DTAL Conference 2026

Pre-K classrooms are full of energy, curiosity, and, sometimes, big emotions. Behaviors that challenge us are often a child’s way of communicating needs they can’t yet express with words. In this session, we’ll explore practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to support young learners through their big feelings. Participants will gain tools to recognize the “why” behind behaviors, respond with empathy and consistency, and create calm, supportive learning environments. Together, we’ll shift the focus from managing behavior to building relationships, resilience, and regulation skills that set children up for long-term success.

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.

This interactive session will guide teachers in creating engaging learning stations that bring the STREAMin3 curriculum, literacy, and math to life through meaningful, hands-on, and developmentally appropriate activities. Participants will explore strategies to support learning within stations, including modeling language, asking open-ended questions, and encouraging thinking through play, while balancing structure and flexibility to keep students engaged. Teachers will also learn how to extend and adapt activities based on children’s interests, leaving with practical tools to create fun, purposeful, and instructionally rich learning experiences for preschool learners.

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.

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.

Every classroom has a tone. Let’s make yours one that strengthens connection and sparks learning. In this engaging, high-impact session, we’ll explore essential practices that help young learners build self-regulation through predictable routines, purposeful play, and smooth, manageable transitions. This is more than classroom management. It’s about creating a culture where social-emotional growth flourishes. You’ll discover simple, effective strategies to minimize disruptions, boost confidence, and lead with intention. Walk away with practical tools and a clear plan to create a nurturing environment where both you and your students feel engaged, connected, and ready to learn.

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.

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 interactive session will guide teachers through essential classroom structures that promote consistency, independence, and engagement during the first weeks of school and beyond. Participants will examine how intentional planning and strong routines support both classroom management and instructional quality. Teachers will also explore ways to deepen their use of the STREAMin3 curriculum, including strategies for extending activities, embedding language modeling, and supporting student thinking during play and learning experiences.

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.