DTALcon 26 will be held at Green Run High School on Thursday, August 6, 2026. You can login to SCHED using your work Google Account ([email protected]). Once logged in, you can then select the sessions that you would like to attend. Registering for a session will hold your seat for that session. Waitlists are enabled, and you will be able to register for that session if a spot opens up.
To access the DTALcon 26 Google Site, click here - DTALcon 26.
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This 40-minute session is designed for elementary teachers (grades 3–5) who want to save time while increasing impact. Learn how to use NotebookLM to quickly turn science and social studies content into engaging literacy tasks that build comprehension, vocabulary, and independence—helping you stretch your limited content time. Participants will create differentiated, ready-to-use activities aligned to the Virginia SOLs and our district’s curriculum. This approach supports future-ready learners by increasing access and maintaining rigor. Teachers will leave with practical tools—and a finished resource—they can implement right away in the fall.
This professional development session focuses on the power of student goal setting as a way to build ownership and create future-ready learners. Teachers will explore practical strategies for helping students understand where they are in their learning by using clear learning targets and success criteria. Participants will learn how to guide students in setting specific, achievable goals and tracking their progress over time. By empowering students to reflect on their growth and take an active role in their learning journey, educators can foster motivation, independence, and lasting impact in the classroom and beyond.
Support students in building strong oral reading fluency with the power of Seesaw Fluency. In this interactive session, participants will explore how this innovative tool can be used to record, analyze, and monitor students’ fluency progress. Through a guided demonstration and hands-on exploration, teachers will learn how to effectively use Seesaw Fluency, organize and interpret student data, and incorporate the tool into the classroom. This session will also highlight how Seesaw Fluency can support progress monitoring for Student Reading Plans and students who need additional fluency support. Participants will leave with practical strategies and a clear understanding of how and when to use this tool to strengthen fluency instruction in grades 2–5.
Ready to swap passive screens for active play? Join this hands-on workshop for Grades 3-5 educators that is engaging and cross-curricular. We’ll dive into the micro:bit, transforming abstract concepts into tangible tools that demonstrate understanding. This session directly supports our Strategic Plan to cultivate Future Ready Learners by bridging the gap between theory and practice. By integrating computer science standards into your curriculum you’ll empower students to be creators, not just consumers. (And trust me, you can do it!)
Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
My passion lies in leveraging AI to streamline teacher tasks, integrating technology to create engaging learning experiences for students, and fostering a love for coding and robotics. My diverse background as a classroom teacher and a Gifted Resource Teacher enriches my current role... Read More →
Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
With over a decade of experience teaching in both Chicago public and private schools, specializing in elementary education and early childhood development, Nikki brings a wealth of expertise to the education field. Recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2021 and Reading Teacher of the... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am EDT Room 208
This session demonstrates how to transform VDOE-aligned science exemplars into a catalyst for school-wide achievement. Participants will explore a proven framework for analyzing scientific data tables and graphs to identify specific gaps in scientific reasoning. By leveraging the VDOE Scientific Investigation Rubric, we established a strategic school-wide goal that moves students beyond rote memorization toward becoming future-ready critical thinkers. Attendees will learn how to use student work as a primary data source to drive instructional coaching, calibrate grading, and foster a consistent culture of evidence-based inquiry across all elementary grade levels.
Participants will engage in a live Socratic Seminar using an anchor text to experience how structured academic dialogue builds thinking classrooms across disciplines (ELA, science, social studies; ES–HS). This session models how to de-front instruction, increase student discourse, and promote deeper reasoning through evidence-based conversation. Educators will leave with practical structures, questioning techniques, and facilitation moves to create inclusive, student-centered discussions that support future-ready learners.
I am an avid lifelong learner who gets bored easily and wants to learn infinitely. I spent 9 years as a 7th grade Advanced English Teacher at ODS, implementing a myriad of gifted instructional strategies before taking my gifted expertise to elementary as a GRT. Some of the gifted... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am EDT Room 120
In this session the presenter will share how specialists and classroom teachers support grade 5 science through hands-on, standards-aligned, and efficient learning experiences in our STEM lab. We will showcase 15+ tried and true labs that are designed around each unit's SOLs and curriculum pacing, with bonus topics covering our 4th grade review and science tutoring.
