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.
Sign up or log in to add sessions to your schedule and sync them to your phone or calendar.
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.
This session unpacks what the latest evidence based reading research tells us about phonemic awareness: what it is, what it isn't, who actually needs explicit practice, and when a tool like Heggerty is warranted versus when it isn't. Designed for teachers and specialists across grade levels, participants will leave with a clearer decision-making framework for matching phonemic awareness support to the students who need it most.
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 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.
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.
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 active learning session supports elementary health and physical education teachers in addressing the unique needs of kindergarten students. Participants will engage in hands-on activity demonstrations, explore practical strategies for managing common challenges, and develop meaningful approaches to assessing student growth without traditional grades. The session also emphasizes collaboration with Pre-K teams and administrators to better prepare incoming students. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools that support every learner in building the skills and attributes of the VBCPS Future-Ready Profile. We will also review school year expectations and provide information about Professional Learning Communities for HPE teachers.
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.
Do you want to spark creativity in your language arts instruction? Do your students love the idea of creating generative AI pictures? Do they want to express themselves, what makes them special? Do you want tasks tied directly to curriculum that allows for student creativity? Adobe Express guided tasks are the answer. In this session, we will look at real Adobe Express activities used in 3rd grade classrooms to extend and remediate students, understand specific content focused vocabulary, and take your language arts instruction to the next level.
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.
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!
From premade family engagement activities from PBS Learning Media, to weekly or monthly challenges to get families working together to reinforce skills. This session is geared for lower elementary but can be adapted for older grades as well.
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.
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.
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.
