DTAL Conference 2026

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am EDT

Room 104

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will learn how SchoolAI can be used to (among other things) create custom learning experiences in the form of interview opportunities for their students where students can interview anyone in history! Imagine providing the opportunity for students to ask key historical figures, all that they've been wondering!!

Presenters

Luke Hardin

Instructional Tech Specialist, Landstown Middle School

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am EDT
Room 104

Area Open to All

9:00am EDT

The Sunday Scaries End Here: Shifting from Triage to Triumph

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am EDT

Room 206

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop drives Goal 3 by prioritizing Strategy 3.4 to enhance employee well-being, which directly boosts job satisfaction and retention. It simultaneously aligns with Goal 5 by identifying opportunities to automate tasks and improve efficiency. This reclaimed time and energy are vital for student impact; it allows teachers to provide the differentiated instruction required by Goal 1 and the social-emotional support needed for Goal 2. Ultimately, a thriving staff ensures every student is challenged, supported, and future-ready.

Presenters

Patricia Smith

Instructional Technology Specialist, Renaissance Academy

Jennifer Seymore

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 9:40am EDT
Room 206

Area Open to All

9:00am EDT

Belonging Begins With US: Cultivating Empathy in our classrooms and Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 102

Limited Capacity seats available

We hear a lot about the need to “build relationships” and create “positive classroom climates” for our students. But how do we actually do that -authentically and consistently?
This session will focus on how empathy serves as a foundation for creating classroom environments where students feel seen, valued, and where a sense of belonging lives.
.

Presenters

Meredith Hobson

Coord Opportunity & Achievement, Office of the Superintendent

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 102

Area Open to All

9:00am EDT

Inclusive by Design: Shifting the Lift for Disengaged Students

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 122

Limited Capacity seats available

As assistant principals, we are uniquely positioned to influence systems, adult practice, and student outcomes. This session explores how school leaders can intentionally design inclusive structures and classroom practices that re-engage disengaged students academically, behaviorally, and socially without lowering expectations. Participants will examine real leadership scenarios, analyze barriers to engagement, and apply AVID strategies to shift student ownership, voice, and accountability. Attendees will leave with a practical, step-by-step framework they can use to coach teachers, support students, and drive future-ready, student-centered learning across their schools.

Presenters

Kimberly Nurse

Admin Asst-High, Bayside HS

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 122

Area Open to All

9:00am EDT

Language Access

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 126

Limited Capacity seats available

Join FACE for an interactive session designed for all school levels to empower teachers and administrators with practical, reliable alternatives (trustworthy ways to communicate with families who speak different languages). In this presentation, we’ll explore a variety of language access tools and strategies. Learn how to use features within PowerPoint, Canva, and other platforms to better support all families and students, ensure accurate communication, and support the school community as a whole. Walk away with hands-on strategies, recommended tools, and resources you can start using right away.

Presenters

Domenica Nichols

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Originally from Peru, bilingual educator with a Master in education at ODU and in Family Psychology from Regent University, extensive experience designing and leading ESL programs in North Carolina, as well as teaching Spanish at Currituck County Schools and Bayside High School in... Read More →

Tina Garfield

Family Outreach Representative, VBCPS OFFICE OF FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Hello! I was formally a Nationally Board Certified Spanish Teacher at Princess Anne High School. Now I serve families, students, and community partners by creating mutually beneficial relationships in an effort to increase academic performance.

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 126

Area Open to All

9:00am EDT

Low Tech, Big Energy: Review Games Students Actually Love

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT

Room 216

Limited Capacity seats available

Low Tech, Big Energy highlights engaging review games that build collaboration, critical thinking, and student ownership without relying on technology. Designed for all grade levels across content areas, this session supports future-ready learners through problem-solving, communication, and active participation. Participants will experience adaptable strategies such as Amazing Race-style clue challenges, Grudge for strategic decision-making, and Capture the Flag with mystery scoring. These low-prep activities maximize movement and engagement while reinforcing academic content, helping educators align interactive review with strategic goals focused on student-centered learning and meaningful skill development.

Presenters

Abigail Marapao

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:00am - 10:30am EDT
Room 216

Area Open to All

9:50am EDT

Clarity as a Level for Student Agency, Equity, and Belonging

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT

Room 120

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how teacher clarity serves as a powerful lever to elevate student agency, equity, and belonging. This session explores practical strategies including clear learning intentions, success criteria, and effective feedback to empower students, identify growth barriers, and foster a welcoming environment where every learner can reach their full potential.