Participants will leave with a Google Drive folder organized by science unit and containing student response sheets and other resources for each lab. If you are interested in bringing more creative, hands-on investigative experiences to a grade 5 science classroom, this session is a great place to start.
Stop navigating student concerns alone. This session demystifies the SRT process and its role within the MTSS framework, providing elementary teachers with a clear roadmap for behavior, SEL, and attendance challenges. Using the division SRT flowchart, participants will identify actionable Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports and learn to collect data that drives real solutions. Gain clarity on who to go to for help and how to leverage division resources effectively. Turn paperwork into progress with solution-based problem-solving that supports the whole child.
This session is designed for 5th-grade educators and Science Lead Teachers looking to bridge the gap between rigorous state standards and the kind of "wow" moments that make students life-long learners. We’ll dive into a Future Ready approach to elementary science, where students don't just read about phenomena—they build, test, and investigate them. By aligning hands-on activities (from Design Challenges, Inquiry, and Investigations) with specific learning targets, we ensure that student engagement leads directly to mastery. Join us to discover how shifting from "telling" to "doing" creates an Inspiring Impact, empowering your students to engineer solutions for the world of tomorrow.
This 90 minute session will support elementary K-5 language arts educators in using assessment data (VALLSS/NWEA Map/Curriculum Assessments) to inform their decision making in providing differentiated instruction and strengthen student learning outcomes. This will align to the VBCPS goal 1) Educational Excellence. I will also incorporate student goal setting which will support goal 3) Student Ownership of Learning. This will also aide in developing teacher clarity to make intentional and informed decisions based on student need. Participants will engage collaboratively in looking at and analyzing literacy data and identify patterns in student performance. Teachers will collectively engage in identifying targeted instructional responses as well as strategies to promote equitable literacy growth and support all students in becoming confident, independent readers.
Science can be one of the most language-heavy content areas, creating barriers for English Learners. This interactive session focuses on practical, high-impact strategies that make science content accessible without watering down rigor. Participants will explore ways to integrate language supports into science instruction while maintaining alignment to SOLs and Scientific and Engineering Practices.
In this session, participants will explore the critical role vocabulary and oral language play in strengthening reading comprehension and developing effective writing skills. After learning how the brain stores vocabulary, we will highlight evidence-based strategies for promoting vocabulary acquisition, including approaches for enhancing approved curriculum vocabulary lessons for teaching words explicitly and ideas that support incidental word learning. Strategies will support vocabulary growth for all populations. Participants will leave with practical tools to enhance students’ word knowledge, retention, and meaningful application across content areas.
Take visual math to a whole new level as we explore how to solve a variety of low floor, high ceiling activities that allow all students to engage in deeper mathematical thinking. Based on the work of Jo Boaler, we’ll discuss the science behind visual math, try to solve some old problems in new, pictorial ways and then explore the website youcubed.org through a visual lens. Target Audience: K-8 teachers, gifted, special education, Title 1
Every language arts lesson asks students to do more than read and write; it asks them to plan, hold information in working memory, shift between tasks, and regulate their own attention. This session helps educators to see the executive functioning demands already embedded in their LA instruction and intervention planning. Participants will examine real lesson structures through an EF lens, identify where students may be struggling due to cognitive load rather than content gaps, and leave with practical planning moves to reduce barriers and strengthen student access.
Join us as we explore ways to strengthen writing instruction and inspire meaningful student growth in Grades 3–5. In this interactive session, participants will learn how a writing continuum can guide instruction and support students as they develop stronger writing skills. Teachers will examine practical examples of the RACE strategy to help students respond to reading through clear, organized written responses. Throughout the session, HMH resources and connections to the Standards of Learning will be highlighted to support classroom implementation.
Performing Arts Teachers will work to understand the purpose and impact of clear learning intentions and success criteria based on John Almarode's research-based strategies for implementation, as they specifically relate to the performing arts classroom. By connecting these practices to the VBCPS Teaching and Learning Framework (Plan, Teach, Assess), teachers will grow their understanding of classroom implementation while laying the foundation for continuing PLC work that integrates these concepts into classroom practice. Participants should bring a charged laptop.
This session empowers educators to move "Beyond the Red Pen" by integrating MagicSchool AI to foster personalized, high-impact student revision. Aligned with the VBCPS Strategic Plan goal of cultivating Future Ready Learners, we will explore how AI-driven feedback loops promote critical thinking and agency in the writing process.
