iNNovate 2026 NNPS: Full Schedule

9:45am EDT

No Devices, No Drama: Low-Tech Strategies for Focused Classrooms

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

Limited Capacity seats available

This session shares simple, low-tech strategies that keep students engaged and accountable. Learn routines like response cards, Turn & Talk, and structured movement that you can use immediately. No materials or prior experience needed.

This session is intended for Elementary, Middle, and High school teachers across all content areas seeking effective, low-tech strategies to manage behavior and increase student engagement.

Speakers

Chanda Woods

English Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I am a lifelong learner and lover of Ed. Tech.!

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
C149

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

11:00am EDT

Don’t Just Read It—Work It: : Turning Any Passage into an Interactive Task

LIMITED

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

C149

Limited Capacity seats available

Learn how to turn any passage into an interactive task cards, movement, and structured discussion. Participants will explore that increase student engagement and promote deeper thinking

This session is intended for Teachers across all content areas who want to increase engagement and deepen student understanding using text-based activities.

Speakers

Chanda Woods

English Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

I am a lifelong learner and lover of Ed. Tech.!

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
C149

Elementary Staff, Literacy Across Contents | Middle School Staff, Literacy Across Contents | High School Staff, Literacy Across Contents

1:15pm EDT

To Tech or not to Tech: A BALANCEd Approach

LIMITED

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

C149

Limited Capacity seats available

In this interactive session, teachers will explore how to make intentional decisions about when and how to use technology for greater impact on student learning. Participants will learn a practical decision-making framework (BALANCE) and apply it to real classroom scenarios to identify meaningful, high-impact uses of tech. No prior experience with specific technology tools is required. Participants are encouraged to bring a current lesson or unit for application during the session.

This session is intended for Core Content teachers in high school.

Speakers

Sarah Garrity

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

Hi, I’m Sarah Garrity, I’ve been an educator for 35 years. For 25 years I’ve worked at all levels (K-12) as an Instructional Technology Coach in Newport News Public Schools. I am a staunch advocate for creativity in all people and am especially focused on student centered learning... Read More →

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
C149

High School Staff, Planning for Student Engagement

2:30pm EDT

Run The Room

LIMITED

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

C149

Limited Capacity seats available

This session equips new and struggling teachers with practical, no-tech strategies to build structure, increase engagement, and manage challenging student behaviors with confidence. Participants will learn clear routines, effective teacher language, and simple systems that prevent problems before they start and address them quickly when they arise.

This session is intended for new teachers with less than 3 years of experience, early-career educators, and any teacher seeking to strengthen classroom management and student engagement skills in diverse learning environments.

Speakers

Tiona Staton

Teacher, CMS Math & STEM Lead

I enjoy teaching and was NNPS's 2021-2022 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Over my 25 years in education, I have learned that relationship building with students has a tremendous impact on student behavior in the classroom. I also understand trends in education and how they affect... Read More →