Presenters

Charlie Hinsch

Coordinator Instructional Technology, Department of Teaching and Learning

Instructional Technology Coordinator
Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Kelly Miller

Library Services Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT
Room 120

Area Open to All

9:50am EDT

Confident Readers, Courageous Learners

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT

Room 206

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores how educators can intentionally build students’ courage to learn by creating classroom conditions that support academic risk-taking. Participants will examine strategies such as building relational trust, designing appropriately challenging tasks, and providing incremental success criteria so students experience frequent success. Using the TIRES framework (Tasks, Input, Responses, Evidence, Success), educators will learn how to structure lessons that increase student participation, confidence, and resilience. Examples from elementary literacy and content classrooms will demonstrate how these practices help develop engaged, future-ready learners who feel empowered to take risks and persist in learning.

Presenters

Tiffany Mack

Language Arts Coordinators, Elementary Teaching and Learning

Leyla Caralivanos

Reading Specialist, John B. Dey ES

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT
Room 206

Area Open to All

9:50am EDT

Gemini Gems - A BOT Can Do That!

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT

Room 213

Limited Capacity seats available

What if you could hire a special group of personal assistants to handle all of your tedious, repetitive tasks in a fraction of the time?

Make Gemini Gems your A-team of AI assistants -- trained specifically by you . . . for you. In this session, you will learn how to train a lesson builder, quiz companion, feedback coach, and sub lesson planner. These Gems can be used over-and-over without a bathroom break!

Next, you will get hands-on experience building a custom Gem that meets your needs and even learn how to share your Gem with teachers and show students how to recreate tehem (only available for HS students)! Walk away from this session with time-savers and student-engagers galore!

Presenters

Bryan Dulmage

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Google Certified Level I & II. I am interested in all things #edtech but specifically how to use technology as a tool to help students develop their strengths, find their passions, think deeply about content, and show their creativity. Follow me on X (fka Twitter) @instruct_edt... Read More →

Julia Foust

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT
Room 213

Area Open to All

9:50am EDT

Level Up Learning: From Data Fatigue to Engagement

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT

Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

Educators are facing a growing challenge: student apathy paired with “data fatigue,” where tracking progress feels more like a task than a celebration. What if that data could fuel motivation instead of drain it? Learn how to create a schoolwide “side game” to boost engagement across any VBCPS platform. With AI as your gamification co-pilot, real-time literacy and math progress become meaningful through Boss Battles, Power-Ups, and shared challenges students want to join. Built on existing tools, this culture-driven system promotes ownership, collaboration, and visible growth—making progress rewarding, social, and worth celebrating.

Presenters

Michael Wesely

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

With 28 years of experience in Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Michael currently serves as an Instructional Technology Specialist who believes creativity belongs at the heart of learning. He has a passion for transforming classrooms into creative playgrounds where curiosity... Read More →

Heidi Richardson

Principal ES, Kempsville Elementary School

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT
Room 234

Area Open to All

9:50am EDT

The Secret Sauce: How NotebookLM Marinates Your Notes into Knowledge

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT

Room 219

Limited Capacity seats available

Stop drowning in "raw ingredients" like dense curriculum guides, lengthy slide sets, and endless lesson materials. In this beginner-friendly session, we’ll show you how to use NotebookLM as your digital sous-chef to "set and forget" your prep work. Learn how to toss your documents into one AI-powered pot to automatically simmer them into instant videos, study guides, and even custom podcasts. Participants will have workshop time during this session so you can walk away with a foolproof recipe for reclaiming your prep period and turning a mountain of resources into classroom-ready materials—no Michelin stars required!

Presenters

Allison Heischober

Instructional Technology Specialists, Virginia Beach City Public School

Jenn Blais

ITS, Salem HS

VSTE Certified Coach

Thursday August 6, 2026 9:50am - 10:30am EDT
Room 219

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

Coding in any classroom

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

Room 216

Limited Capacity seats available

The session will show the basics of using coding/Tynker (site) in the classroom with students that are new to coding. It will focus on using coding as a way to enhance or support what is already being taught.

Presenters

Luke Hardin

Instructional Tech Specialist, Landstown Middle School

Donna Chapa

AVID Coordinator/Teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
Room 216

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

Evidenced Based Strategies for Working with Exceptional Children in the Inclusion Classrom

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

Room 126

Limited Capacity seats available

Inclusion is more than just a physical space; it’s a commitment to ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive alongside their peers. This training translates the complex world of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) into actionable classroom routines. Participants will leave with a toolkit of strategies that reduce behavioral barriers and amplify academic and social success.

