iNNovate 2026 NNPS: Full Schedule

9:45am EDT

Engaging English Learners: Strategies That Actually Work

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

Limited Capacity seats available

This session equips educators with practical, high-impact strategies to support English learners in content-area classrooms. Participants will learn how to effectively use Ellevation to analyze student data and apply targeted instructional strategies that promote language development and academic success. The session will also highlight approaches to increase student engagement, ownership, and meaningful participation. No prerequisites are required; participants are encouraged to bring a device to explore tools and resources during the session.

This session is open to all educators.

Speakers

Virginia Palencia

Lead ESL Teacher at Gildersleeve Middle School, Newport News Public Schools

Heather Ross

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
A112

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

11:00am EDT

Better Together: Collaboration and Co-Teaching for ESL

LIMITED

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

A112

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores effective collaboration and co-teaching practices that support Multilingual learners in inclusive classroom settings. Participants will learn practical strategies for planning, delivering instruction, and sharing responsibilities between ESL and content teachers to increase student engagement and achievement. The presentation will also highlight communication structures and instructional models that strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for multilingual learners.

This session is open to all educators and is especially relevant for middle and high school teachers working with multilingual learners.

Speakers

Virginia Palencia

Lead ESL Teacher at Gildersleeve Middle School, Newport News Public Schools

Ana Estrada Williams

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
A112

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

1:15pm EDT

Drawn Together: Co-teaching Across Content and the Arts

LIMITED

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

A112

Limited Capacity seats available

What happens when a content teacher and an art teacher share classrooms? Tangible learning! In this session, a general education teacher and art teacher will share how co-teaching across content and the arts transforms abstract concepts into tangible, memorable experiences for students. We'll walk through our collaboration model, share real examples from our class, and give you practical strategies you can bring to your own team. Whether you're an art teacher looking to deepen your content connections or a content teacher curious about creative partnerships, you'll leave with a fresh vision of what co-teaching can look like.

This session would benefit educators who teach any grade level, any subject!

Speakers

Carly Zeh

General Education Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

Tiffany Murchison

Art Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I've been with NNPS since 1995 and an art teacher since 2001. Students thrive in rich learning environments. It is my goal to make the art room at our school a place for curious learners to be inspired and think creatively.

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
A112

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

2:30pm EDT

Read Between the Lines: Hacking Text Complexity in the Modern Classroom

LIMITED

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

A112

Limited Capacity seats available

In an era of 15-second videos and infinite scrolling, deep focus is a superpower. This session isn't about reading more; it's about reading better. We’re stripping away the fluff to focus on the "heavy lifting" of literacy. Learn how to slow down the clock, tackle complex tier-2 vocabulary, and help students find the "hidden code" inside any text—from Shakespeare to scientific journals. Because "I don't get it" shouldn't be the end of the conversation. Let’s build the stamina your students need to conquer any text they encounter.

This session would benefit any course where students read a text to gain deep understanding of the skill or content.

Speakers