Participants will learn to use MagicSchool to generate rubric-aligned feedback and differentiated scaffolds that help students take ownership of their growth. This session targets grades 3–5 across all literacy-heavy disciplines, providing practical strategies to bridge the gap between initial drafts and polished, professional-grade communication.
In this session, participants will build a strong foundation in the science of reading by exploring the research and theoretical models that explain how skilled reading develops. Through clear examples and practical discussion, educators will deepen their understanding of how the brain learns to read, what components support reading growth, and why these findings matter for classroom instruction. This foundational knowledge will equip participants to make informed instructional decisions that promote literacy achievement for all students.
This interactive K–5 science session demonstrates how integrating technology and gifted pedagogy makes hands-on learning possible for all students. Participants will engage in a quick “explore before explain” lab and examine how this instructional shift increased science SOL pass rates, including significant gains for students with disabilities. Educators will explore ready-to-use, elevated investigations, learn practical tech integration strategies, and gain coaching tools to support implementation. This session empowers educators to lead and/or create engaging, inquiry-based science experiences that build critical thinking and future-ready learners.
I am an avid lifelong learner who gets bored easily and wants to learn infinitely. I spent 9 years as a 7th grade Advanced English Teacher at ODS, implementing a myriad of gifted instructional strategies before taking my gifted expertise to elementary as a GRT. Some of the gifted... Read More →
Why do some students decode fluently but still stumble on meaning — and vice versa? The answer is often in the words themselves. This session explores how syllable patterns and the history of words (etymology and morphology) serve as a powerful bridge between fluency and comprehension for students in grades 3–5. Participants will examine the research connecting word structure knowledge to reading outcomes, explore student-facing routines that build this knowledge systematically, and leave with ready-to-use instructional strategies.
Dive into the world of Sphero indi and unlock the power of computational thinking. Explore how students build skills like sequencing, logic, and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities.
Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT Room 118
This session is designed for educators from selected schools participating in the READ 180 Grades 4–5 pilot program. READ 180 will serve as the intervention program for students with Student Reading Plans (SRPs) and is intended to provide targeted support to strengthen foundational skills. During the session, participants will be introduced to the program structure and instructional components, observe a lesson demonstration, and engage in hands-on interactions with instructional resources. Opportunities for discussion and reflection will support teachers in understanding how the program can be implemented effectively in the classroom to meet the needs of students requiring additional reading support.
This session will support the goal of challenging and supporting each student to excel and be future-ready. This session aims to empower K-8 educators to focus on activities that promote metacognition and creative problem-solving. Drawing on David Dubczak’s Activate Your Genius Mode, we will explore high-leverage, critical thinking practices designed to challenge and foster students' cognitive endurance. Participants will engage with innovative materials to develop future-ready learners. These materials can be immediately scaled for Elementary and Middle School classrooms across all subject areas. Shift your pedagogy from instruction-led to inquiry-driven to ignite student passion, engagement, and innovation.
In this hands-on session, educators will discover how to harness the magic of AI tools like Gemini Storybook and Magic School AI to create vibrant, custom-tailored books that align perfectly with VBCPS content specs. We will walk through a simple workflow to generate engaging narratives, design professional-grade layouts in Canva or Book Creator and bridge the gap between foundational literacy and the Future-Ready Profile. Leave with a ready-to-use digital books and the skills to turn your next lesson into an immersive reading adventure. This sessions will have a K-1 focus, but resources and process could transfer to any grade level and content.
I am a Gifted Resource teacher in a primary school. We have Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade students. I do whole-class lessons with Kindergarten and 1st grade, and small-group enrichment lessons with some 1st graders.
Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 1:25pm EDT Room 116
This session will focus on introducing the newest tools Seesaw has to offer, including AI enhanced lessons, YouYube video embedding, and much more! Whether you are newer to Seesaw or have used it for years, there’s something new for everyone.
Dive into the world of Sphero indi and unlock the power of computational thinking. Explore how students build skills like sequencing, logic, and problem-solving through engaging, hands-on activities.
Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT Room 118
For students in highly supported settings, structure serves as the bridge to academic access. This session explores the “Blueprint for Success” by focusing on how environmental and behavioral supports act as the foundation for high-quality instruction. Participants will learn how to adapt and modify the general education curriculum, implement effective behavioral supports, and develop specially designed instruction (SDI) to strengthen students’ social, emotional, and behavioral skills. By tightening alignment across these key areas, teachers will build cohesive classroom systems that support students with significant needs. The session will conclude with dedicated workshop time, offering opportunities to ask instructional questions, begin SDI lesson planning, and develop systems for progress monitoring.
Managing small groups while keeping the rest of the class meaningfully engaged is one of the most common challenges in today’s classrooms. This interactive 90-minute session will provide educators with practical, ready-to-implement strategies for structuring data-driven math instruction through effective small group models.
Participants will explore instructional frameworks, routines, and goal-setting practices that promote student independence, increase engagement, and support resilient learners. Emphasis will be placed on how to use data to form groups, differentiate instruction, and ensure all students are working productively—whether they are with the teacher or independently.
When students can see their thinking, they can make sense of mathematics in powerful ways. In this interactive session, elementary educators will explore how hands-on models bring mathematical concepts to life and create multiple entry points that support all learners—especially students with disabilities—in developing deep understanding. Through engaging problem-solving experiences, participants will examine how concrete representations support the transition to abstract thinking. Leave with practical strategies to design instruction that increases access, engagement, and student ownership for every learner.
Elementary literacy leaders will meet at DTALcon to explore the core pillars of the literacy leader role and how they will support the implementation of the Strategic Action Agenda. This will include the analysis of the connection between high-leverage literacy leadership practices and measurable shifts in teacher practice, impacting student outcomes. Literacy leaders will engage in experiences that support the design and delivery of information through professional learning communities to ensure consistency and quality for teachers.
Ready to ignite your science instruction? Join us to transform your lessons using universal concepts to make meaningful connections. By moving away from isolated facts and toward conceptual learning, students are able to build a mental framework where deeper connections occur naturally. This approach shifts the focus from students recalling isolated scientific facts to understanding complex scientific concepts, boosting long-term retention. Discover how gifted pedagogy naturally aligns with science instruction to engage high-ability learners and elevate rigor for all. You will walk away with practical, ready-to-use tools to ignite curiosity, spark critical thinking, and cultivate a classroom of young scientists!
Ready to transform your math block into a powerhouse of personalized learning? Join us for an interactive exploration of Imagine Math designed specifically for K-5 educators. We will dive deep into data-driven decision-making, moving beyond 'log-in time' to purposeful differentiation. Participants will learn to leverage real-time reports to bridge achievement gaps and fuel student growth. By the end of this session, you’ll leave with a concrete plan to integrate Imagine Math into your small-group rotations, ensuring every learner is challenged, supported, and Future Ready.
Grades 2 - 5: Beginner friendly! Learn how to use small teaching computers called Micro:Bits (most schools have a class set) and 100s of ready-to-go projects on the user friendly Microsoft Make Code platform. We will break down the vocabulary of the CS Algorithms and Programming strand and apply it to a pseudocode (planning document) before building the code and downloading it to the Micro:Bit. Give your Micro:Bit the coded input and watch it come to life! Participants will leave with several turnkey Micro:Bit lessons for grade levels 2-5 created by the presenter.
This session explores how Sphero Indi cars can be used in elementary classrooms (K–5) to build foundational computer science and problem-solving skills through hands-on, screen-free coding. Participants will engage in interactive challenges that integrate science, math, and critical thinking while promoting collaboration and creativity. Aligned with strategic goals of preparing future-ready learners, this session highlights how purposeful technology use fosters independence, perseverance, and real-world application of skills. Attendees will leave with ready-to-implement ideas that inspire meaningful student engagement.
This session offers a deep dive into the design and implementation of Behavior Academies as a proactive, tiered intervention to address student behavior. Participants will learn how to create structured, skill-building sessions that align with MTSS frameworks and support positive student outcomes. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, progress monitoring, and practical tools, this session equips elementary educators and leaders with strategies to implement Behavior Academies that are both impactful and sustainable.
