VASCD2024: Full Schedule

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8:15am EST

Empowering Schools with Evidence: Making Data Work for EdTech Success

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Patriot

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Patriot

8:15am EST

Supporting All Readers in the Application of Phonics and MORPHOLOGY Instruction

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Liberty

Speakers

Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer

Virginia Tech

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Liberty

8:15am EST

Transforming Literacy Instruction: From Research to Practice

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Piedmont A

What does it take to turn research into transformative practice in literacy education?
The journey to fully implementing the Science of Reading in schools or districts requires more than just knowledge—it demands a strategic approach to change.
In this session, district, school, and instructional leaders will explore how to leverage principles of implementation science to bridge the gap between research and practice. Learn actionable strategies to build buy-in, foster collaboration, and align efforts across teachers, administrators, and the community.
Together, we’ll unpack practical tools for guiding your district toward sustainable adoption of this evidence-based approach to literacy instruction, ensuring every student benefits from the transformative power of the Science of Reading.

Speakers

Sarah DeCotis

National Literacy Director, Age of Learning

Sarah is an accomplished educator and district leader with over 15 years of experience in Broward County Public Schools, the sixth largest district in the nation. Throughout her tenure she has held various roles, including general education teacher, interventionist, , literacy specialist... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Piedmont A

8:15am EST

Connecting Bridges: Peer Mentors in Social Skills Groups

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Colony E

This session examines the impact of peer mentoring in social skills groups for students with IEP goals in social communication. Peer mentors from programs like Teachers for Tomorrow collaborate with professionals (e.g. Speech-Language Pathologists, counselors) enriching interventions and fostering leadership skills. This dynamic approach provides valuable peer feedback, enhancing participant engagement compared to traditional methods. Attendees will gain practical strategies and participate in hands-on activities to optimize learning outcomes for all students involved.

Speakers

Susanne Cook

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Colony E

Connect

8:15am EST

Creating and Sustaining Meaningful Mentoring Relationships

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Allegheny A

The session will equip attendees with essential skills to establish, nurture, and maximize mentoring. Participants will delve into principles; building trust, effective communication, and fostering mutual respect. Techniques for initiating connection and adapting mentorship practices will be explored. Attendees will gain actionable insight to foster personal growth, enhance collaboration, and leverage mentorship for success.

Speakers

Jerri-Lynn Workman

Induction & Development Specialist - Elementary, Hampton City Schools

Heather Ulsh

Induction & Development Specialist - Secondary, Hampton City Schools

Creating and Sustaining Meaningful Mentoring Relationships HANDOUT pdf

Creating and Sustaining Meaningful Mentoring Relationships (1) pdf

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Allegheny A 18-20 Lisle St London, WC2H 7BA, United Kingdom

Connect

8:15am EST

Fostering Collaborative Cultures: Essential Strategies for Transformative Teacher Teams

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Allegheny B

Unlock the transformative power of Achievement Teams with a proven collaborative protocol. This session dives into fostering professional trust, developing collective efficacy, and promoting honest discussions on instructional practices. Participants will gain practical strategies through interactive discussions, role-playing, and case studies, leaving equipped with actionable steps to build high-functioning teacher teams. Enhance your collaboration, drive data-informed decisions, and achieve significant improvements in student outcomes.

Speakers

Steve Ventura

PD Consultant & Author, Advanced Collaborative Solutions

Steve Ventura is the president and lead consultant at Advanced Collaborative Solutions. He is a highly motivational and knowledgeable speaker who approaches high-stakes professional development armed with practical, research-based strategies. Steve is a former elementary and secondary... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Allegheny B 350 5th Ave New York, NY 10018 USA

Connect

8:15am EST

Empowering Students Through Data Literacy: Strategies, Connections, and Community Partnerships

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Colony C

Explore innovative strategies for enhancing data literacy in education, tailored to cross-curricular standards of learning in Virginia. Engage in dynamic 'Data Talks,' create Project-Based Assessments using the data cycle and build transformative community partnerships. Gain invaluable tools and resources to empower students with vital data skills, nurturing their critical thinking and readiness for the data-driven challenges of tomorrow. Embark on this journey with us to ignite innovation and revolutionize data literacy education in your school.