Presenters

Marissa Robinson

Coordinator, OPEC

Alyson Szykuc

Mary Telinde

Instructional Specialist, Dept. of Programs for Exceptional Children

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
Room 126

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

Teaching Smarter, Not Harder: Using AI as Your Classroom Co-Pilot

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

Room 204

Limited Capacity seats available

Feeling overwhelmed by planning, grading, and everything in between? This session will show you how to use AI tools like ChatGPT as your personal teaching assistant and creative partner, with strategies applicable to any grade level or content area. Discover how to brainstorm ideas, create classroom materials, and simplify your workload. Whether you're planning lessons, differentiating for students, or writing emails, AI can help you work more efficiently—while staying creative and in control. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use prompts they can implement immediately.

Presenters

Karen Franklin

Computer Teacher, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
Room 204

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

The Storytelling Teacher: Tools to Craft Engaging Social Studies Narratives

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT

Room 208

Limited Capacity seats available

Great social studies teachers don’t just present information, they tell compelling stories about people, problems, and decisions. This session explores tools that can help teachers design richer learning experiences by enhancing that storytelling. The focus is not on replacing teacher expertise, but on expanding what teachers can create making social studies more vivid, memorable, and meaningful for students.

Presenters

Chad Gangwer

Tim Bakner

Instructional Coach, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 11:25am EDT
Room 208

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

Breaking the Feedback Bottleneck with AI-Powered Workflows

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

Educators are struggling with the staggering mental load of analyzing student writing, often resulting in a feedback bottleneck that stalls student growth. This session provides a systematic AI-powered ecosystem using VBCPS-approved tools (like Brisk and MagicSchool,) that allows teachers to reclaim their cognitive space and pivot to high-impact instruction. Participants will move beyond "tool-talk" to architect a live workflow that transforms raw student drafts into actionable "Glows and Grows" and class-wide anecdotal trends in seconds. You will leave with a concrete, automated feedback system that eliminates the burnout cycle and fuels personalized learning.

Presenters

Michael Wesely

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Beth Smith

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 →

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 234

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

Drive, Code, Create: Unlocking STEM with Sphero BOLT+

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 220

Limited Capacity seats available

Take coding and robotics to the next level with Sphero BOLT+. In this interactive session, participants will explore block-based and text-based programming while tackling engaging challenges. Learn how BOLT+ supports computer science, engineering design, and real-world problem-solving in a fun, approachable way.

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 220

Area Open to All

10:45am EDT

Future Ready Fusion: Combining Canvas Studio with Google Vids

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 202

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how VBCPS educators can leverage Canvas Studio and Google Vids to create engaging, student-centered learning experiences that align with the Future Ready Profile and Strategic Plan goals of innovation, communication, and learner ownership. This session will showcase practical “app smashing” strategies using existing district tools to streamline formative data collection, amplify student voice, and increase engagement in grades K–12 across all content areas. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use ideas for boosting collaboration, creativity, and real-time feedback.

Presenters

Alexandra Shea

Instructional Technology Specialist, Landstown ES

Thursday August 6, 2026 10:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 202

Area Open to All

11:35am EDT

App Central: Helping parents navigate the sea of VBCPS online platforms

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 216

Limited Capacity seats available

Compass to 2030 calls us to partner with families to support students, but what are we doing to help parents navigate the multitude of online platforms they're expected to use to stay engaged with their student's learning (ParentVUE, Canvas, Seesaw, ParentSquare, and list goes on and on...)? The Platform Awareness Project, or PAC, advances organizational excellence by creating a centralized resource where parents and staff can learn about the divisions most-used applications.

Presenters

David Schleck

Public Relations Coordinator, Dept Communications and Community Engagement

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 216

Area Open to All

11:35am EDT

Building a Positive Classroom Culture to Enhance English Language Learner Engagement

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 213

Limited Capacity seats available

The purpose of this workshop is to explore the critical relationship between classroom culture and student engagement. It will examine how intentional practices, inclusive environments, and culturally responsive teaching strategies can foster meaningful student participation, improve academic outcomes, and promote a sense of belonging among English language learners. This workshop is designed for K–12 educators, instructional leaders, and school administrators seeking to improve classroom climate and increase student engagement, particularly among marginalized and underrepresented student populations.

