VASCD2024: Full Schedule

11:00am EST

Beating Burnout with Effective Classroom Management

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:10pm EST

Classroom management skills can make or break the classroom experience for teachers and students. In this fun, interactive session, learn practical, easy-to-implement strategies to increase structure, consistency, and calm while reducing misbehavior, stress, and wasted time. Explore simple, innovative ways to teach and reinforce key routines and procedures and learn to use consequences to invite cooperation instead of confrontation while you model respectful communication and teach accountability. Leave with your toolbox overflowing with ideas you can use tomorrow!

Speakers

Katie Anderson

Educational Consultant/ Instructional Coach, Conscious Teaching

Katie Anderson is an award-winning National Board Certified Teacher and 15-year classroom veteran, teaching all grades K-12 through her work with the Wake County Public School System in North Carolina and Duke University’s Talent Identification Program. She has also served as a... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:10pm EST
Piedmont B/C

Rejuvenate

1:20pm EST

From Understanding to Action: Elevating Academics with MTSS

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST

Tidewater A/B

Lead your district in establishing a robust, evidence-based multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) that fosters high levels of achievement in reading and math. We'll demystify the MTSS framework, diving into the multilevel prevention system, and share crucial guidelines for effective, evidenced based interventions. These actionable insights will equip you with the knowledge and resources to make systemic change to significantly improve reading and math instruction as well as student outcomes in your district.

Speakers

Naomi Church

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 →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST
Tidewater A/B

Rejuvenate

1:20pm EST

If You Need Extra Time Say "AI"!

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST

Colony E

Unsure about AI? Curious about AI? Just want to understand it better. Come check out this session and learn not only how AI is already in education, but learn how to make it work for YOU! Learn how to use AI to create differentiated assignments, content based quizzes in seconds, and more. This session is all about AI and you. Beginners are encouraged to attend and devices are needed.

Speakers

Jodi Zeis

Supervisor of Instructional Technology, Frederick County School District

Dr. Jodi Zeis has over two and half decades of experience in education where she has had the privilege to teach every grade k-12. She has worked as a school administrator, a regional coordinator for a statewide STEM organization and as an assistant professor at a state university... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST
Colony E

Rejuvenate

1:20pm EST

Leading With Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm 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

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST
Tidewater A/B

Rejuvenate

1:20pm EST

Self-Regulated Learning: Strategies for Continued Success Across Content and Grade Levels

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST

Piedmont B/C

The integration of research-based self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies can positively impact learners across grade levels. Given that SRL is a mechanism for supporting students to develop individualized learning strategies (e.g., goal setting, planning, time management), this session will engage with participants as they (a) further build their understanding of SRL and (b) learn how to infuse SRL strategies in their instructional plans. Personalized SRL-based learning supports will be discussed along with strategies for immediate implementation!

Speakers

Sahar Wahidi

Christine Nardelli

Haley McKeen

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST
Piedmont B/C

Rejuvenate

1:20pm EST

The Science of Flourishing: Preventing Burnout in Education

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST

Tidewater C/D

This interactive session delves into the science of flourishing, leveraging brain science and research on basic human needs to prevent burnout in education. Attendees will gain practical strategies for districts, schools, and classrooms, fostering environments where educators thrive. By the session's end, participants will possess the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based approaches that promote well-being, resilience, and sustained professional fulfillment.

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 →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:20pm - 2:30pm EST
Tidewater C/D

Rejuvenate

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) 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 of... 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

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

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

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