Speakers

Rebecca Cothran

Heather Holcomb

Division Math Coach, Williamsburg-James City County Schools

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Colony C

Elevate

8:15am EST

Empowering Young Voices: Build Your Middle School Toolkit for Civil Discourse

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Colony D

Discover and explore our middle school civil discourse toolkit for educators, designed to prepare students as citizens and within communication-driven careers. The skills and strategies within the session will support you in developing students’ communication to be clear and persuasive, while also empathic and responsive. Learn to empower them to amplify their voices through active listening, embracing diverse perspectives, and sparking dynamic, respectful dialogue. Join us in fostering a culture of civility—where each student finds their voice and shapes conversation.

Speakers

Sarah Lane

Educator Engagement Specialist, Sphere Education Initiatives

Sphere provides educators with viewpoint diverse resources to bring conversations to the classroom and equip students to engage in civil discourse. Sphere offers lesson plans, videos, publications, and free professional learning on various topics for use in the classroom that are... Read More →

John Snoad

Senior Manager, Sphere Education Initiatives

John Snoad is a lifelong, career educator with 34+ years of teaching and coaching in the high school arena, where he was rated accomplished and highly effective, with a focus on Government, Civics and both U.S. and World History. His experiences range from urban to suburban and rural... Read More →

Middle School Suite Resources pdf

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Colony D

Elevate

8:15am EST

STEMming the Future: Cross-Curricular Data Science for K-12 Educators

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Tidewater C/D

This session empowers K-12 educators to integrate data science into STEM and other subjects. Participants will gain foundational knowledge in data science, develop data analysis and visualization skills, and create cross-curricular lessons. The session includes interactive activities, collaborative lesson planning, and group discussions, providing practical tools and strategies for classroom implementation.

Speakers

Dr. Katelyn Leitner

Teacher, School Administration Offices

Kelly Greening

Coordinator of Math Instruction, Suffolk Public Schools

Passionate Math Educator and Leader.

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Tidewater C/D

Elevate

8:15am EST

Strong Instruction for Multilingual Learners: Theory and Practices

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Allegheny C

"This session will develop educator practice and expertise in: Understanding the linguistic and cultural assets of Multilingual Learners (MLs), The Science of Reading and MLs, Universal Best Practices for High-Quality Instruction of MLs. By the end of this session, all attendees will leave with recommendations on how to apply new learning to their work and with resources to support MLs more equitably.

Speakers

Dr. Andrea Díaz

Director of Multilingual Learners, Academics, TNTP

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Allegheny C 229 W 43RD St New York, NY 10036 USA

Elevate

8:15am EST

A.I. Classroom Survivor: Tools to Outwit, Outplan, and Outlast the A.I. Blindside

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Colony A

Feeling like you're lost on exile island trying to survive the whirlwind influx of so many AI apps, tools and teaching techniques? With the explosion of A.I., teachers are in the eye of a raging storm of change. Keeping up with all of these new technologies can feel overwhelming - so don't get blindsided! In “A.I. Classroom Survivor,” you’ll have the opportunity to rescue all sorts of new and time-tested classroom strategies from the rising tides of Artificial Intelligence.

Speakers

John Meehan

Author, Co-Founder, EMC² Learning

John Meehan (@meehanedu.bsky.social) is an English teacher, instructional coach, and professional development specialist from Washington, D.C. He is the author of EDrenaline Rush: Game-Changing Student Engagement Inspired by Theme Parks, Mud Runs, and Escape Rooms (2019) and the co-author... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Colony A

Rejuvenate

8:15am EST

Building Bridges: Creating a Restorative Culture

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Piedmont B/C

You are invited to join us in building bridges toward fostering a restorative school culture that prioritizes belonging, empathy, and accountability. This session offers a comprehensive exploration of strategies and practices aimed at transforming school environments into nurturing spaces where both adults and students feel valued, supported, and connected. Participants will emerge equipped with actionable steps and tools to initiate and sustain a restorative school culture, fostering positive relationships, resilience, and community.