Presenters

Emma Osbourne

MTSS Coach, Office of Student Support Services

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 213

Area Open to All

11:35am EDT

Building Authentic Science Experiences Through Computer Science

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 218

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, educators will explore how to design and implement meaningful, interdisciplinary learning experiences that seamlessly integrate computer science into middle school science instruction.

Presenters

Tanna Hackett

Title 1 Resource, Bayside Middle School

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 218

Area Open to All

11:35am EDT

Diffit and Done: Effortless Text Leveling for Inclusive Classrooms

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 206

Limited Capacity seats available

Empower future-ready learners by using Diffit to create equitable, personalized instruction! This session explores how to leverage this AI tool to instantly adapt complex texts (or generate texts) into differentiated guided readings. While we will showcase specific examples tailored to High School Science (Biology), these vital differentiation strategies apply seamlessly to all grade levels and subjects. For example, we will demonstrate how Diffit tailors rigorous content specifically for English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with disabilities. Discover how targeted technology integration guarantees every student can access grade-level material and thrive in a diverse, inclusive classroom.

Presenters

Devan Smith

Math Coach, Bayside High

Samantha Wilson

Science Teacher, Bayside HS

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 206

Area Open to All

11:35am EDT

I am not looking for the best tools, I am looking for the right ones: A Miracle for Differentiated Instruction

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 122

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us for a high-speed "scrimmage" where we demonstrate how Custom Gems and NotebookLM serve as the ultimate assistant coaches. We will showcase how to transform a standard lesson into a high-engagement "Starbucks-themed" extension activity using Gems, and how NotebookLM can take complex secondary concepts—like the Pythagorean theorem and repackage them into Japanese anime-themed review videos that meet students exactly where they are.

Presenters

Erik Petermann

Instructional Technology Specialist, Brookwood ES

Chad Huff

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 122

Area Open to All

11:35am EDT

Thinking With Machines: AI as a Thought Partner in Curriculum Design

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT

Room 208

Limited Capacity seats available

AI isn't a short-cut; it's a collaborator. In this session, a curriculum coordinator shares an honest, behind-the-scenes look at how AI has become a genuine partner in the work of designing and refining K-5 curriculum. From master prompts that unlock deeper outputs to workflows that accelerate without sacrificing quality, participants will leave with practical strategies, real examples, and a more sophisticated mental model for what it means to think with AI rather than just use it.

Presenters

Chad Gangwer

Thursday August 6, 2026 11:35am - 12:15pm EDT
Room 208

Area Open to All

12:45pm EDT

Strengthening SOL-Aligned Teaching with eMediaVA

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 1:25pm EDT

Room 216

Limited Capacity seats available

Join educators from WHRO Public Media to explore eMediaVA, Virginia’s free, premiere digital content library, designed to support SOL-aligned instruction across all grade levels and subject areas. Participants will learn how to effectively navigate eMediaVA, discover high-quality resources, and integrate ready-to-use media into lessons. Walk away with a plethora of strategies and resources to enhance instruction and engage students.

Presenters

Jennifer Clements

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Kelly Miller

Library Services Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 1:25pm EDT
Room 216

Area Open to All

12:45pm EDT

Build and Blast: Launch Creative Projects in Minutes

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

Teachers don’t need more tools; they need a streamlined way to spark student creation without adding to their workload. This session provides a high-speed system using Adobe Express as a central hub for student-led media. Master the "Build-and-Blast" method to launch full-class projects in clicks, guide learners with built-in tutorials, and utilize modifiable templates to remove instructional guesswork. From podcasts and cinematic videos to digital newspapers, you will build a toolkit for rapid distribution. Walk away with a repeatable system that transforms everyday lessons into professional-grade creative experiences, ready for implementation tomorrow morning.

Presenters

Michael Wesely

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 234

Area Open to All

12:45pm EDT

Drive, Code, Create: Unlocking STEM with Sphero BOLT+

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 220

Thursday August 6, 2026 12:45pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 220

Area Open to All

1:35pm EDT

Creativity is a Skill—Let’s Teach It

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 208

Limited Capacity seats available

Would you complain that your students couldn’t read if you never taught them to? Of course not, so why do we complain that students aren’t creative when we don’t embed creativity in our lessons? This session will look at the four components of creativity and model strategies to increase students’ creative ideas. Then we’ll look at how to embed these strategies into your curriculum, whether it be for a ten minute morning meeting or an entire class period.