Our presentation will focus on using visuals in the classroom to support SEL practices, language comprehension, scheduling, behavioral expectations, and expressive language for both speaking and non-speaking students. Visuals will be available for participants to use in their classrooms, along with videos of teaching practices to help demonstrate how and when to use the visuals. Examples will be provided for both special and general education teachers. There will also be a short section on how to use a communication device with non-speaking students.
Our presentation was originally created to support first-year special education teachers who were struggling to create and use appropriate visuals during instruction. After presenting to teachers in our school, we realized that this presentation would be beneficial to many teachers, including both veteran and new educators.
This presentation is appropriate for special education teachers in grades 2–5 self-contained classrooms, ECSE–1st grade teachers at all levels, and general education teachers in PreK–1.
This isn’t your average “sit-and-get” PD! Using a Breakout EDU-style format, you’ll work in teams to explore district, school, classroom, and student data. As you solve puzzles and “unlock” each step, you’ll organize and analyze data, identify trends, and determine meaningful next steps. Our goal is that you leave with a mindset that data analysis isn't a stressful, isolated chore, but something that can be done efficiently, and doesn't take a lot of time to do.
In this interactive professional learning session, educators will explore how the eight Mathematical Language Routines (MLRs) bring Illustrative Mathematics® lessons to life through student sense-making, language, and discourse. Participants will connect IM design principles to purposeful discussion and plan for productive student conversations using the MLRs while highlighting strategies that support multilingual learners and strengthen learning for all students. Educators will also get hands-on with the Kiddom platform, exploring IM teacher resources and activities that make mathematical language accessible, inclusive, and rigorous.
Reimagining Learning: Building Culture, Confidence, Discourse, and Ownership in Title I Classrooms focuses on strengthening classroom culture and increasing student engagement through practical, easy-to-implement strategies such as collaborative learning and structured student talk. This session supports strategic goals of equitable, high-quality Tier 1 instruction and student ownership. Participants will explore how culturally responsive practices, clear learning targets, and discourse develop future-ready learners who think critically, communicate effectively, and take ownership of their learning.
Instructional Specialist, Depart of Teaching & Learning
I am a passionate educational leader dedicated to supporting student achievement, empowering educators, and creating meaningful opportunities for students, families, and communities.
Title I Instructional Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools
"I'm passionate about nurturing young minds and building strong readers from the ground up. I love exploring new places, getting lost in a good book, and continuously learning. When I'm not working, you’ll find me traveling, tending to my plants and flowers, listening to a good... Read More →
Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT Room 104
In this interactive session, participants will learn how to design simple, standards-aligned breakout box experiences for kindergarten and first grade students. Participants will see how AI and Seesaw can be used to create digital clues that reduce printing and prep while increasing student independence and accessibility. Attendees will have time to explore and create a breakout box activity on their own. Walk away with ready-to-use templates, a planning framework, and a step-by-step design process to create your own breakout experience aligned to your curriculum.
Empower 4th graders to be Future Ready creators by using WeVideo to turn science units into dynamic multimedia reviews. These student-led productions serve as a vital refresher for 5th-grade peers, creating an Inspiring Impact across grade levels. Learn how to bridge curriculum gaps through digital storytelling that builds lasting mastery. Turn your students into subject-matter experts with this creative, collaborative approach.
This session will cover and explain the use of Microsoft Makecode Arcade to integrate Virginia computer science curriculum alongside social studies curriculum. This 4th grade lesson explicitly teaches variables, video game design concepts, and block code editing to show understanding of hardships within Jamestown. This session will review the VBCPS curriculum 4th grade Microsoft Makecode Arcade Jamestown lesson and how to implement this within the classroom.
New to Seesaw? This hands-on session will explore simple, high-impact ways to use the platform to support student voice, creativity, engagement, and family communication across content areas. Participants will learn beginner-friendly strategies for creating activities, checking for understanding, and empowering students as future-ready learners. Educators will leave with practical ideas and ready-to-use resources they can immediately implement in their K to 5 classrooms.
Preparing future-ready learners requires teaching students how to think, not just what to learn. In this session, educators will explore how visible learning routines in upper elementary science and literacy (grades 3–5) support the development of executive functioning and deeper comprehension. Participants will examine the use of strategies to help students analyze models, organize information, and articulate understanding. These strategies strengthen student ownership of learning, critical thinking, and cross-curricular connections, aligning with Virginia Beach’s strategic goals for engaged, empowered learners.