Speakers

Heather Peterson

Climate & Culture Director, Hampton City Schools

Heather Peterson is Director of Climate and Culture for Hampton City Schools. She has been in this role for 22 years. She focuses on creating positive teaching and learning environments. HP develops and facilitates professional development in the areas of school climate and culture... Read More →

Brynne Cere

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Piedmont B/C

Rejuvenate

8:15am EST

Leading With Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Tidewater A/B

Leading with diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is the foundation of building a division wide school community where each and every student, staff, and community member feels valued and has a sense of belonging. This session will focus on growing and sustaining DEIA practices and develop an understanding of cultural humility. Participants will leave with applicable next steps and be inspired about their role as a leader in DEIA and the lasting impact on their school community.

Speakers

Michelle Frosina

Specialist, Diversity, Equiy, Inclusion, and Accessiblity., Loudoun County Public Schools

As a Specialist of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for Loudoun County Public Schools I collaborate across the division and partners with schools and invested parties to grow, strengthen, and sustain equitable practices. My educational philosophy is founded in creating... Read More →

Jessica Heitfield

Coordinator of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, LCPS

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Tidewater A/B

Rejuvenate

8:15am EST

Navigating Adolescent Literacy: Charting a Course for Success with the VLA

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Colony B

This session focuses on equipping educators with strategies to enhance adolescent literacy within the framework of the Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and to foster success. Participants will learn research-based practices aligned with VLA requirements and gain practical tools for strategic planning. Emphasis will be placed on addressing diverse literacy challenges, meeting students' language needs, and effectively utilizing instructional resources. Attendees will leave empowered to create supportive learning environments for adolescent students.

Speakers

Dr. Lori Silver

Sarah Cruz

ELA Supervisor K-12, Arlington Public School

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Colony B

Rejuvenate

9:45am EST

Better engagement with teacher and student devices.

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Piedmont A

Sponsors

Johnny Sink

Director of Sales - South, Clinton Learning Solutions

Booth 503, 604

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Piedmont A

9:45am EST

Empower Your Teams with a Consistent Data Driven Approach

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Patriot

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Patriot

9:45am EST

Transform Math Instruction with VA-Aligned, AI-Powered Support

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Liberty

Sponsors

Jonathan Templin

Head of Sales - North America, Mathspace

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Liberty

9:45am EST

Breaking Through Resistance

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Piedmont B/C

In today's ever-changing educational landscape, fostering a culture of innovation can be difficult when teachers are resistant to new ideas. This session tackles that challenge head-on, providing coaches and leaders with research-based strategies to breakthrough resistance and ignite a passion for continuous improvement. You'll delve into the "Four Levels of Teacher Resistance" and learn targeted approaches to reduce resistance for each level. In addition coaches and leaders will experience and practice tools that breakthrough the “Nine Forms of Resistance,” understanding how to reduce resistance with varying unproductive adult behaviors. By the end, coaches and leaders will have immediately actionable steps to support a collaborative environment that embraces innovation, builds teacher buy-in, and unlocks the full potential of your entire school community.

Speakers

Becca Silver

CEO and Founder, The Whole Educator

Host of the podcast Coaching the Whole Educator: https://coachingthewholeeducator.buzzsprout.com/

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Piedmont B/C

Connect

9:45am EST

Frigid Feedback Conversations? Let's Warm Things Up

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Colony D

This session explores the intersection of brain science and feedback conversations, empowering educational leaders and coaches to cultivate a culture where feedback is comfortable and impactful. Participants will learn practical frameworks for delivering constructive feedback that promotes teacher growth. By the session's end, attendees will possess the knowledge and tools to build trust, integrate feedback practices seamlessly into the fabric of their school or district culture, fostering continuous improvement and collaboration.