Presenters

Barbara Kimpan

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 208

Area Open to All

1:35pm EDT

From Words to Wow: Designing Vocabulary Trading Cards with Adobe Express to Bring Vocabulary to Life Through Games and Activities

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 202

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform dry definitions into "Wow" moments! No matter what your subject or grade level, discover how students use Adobe Express and Generative AI to engineer vocabulary trading cards. Learn a future-ready workflow that builds deep conceptual understanding through research, iterative prompting, and high-impact visual design.
But we won’t stop at creation—we will also introduce a variety of ready-to-use activities that turn cards into powerful learning tools. From partner challenges and sorting games to review competitions and math congress-style discussions, you’ll leave with practical strategies to increase student engagement, promote meaningful discourse, and reinforce vocabulary in a fun, purposeful way.

Presenters

Jennifer Ives

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Jennifer has dedicated her career to Virginia Beach City Public Schools, working as an elementary classroom teacher, Gifted Resource Teacher, and now as an Instructional Technology Specialist. She believes that technology should serve us, not the other way around. Jennifer loves coaching... Read More →

Jamie Mann

Math Coach, Fairfield ES

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 202

Area Open to All

1:35pm EDT

I am not looking for the best tools, I am looking for the right ones: A Miracle for Differentiated Instruction

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 122

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters

Erik Petermann

Instructional Technology Specialist, Brookwood ES

Chad Huff

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 122

Area Open to All

1:35pm EDT

Teaching Media Literacy in the Age of AI

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room 216

Limited Capacity seats available

Join educators from WHRO Public Media for an interactive session on integrating news literacy and digital citizenship in the age of AI. Discover practical and evidenced-based strategies on media literacy, classroom tips on utilizing AI, and ready-to-use student resources from leading PBS content creators. Learn how to embed essential news literacy skills and concepts into your teaching in engaging and meaningful ways.

Presenters

Kelly Miller

Library Services Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Alice Agnew

WHRO

Jennifer Clements

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Janie Everett, eMediaVA

Educational Technology Manager, WHRO

janie is the ed tech manager

Thursday August 6, 2026 1:35pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room 216

Area Open to All

2:30pm EDT

Game On! Inspiring Student Learning through Game Coding

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Room 204

Limited Capacity seats available

In this session, participants will learn how students can engage in content topics through video game coding, decoding, and debugging. Participants will get a first hand look at games students have coding for topics like Jamestown, food chains, and more! We will review the basics of block coding and explore how students of various levels can engage in this platform. Participants will get the chance to create their own themed games and will learn how to download the game onto a gaming console using micro:bit.

Presenters

Linda Rowan

Instructional Technology Specialist, Pembroke Meadows Elementary

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Room 204

Area Open to All

2:30pm EDT

AI Without the Overwhelm: Practical Classroom Systems That Save Time and Build Real-World Skills

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Room 220

Limited Capacity seats available

Artificial Intelligence is everywhere—but many educators are still asking how to use it in ways that truly impact teaching and learning. Aligned to strategic goals of developing future-ready learners, this session focuses on practical, classroom-ready systems across all grade levels and content areas, with an emphasis on career and technical education and real-world skill development. Participants will explore AI as a co-teacher through structured prompts, AI-generated avatars, and student-centered tasks that strengthen communication, problem-solving, and workplace readiness while enhancing instruction in meaningful, sustainable ways. No prior AI experience required.

Presenters

Jennifer Riley-Edwards

Chima Staley

Business & Information Technology Instructor, VBCPS

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Room 220

Area Open to All

2:30pm EDT

From Classroom to Community: Partnering for Authentic Engagement

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Room 210

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover how powerful community partnerships and student-led volunteerism can transform school communities! In this interactive session, participants will explore meaningful ways partners can contribute beyond the classroom, uncover inclusive strategies that welcome all volunteers, and reflect on their own strengths. Then, shift the spotlight to students—identify existing events, elevate student leadership, and design one ready-to-implement, student-led volunteer idea. You’ll leave with a practical next step, clear support needs, and fresh inspiration to boost engagement for student success.

Presenters

Joyce Hawkins

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Rebecca Headings

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

I am a Family Outreach and Community Engagement Representative working specifically with Volunteer Tracker, My Friend's Closet and the Student Supply Racks. I enjoy working with the community as a whole to ensure that all students have the tools and support they need to be successful... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Room 210

Area Open to All

2:30pm EDT

From Worksheets to Wow: Student Voice Through Video

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 234

Limited Capacity seats available

Students rarely remember a worksheet, but they never forget what they create. What happens when your classroom shifts from “turn it in” to “press play”? If video projects have felt like a chaotic "multimedia mess," this session flips the script. We’ll dismantle the technical fear using WeVideo’s drag-and-drop simplicity and pre-built activity library. Stop being the tech-support bottleneck and start being the architect of creative momentum! You’ll leave with a repeatable system and real-time monitoring tools that transform everyday lessons into high-engagement experiences—eliminating teacher burnout and ensuring student voice leads without the management headache.

