Instructional Specialist, SBO math department

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
C146

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Middle School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

11:00am EDT

What's the Function?

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

All behavior is communication. When a student has a pattern of negative behaviors that are not responding to tier one or tier two level of instruction and intervention, it may be time of consideration to determine what that behavior is communicating and its function. This allows for development of behavior intervention plan focused on the "why" of the behavior. This session will be an overview of Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans. Participants will learn the theory and purpose, as well as dive into a case study, learn NNPS procedures, and work through the documentation.

This session is intended for Administrators, Special Educators, 504 case managers, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, and School Counselors.

Speakers

Erika Daniel

Supervisor Psychological Services & SEL, Newport News Public Schools

Hunter McEnroe

Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
C148

Preschool Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors | Elementary Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors | Middle School Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors | High School Staff, Managing Challenging Behaviors

1:15pm EDT

Intentional Interest Areas in Preschool

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will examine how intentionally planned interest areas can increases engagement, strengthen executive functioning skills, and build social-emotional skills through meaningful, play-based learning. This session will highlight how interest areas can promote deeper thinking, problem-solving, and the natural integration of academic skills while fostering independence, motivation, and excitement in preschool learners. Participants will also explore how to intentionally connect previously taught skills and activities within interest areas to reinforce learning while building children’s independence and confidence.

This session would benefit educators who teach preschool.

Speakers

Melinda McCallister

Instructional Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
B130

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

1:15pm EDT

Breaking Ground with Wayground

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

All you need is a laptop and a dream! With AI at the forefront of all educational discussions, learning to use it to benefit our students is the best way to get ahead of the curve! Teachers will be using Wayground to create slides, activites, and quizzes to help their students master grade level content! Bring your laptop, some coffee, and some great ideas!

This session would benefit mainly grades 3-12 in all content areas!

Speakers

Alison McCoy

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
A108

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Middle School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

1:15pm EDT

Elevate Your Community Nights: Turn School Events into Signature Experiences

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn how to transform traditional school events into high-impact, community-centered experiences that align with our school division’s strategic vision. This session focuses on increasing attendance, strengthening school identity, and building meaningful connections through cross-curricular collaboration, student performance, and intentional storytelling. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use planning tools to elevate their next event.

This session is intended for any staff who support, promote or organize school based events or Visual & Performing Arts teacher who hold concerts.

Speakers

Katie SheehanSmith

Supervisor Visual and Performing Arts, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
A109

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Elementary Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Middle School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | High School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

1:15pm EDT

Reclaim Your Time: Time-Saving Tech for Special Educators

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Special educators balance case management, scheduling, progress monitoring, family communication, compliance responsibilities, and the daily delivery of specially designed instruction. In this practical session, participants will learn how to use time-saving technology tools to streamline scheduling, organize caseload tasks, simplify data collection, improve communication efficiency, and utilize e-signatures to expedite document completion. Attendees will also explore ways technology can support planning for specially designed instruction and student support. Participants are encouraged to bring a charged laptop or device to explore tools and resources during the session. No advanced technology experience is required.

This session is intended for Special education teachers. This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.

Speakers

Cathy Cross-Stephens

Tonya Faulk, Ed.D.

Special Education Instructional Supervisor, Newport News Public Schools

Lisa Searcy

Special Education Instructional Supervisor, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
B129

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Elementary Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Middle School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | High School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

1:15pm EDT

Rewind, Reflect, Refine: Elevating Instruction with Swivl

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Rewind, Reflect, Refine: Elevating Instruction with Swivl empowers educators to transform video recording into a meaningful tool for professional growth. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to use Swivl to closely examine their instructional practices, recognize patterns in student engagement, and identify targeted opportunities for improvement. You’ll explore practical reflection strategies, questioning techniques, and feedback protocols that make video analysis purposeful and actionable across all grade levels and content areas. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear, sustainable approach to using video reflection to continuously refine your teaching practice. Please bring a division-issued laptop to fully participate in this session.