Speakers

Mia Pumo

Instructional Coach Developer, MGT Impact Solutions

Mia Pumo is a Program Manager at MGT Impact Solutions, working directly with education leaders to create environments where educators and students can thrive. Mia works across the country with school and district leaders, instructional coaches, and teachers to design structures that... Read More →

Frigid Feedback.pptx pdf

Feedback Conversation Agreement docx

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Colony D

Connect

9:45am EST

Utilizing Marginalized Voices to Enhance Student Learning

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Allegheny B

Elevate student learning by incorporating marginalized voices. This interactive session empowers educators by providing hands-on strategies, facilitating inclusive discussions, and positioning students as co-creators of knowledge. Participants will gain skills in revising curricula, discussions, and assignments to center diverse perspectives. Leave with a toolkit for building inclusive learning environments that develop cultural competence and engage all students.

Speakers

Dr. Heather Tolbut

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Allegheny B 350 5th Ave New York, NY 10018 USA

Connect

9:45am EST

AI Visionaries: Empowering Every Learner in MCPS

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Colony E

Explore how Martinsville City Public Schools is revolutionizing education with its innovative AI Visionaries initiative. This session will dive into the program's vision and goals, share actionable implementation strategies, and highlight the transformative impact of AI on student success. Discover real-world applications of AI in education, including tools for personalized learning, curriculum enhancement, and data-driven decision-making. Participants will leave with practical insights and strategies to effectively integrate AI in schools and foster meaningful community engagement.

Speakers

Tyler Hunt

Coordinator of Instructional Technology, Martinsville City Public Schools

My name is Tyler Hunt and I am the Coordinator of Instructional Technology for Martinsville City Public Schools, a small division with two elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school. In this role, I oversee and roster all district instructional applications, lead professional... Read More →

Dr. Angliee Downing

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Martinsville City Public Schools

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Colony E

Elevate

9:45am EST

Enhancing Inquiry-Based Instruction through Document Based Questions

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Colony C

Explore how Document Based Questions (DBQs) enhance inquiry-based instruction, critical thinking, and cross-curricular learning. Learn strategies for vertically aligned curriculum integration from early elementary to 12th grade. Gain practical insights from Virginia partner districts and receive a sample Assessment Plan (grades 3-12), Virginia Alignment Guide, and Sample DBQ. Engage in hands-on activities, group discussions, and Q&A for practical application.

Speakers

Jackie Migliori

Kathryn Adkins

Professional Development and Partnerships Regional Lead, The DBQ Project

Originally from North Carolina and currently residing in Virginia, Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts in History Education with a minor in American Studies from Elon University and a Master of Education from the University of Virginia. With a decade of experience as a social studies... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Colony C

Elevate

9:45am EST

Math Workshop: Implementing a Student-Centered Classroom to Align to the 2023 SOL

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Allegheny C

Let's explore effective strategies for creating a student-centered math classroom that aligns with the 2023 Math SOL. Participants will gain practical techniques designed to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. We will discuss best practices for differentiating instruction, incorporating technology, and utilizing formative assessments to meet diverse learning needs. Discover how math workshop can transform your math classroom into an environment where students take ownership of their learning and thrive academically.

Speakers

Skip Tyler

Math Consultant, CTLG Consulting, LLC

Skip Tyler most recently retired after 31 years in public education as the High School Mathematics Educational Specialist for Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia. His responsibilities included supporting mathematics instruction and providing professional development and coaching... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Allegheny C 229 W 43RD St New York, NY 10036 USA

Elevate

9:45am EST

There are Oral Language Standards? Academic Conversations in the Elementary Classroom

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Colony A

From kindergarten through twelfth grade students are expected to be building oral language skills. Teachers, however, are rarely supported in how to help students develop these skills. Learn about how to help students grow as listeners and co-constructors of their own learning through academic conversation, no matter how young or old they may be.

Speakers

Jennifer Orr

Teacher, Fairfax County Schools

Teacher, Fort Belvoir Elementary

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Colony A

Elevate

9:45am EST

Evaluating the Implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act: Focusing on Professional Development

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Tidewater C/D

Evaluating the implementation process enables educators and division leaders to identify how professional training affects educators in literacy instruction. Pinpointing opportunities in the process enables leaders to revise their professional training to meet the contextual needs of their specific division based on feedback from the educators themselves. The evaluation techniques in this presentation specifically address teacher voice, autonomy, and self-efficacy within the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act but can apply to other instructional programs as well.