Presenters

Michael Wesely

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 234

Area Open to All

2:30pm EDT

Reflect. Reframe. Relate.

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 218

Limited Capacity seats available

Through strategies and reflective practices, educators will examine their assumptions and biases considering how they influence trust and relationships with students and families. Participants will deepen their understanding of culturally responsive practices, explore how culture shapes educational experiences, and consider how communication styles and norms impact family engagement, all to strengthen authentic connections.

Presenters

Jacqueline Crawley Coleman

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Contessa Magee

Family Outreach Representative, Office of Family and Community Engagement

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 218

Area Open to All

2:30pm EDT

What If They Made Something Real? Creative Artifacts in Elementary Social Studies

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 208

Limited Capacity seats available

What would happen if elementary students didn't just learn about history, civics, and geography, but actually made something that proved they understood it? This session explores how Adobe Express can transform social studies from a subject students consume into one they create. Participants will explore how purposeful design tasks generate authentic evidence of student thinking, elevate voice, and produce work worth sharing beyond the classroom walls. Walk away with practical strategies, classroom-ready examples, and a new vision for what elementary social studies can look like when students are given the tools to express what they know.

Presenters

Chad Gangwer

Monica Roach

Thursday August 6, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 208

Area Open to All

3:20pm EDT

Core in the Classroom: Making Every Word Count

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 210

Limited Capacity seats available

This session equips general education teachers and classroom staff across grade levels with practical strategies for embedding core vocabulary boards into daily instruction to support communication, engagement, and access for all learners. Participants will learn how to model core vocabulary across routines and academic activities (including literacy and classroom discourse), helping students who use AAC actively participate alongside peers. Aligned with goals for inclusive, future-ready learners, this session emphasizes simple, sustainable practices that build communication, independence, and meaningful classroom interaction without requiring specialized expertise.

Presenters

Brittany Videll

Shelby Solhaug

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 210

Area Open to All

3:20pm EDT

Designing Clear Instruction that Deepens Learning

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 114

Limited Capacity seats available

This session explores teacher clarity's core components: crafting clear learning intentions and measurable success criteria. Participants will learn to organize intentional instruction, align assessments, and use student-friendly language to reduce confusion. Discover how this powerful mindset deepens student learning and maximizes instructional impact.

Presenters

Janet Seward

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Jason Tomik

Instructional Tech Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Lori Weyrauch

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Jennifer Ives

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Shawn Krisch

Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 114

Area Open to All

3:20pm EDT

Smooth SAIling with NotebookLM: Setting a Course for Aligned Learning and Resources

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 211

Limited Capacity seats available

Join us to explore NotebookLM, an AI-powered tool that allows you to transform your existing unit materials into dynamic learning experiences and instructional resources. Unlike general AI tools, NotebookLM is designed to work only with the specific sources you provide like your instructional PDFs, Google Slideshows, and links to web resources including videos. You will also strengthen your skills as critical thinkers by evaluating AI-generated resources for accuracy and alignment.

Presenters

Kelly Miller

Library Services Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Sheila Teri

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Sheila M. Teri is an Instructional Technology Coordinator at Virginia Beach City Public Schools, with over 27 years of experience as an educator, coach, and district-level administrator. A dedicated servant leader, Sheila supports administrators, coaches, teachers, and staff in integrating... Read More →

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 211

Area Open to All

3:20pm EDT

Work Smarter, Not Harder: SAIling with AI Tools for Teacher Efficiency

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT

Room 217

Limited Capacity seats available

Artificial Intelligence offers a powerful way for you to reclaim your time. This hands-on workshop moves beyond the theory of AI and dives straight into tools that can support you as a teacher. You will learn how to navigate various AI platforms such as Suno, Goblin Tools, and Gemini's Nano Banana and leverage them to streamline your daily workflows and spark creative instructional design.

Presenters

Jennifer Clements

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Charlie Hinsch

Coordinator Instructional Technology, Department of Teaching and Learning

Instructional Technology Coordinator
Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Thursday August 6, 2026 3:20pm - 4:00pm EDT
Room 217