This session would benefit educators who teach all grade levels and subject areas.

Speakers

Melissa Hendrix

Instructional Technology Coach, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
A107

Preschool Staff, Data Driven Planning | Elementary Staff, Data Driven Planning | Middle School Staff, Data Driven Planning | High School Staff, Data Driven Planning

2:30pm EDT

Yes, They Can! Designing for Independence in the Modern Pre-K Classroom

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Stop "putting out fires" and start reclaiming your instructional time by empowering our youngest learners to lead the way. In this interactive session, Preschool teachers will design a customized Independence Blueprint focused on four key pillars: physical environment layout, visual cues, consistent daily routines, and high-impact student jobs. Attendees will leave with a ready-to-use plan and strategies to foster autonomy in the classroom, as well as parent communication ideas to help build independence at home. You will walk away with a clear roadmap to transition from classroom manager to instructional mentor while your students master the art of navigating their own learning day.

This session is intended for Pre-K (including veteran teachers, novice teachers, and Instructional Assistants). This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.

Speakers

Kristin Hayward

Teacher

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
B129

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

2:30pm EDT

Bring Lessons to Life with Lumio

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Bring your lessons to life with Lumio. In this session, you will learn how to turn everyday content into interactive experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and student voice. Whether you are just getting started or looking to grow your practice, you will explore time-saving tools, ready-made activities, and strategies that support engaged, reflective, and resilient learners.
Please bring a device to fully participate in the hands-on portions of this session.
Leave with fresh ideas, increased confidence, and something ready for your classroom tomorrow.

This session would benefit educators who teach PK–12 (all content areas and experience levels), instructional coaches, and instructional technology coaches.

Speakers

Tracy Dick

Education Solutions Consultant, SMART Technologies

Tracy Dick is an Education Solutions Consultant with SMART Technologies who helps schools elevate instruction through purposeful use of technology. With 23 years of experience as a classroom teacher, she brings a deep understanding of what educators need to make learning meaningful... Read More →

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
B130

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Middle School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

2:30pm EDT

Built to Move: Simple Strategies for Active Classrooms (K–12)

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Students aren’t designed to sit still—and instruction doesn’t have to rely on it. This session focuses on practical ways to integrate purposeful movement into everyday classroom routines to improve attention, engagement, and retention. Designed for K–12 educators across all content areas, participants will explore easy-to-implement strategies that require minimal planning, no extra equipment, and little space. Walk away with quick energizers, and content-aligned activities that keep students actively involved in their learning—without adding to your workload.

This session is intended for classroom teachers looking for ways to implement movement as a classroom management strategy.

Speakers

Jennifer Mulrine

Instructional Supervisor - Health and PE, NNPS

Peggy Harriman

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
A110

Preschool Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | Middle School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement | High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

2:30pm EDT

Communicating with Equity in Mind

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Have you wondered how to communicate with families if you don't speak their language? It's normal to be nervous! In this session, participants will learn WHY it is essential to communicate equitably with ALL members of our NNPS community. We will share best practices for communicating with the help of an interpreter. We will review resources available to you to facilitate communication throughout the year. You will see how doable it is and leave feeling empowered to reach out to families! Participants will need a cell phone for this session.

This session is intended for educators of multilingual learners or families with communication needs.

Speakers

Cassondra Koletar

Carmen Garcia

ESL Communication Liaison, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
B127

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Middle School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | High School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

2:30pm EDT

Digital Zen: Streamline your Workspace

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

How much time do you lose endlessly scrolling for emails, searching for buried Drive files, or locating the browser tab you’ve already opened four times? These ""wasted clicks"" create search fatigue that drains the energy you need for planning and instruction.
Join me for a high-energy, hands-on lab designed to help you reclaim your time from clicking. This isn’t a ""sit and get"" session—it’s a ""do and finish"" workshop. With guidance from a digital learning coach, visual task cards, and self-paced tutorials, you will choose your own pathway to ""digital zen."" Attendees will clear the obstacles in Outlook, Google Drive, and Google Chrome to create a personalized, organized digital ecosystem ready for immediate use.