Speakers

Lauren Bales

Doctoral Student, William & Mary

Dr. Leslie Grant

Assistant Professor, College of William and Mary

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Tidewater C/D

Rejuvenate

9:45am EST

From Old to Gold: Rejuvenate School Spirit with a Brand Update

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Colony B

Ditch those funky old logos, reimagine the mascot, and bring some pep to those socials! Bring your creative side and learn fundamental graphic design skills that will put you on the right path to rejuvenating your school (or classroom) brand. Primary technology focus: Adobe Express, Illustrator, and Firefly (generative AI). Optionally, bring a device and work along with the demo.

Speakers

Sara Cubberley

Supervisor of Art, Roanoke County Public Schools

Sara Cubberley is the Supervisor of Art for Roanoke County Public Schools as well as an NBCT and Adobe Creative Educator Innovator. She brings expertise in graphic design and managing school websites and social channels. She also loves to talk about dogs.

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Colony B

Rejuvenate

9:45am EST

RejuvenatED Impact: Revitalizing School Improvement through Instructional Coaching!

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Tidewater A/B

Explore 'RejuvenatED Impact: Revitalizing School Improvement through Instructional Coaching,' where educators unlock innovative strategies to elevate school improvement through instructional coaching. This session positions instructional coaching as an elevation tool to drive school improvement. Participants will embark on an interactive journey, exploring current coaching practices, aligning goals with school needs, and crafting pathways for professional growth rooted in continuous improvement.

Speakers

Dr. Sharae N. Brown

Title I Administrator, CPS

Dr. Jataune Jones

District Leader, Chesapeake Public Schools

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Tidewater A/B

Rejuvenate

9:45am EST

UnpluggED: Administrator's Guide to Work-Life Balance

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST

Allegheny A

UnpluggED: The Administrator's Guide to Work-Life Balance (WLB) was developed from my journey to finding work-life balance as a school administrator. I have utilized strategies and practical methods to maximize my productivity, lift the overwhelming feeling of being constantly “on”, and allow me to create space for joy in my work. We will explore the strategies, workflows, and free tools/apps that I use to find balance and participants will have space to collaborate and find solutions to issues that affect their work-life balance.

Speakers

James Avery

Assistant Principal, Western Branch High School

Thursday December 5, 2024 9:45am - 10:55am EST
Allegheny A 18-20 Lisle St London, WC2H 7BA, United Kingdom

Rejuvenate

11:15am EST

Jeffery Smith - Keynote Speaker

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EST

Virginia Room

Speakers

Jeffery Smith

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EST
Virginia Room

General

12:30pm EST

Beyond the Basics of Mentoring

Thursday December 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm EST

Bullet Session

3-Minute Bullet Session HERE.
Do you have a plan for mentoring but have found it doesn’t meet the needs of all your mentees? It’s time to strengthen your mentoring practice by understanding the adult learner (andragogy vs. pedagogy), using liberating structures for genuine and authentic communications, and mapping for successful two-way feedback.

Speakers

Anne Jewett

Asst Professor of Education, University of Virginia

Thursday December 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm EST
Bullet Session

Bullet Session

12:30pm EST

Sphere Education Initiatives: Extensive Opportunities for Professional Growth and Development

Thursday December 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm EST

3-Minute Bullet Session HERE.
Discover Sphere’s free, high-quality professional learning opportunities that equips and empowers you to foster civil discourse across subjects in your classes and school communities across the curriculum. These opportunities include our "Sphere on the Road" professional development that is adaptable to your school’s needs, ongoing online resources including lessons and webinars, and an annual Sphere Summit in Washington, D.C. These are all free to you and will help you overcome challenges and advance a culture of civility.

Speakers

Elyse Alter

Thursday December 5, 2024 12:30pm - 1:00pm EST

Bullet Session