iNNovate 2026 NNPS: Full Schedule

9:45am EDT

101 Strategies to Make Academic Vocabulary StickStick

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

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will learn engaging, hands-on vocabulary activities to strengthen comprehension skills and help them teach academic vocabulary to students of all levels. They will practice these strategies with colleagues in order to implement them in the classroom. In addition, they will explore ways to differentiate vocabulary instruction to meet diverse learning needs and ensure all students can access and apply new terms effectively.

This session would benefit educators who teach grades 6-12, all content areas

Speakers

Danielle Smith

Secondary English Instructional Specialist, Newport News Public Schools

Scott Weisiger

Maria Summa

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
A108

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

11:00am EDT

From Idea to Illustration: Transforming Lessons with AI

LIMITED

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

A108

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how to use the AI image generator in Book Creator to design engaging, student-friendly lessons and activities for elementary classrooms. In this beginner-friendly session, participants will learn how to create prompts, generate visuals, and turn them into interactive learning experiences that students will love. As a bonus, you’ll also learn how students can use the AI image generator to create text-specific images that deepen comprehension and creativity. No prior experience with AI is needed—just a willingness to explore and create. Participants should bring a fully charged laptop and come ready to dive in and start building right away!

This session would befefit educators who teach grades 2-5.

Speakers

Alex Bradshaw

Instructional Technology Coach, Newport News Public Schools

I like to talk about anything that has to do with education... technology, curriculum, student engagement, classroom environment, professional development, etc... anything and everything; you have my ear!

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
A108

Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

1:15pm EDT

Breaking Ground with Wayground

LIMITED

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

A108

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

2:30pm EDT

One Classroom, Many Learners: Tools for Inclusive Success

LIMITED

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

A108

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants in this professional development session will explore practical strategies for supporting diverse learners in an inclusive classroom environment. The session will focus on effective student grouping techniques that promote collaboration, engagement, and equitable access to learning. Educators will also learn how to scaffold instruction in ways that meet varied learning needs while maintaining a dynamic and engaging classroom. By the end of the sessions, participants will be equipped with tools and approaches to create a supportive environment where all students can succeed.

This session would benefit educators who teach grade 3-12, Special Education, English, Science, History. This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.

Speakers