iNNovate 2026 NNPS: Full Schedule

9:45am EDT

Question, Explore, Discover: Inquiry in the Elementary Social Studies Classroom

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

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how to bring inquiry-based learning to life in the K–5 social studies classroom through the use of compelling questions, primary sources, and structured discussion. Teachers will learn practical strategies to guide students in questioning, investigating, and making meaningful connections across history, geography, and civics content. Participants will leave with ready-to-use approaches that promote student discourse, deepen understanding, and align with standards-based instruction.gned to

This session is intended for Grades K-4 Social Studies Teachers.

Speakers

Joe Tobin

Instructional Supervisor Science and Social Studies, Newport News Public Schools

I am the Instructional Supervisor for K-5 Science and Social Studies. I work with you to help make the student experiences in both subjects exciting and interactive. Contact me to learn more.

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
B131

Elementary Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

11:00am EDT

Tiny Humans, Strong Systems: Creating Preschool Procedures That Stick

LIMITED

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

B131

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

1:15pm EDT

Clear, Consistent, Connected: Communication That Builds Trust

FILLING

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

B131

Limited Capacity filling up

This session explores how clear, consistent communication can transform relationships between schools and families. Participants will examine practical strategies for creating transparent, two-way communication that builds trust and supports student success. Through real-world examples and reflective discussion, educators will consider how to move beyond one-way messaging toward meaningful connection. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas and templates to strengthen communication and ensure all families feel informed, valued, and engaged.

This session would benefit educators who teach upper elementary through 9th grade.

Speakers

Leah Lewellen

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
B131

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

2:30pm EDT

Making Math Click: A Data-Driven, Tool-Rich Approach to Small Groups

FULL

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

B131

Limited Capacity full
Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.

Running effective math small groups doesn't have to rely on guesswork or a gut feeling. In this highly practical session, you will learn how to design, plan, and execute targeted math small groups that meet students exactly where they are. We will explore a sustainable routine for using the previous day's classroom data to form dynamic, precise groups that maximize your instructional time. Only thing to bring is something to take notes with and ideas.

This session will benefit K-5 teachers who teach math this included special educators and instructional aids. This session would benefit new teachers with less than 3 years of experience.

Speakers