This session would benefit educators who teach any grade level or subject area, as well as instructional assistants and district staff who want to eliminate digital clutter and reclaim instructional time. This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.

Speakers

Karen Griffin

Instructional Coach for Digital Learning, Newport News Public Schools

Karen Griffin is an Instructional Coach for Digital Learning with Newport News Public Schools. She has been in education for 17 years, 9 years as a preschool teacher. She works with teachers and students at the Early Childhood Centers (PK). Karen has been a Seesaw Certified Educator... Read More →

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
A109

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Elementary Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Middle School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | High School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

2:30pm EDT

Integrating Language with Learning: An Intro to WIDA ELD Standards for Everyday Instruction

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Curious about the ELD standards that appeared alongside content standards in your curriculum map? Looking for a way to discuss what multilingual learners are doing with language in your class during PLCs? Join us to deepen your understanding of the WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework and its connection to daily classroom instruction. The session will focus on identifying how students use language during content lessons across the WIDA Key Language Uses and what that reveals about their understanding. Participants will leave with a clearer lens for identifying language demands and determining appropriate supports for multilingual learners.

This session is intended for classroom teachers and those supporting instructional planning or curriculum writing.

Speakers

Shana Hollis

ESL Instructional Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
B228

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Middle School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | High School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

2:30pm EDT

Navigating Special Education: A Support System for New Teachers

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

New special education teachers often feel overwhelmed by the demands of paperwork and classroom responsibilities. By reducing stress and improving organization, this sessions aims to support teacher success, ensure compliance, and improve student outcomes. Participants will be asked to bring their laptops. Thank you.

This session would benefit educators who teach special education at all levels, but especially those in high school. This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.

Speakers

Helen Dagnon

Teacher, NNPS

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
A107

Preschool Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Elementary Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | Middle School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks | High School Staff, Streamlining Teacher Tasks

2:30pm EDT

Plush Out Your Emotional Toolkit with Kimochis!

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Kimochis are a versatile, engaging tool that can help ALL students quickly and safely explore and manage their feelings. Kimochis are not just for counselors - they can be used effectively by anyone, with any age group, from individual interventions to classroom-wide! This session will introduce the philosophy behind Kimochis and allow participants to get some hands-on experience. Following this session, interested participants may choose to continue with a semester-long PLC with your presenters, after which they will receive access to the Kimochis learning portal, as well as receiving the full "mixed bag" of Kimochis plushies to keep! Please note that the PLC does involve some additional assignments, which will be discussed in our session.

This session would benefit all educators interested in building students' emotional literacy.

Speakers

Sara Brown

School Counselor, NNPS

Jennifer Kazalski

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
C148

Preschool Staff, Social-Emotional Learning | Elementary Staff, Social-Emotional Learning | Middle School Staff, Social-Emotional Learning | High School Staff, Social-Emotional Learning

2:30pm EDT

The Digital Assistant: Revolutionizing the IEP Process with AI

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, participants will discover how to ethically and effectively use AI tools to draft high-quality IEPs, focusing on crafting measurable goals and descriptive PLAAFPs (Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance) in a fraction of the time. You will learn to prompt AI for student-specific accommodations while maintaining strict adherence to data privacy and district compliance standards. There are no technical prerequisites, but please bring a laptop and one "de-identified" (completely anonymous) draft or student profile to use during our hands-on practice. By the end of the hour, you will have a personalized toolkit designed to reduce paperwork burnout and return your focus to direct student instruction.

This session would benefit all special education case managers throughout the district.

Speakers

Erin Jury

Jacqueline Dickerson

Carrie Guerrero

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
C146

Preschool Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | Middle School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners | High School Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

iNNovate 2026 NNPS

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