iNNovate 2026 NNPS: Full Schedule

9:45am EDT

Rooted in Relationships: Supporting Today's Kids Through Transformative Relationships

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

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

This dynamic workshop equips classroom teachers and educators with evidence-based strategies to build strong, developmental relationships with even the most challenging middle and high school students. Participants will explore practical approaches grounded in research on adolescent development, trust-building, and culturally responsive practices. Through real-life case studies and interactive reflection, educators will learn how to shift student mindsets, de-escalate conflict, and foster meaningful connection. The session emphasizes relationship-centered techniques that transform classroom culture and promote positive behavior. By the end, participants will leave with actionable tools to create more supportive, engaging, and impactful learning environments.

This session is intended for middle and high school teachers, support staff, and administrators.

Speakers

Bridget Adams

Director Youth & Family Engagement, Central Office

Youth Development Strategies, Staff Development, Student Voice, Empowerment, and Leadership Development

Terry Fenner

Assistant Principal, Newport News Public Schools

Karla Bradley

Lead Librarian, Heritage High School

My name is Karla Bradley and I've been an educator for 23 years. I am passionate about students receiving the social, emotional, and academic support needed to be successful in life. I work for STUDENTS.

Wednesday August 12, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am EDT
C152

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

11:00am EDT

Raise the Rigor, Not the Stress: Small Groups That Work for Everyone

FILLING

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

C152

Limited Capacity filling up

Ready to raise rigor in your classroom—without adding more stress to your day? In this session, you’ll learn a practical small group rotation system that helps you target phonics, fluency, comprehension, and writing using the curriculum you already have. We’ll explore how to use student data and tools like Lexia and IXL to group students, close skill gaps, and keep everyone engaged. You’ll leave with ready-to-use ideas you can implement immediately—no small group expertise required. Bring a lesson, unit, or student data if you’d like to start planning during the session!

This session is intended for educators in grades 3-5.

Speakers

Elizabeth Orlando

ITC, Newport News Public Schools

Elizabeth Orlando has served as an Instructional Technology Coach with Newport News Public Schools for the past 17 years. Before that, she spent 5 years as an ITRT with Norfolk Public Schools and 10 years as a classroom teacher in both Norfolk and Florida. Betsy is passionate about... Read More →

Brittany Hopkins

Wednesday August 12, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
C152

Elementary Staff, Supporting Diverse Learners

1:15pm EDT

The Abstinence Skillset: Framing Abstinence as a Strength

LIMITED

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

C152

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session reframes abstinence from a rigid rule and often imposed parental/guardian/ caregiver verbal expectation into a dynamic, empowering life skill centered on three aspects of abstinence. In this workshop we will review: (1) types of abstinence, (2) medical approach to abstinence, (3) 3 actionable questions to help communicate abstinence and (4) types of boundaries. Participants will practice how to communicate choices confidently by answering 3 questions.

The prioritized audience is teachers of middle and high school of all experience levels; health and family life educators are especially welcomed.

Speakers

Dr. Shaashawn Dial

Vice President of Education, The Virginia League for Planned Parenthood (VLPP)

Greetings, I am Dr. Shaashawn, user of she/her pronouns, Black, cisgender womxn, military brat, gemini, queer, 1st born, natural hair rocker, activator, connector, woo-er, award-winning radio broadcaster, author, edu-taining facilitator, engaging mistress of ceremonies, polished plenary... Read More →

Wednesday August 12, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
C152

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

2:30pm EDT

Small Moves, Big Impact: Bite-Sized Inquiry with Primary Sources

LIMITED

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

C152

Limited Capacity seats available

Join Colonial Williamsburg Education staff and a Newport News Public Schools elementary teacher to explore bite-sized, high-impact inquiry strategies that bring primary sources to life in elementary social studies and literacy. Discover new, practical instructional approaches that engage young learners in questioning, observation, and evidence-based thinking without requiring a full lesson overhaul. Participants will explore adaptable primary sources and walk away with ready-to-use strategies that can be implemented immediately in any classroom. Whether you have five minutes or a full class period, these techniques are designed to deepen student thinking and participation.

This session would benefit educators who teach 3rd-5th grade social studies.

Speakers

Lindsey Horner

Manager of Educator Outreach and Engagement, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Lindsey Horner is the Manager of Educator Outreach and Engagement at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, where she leads initiatives that connect educators with engaging, historically grounded resources and professional learning opportunities.Previously, she served as the eMediaVA... Read More →

Wednesday August 12, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
C152

Elementary Staff, Literacy Across Contents