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Thursday, July 23
 

9:30am EDT

Advancing Effective PLCs: Designing the Conditions for Collaborative Learning
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
How do school leaders move PLC teams beyond compliance and toward meaningful collaborative learning? In this session, leaders will use the new Conditions for Effective Collaborative Teams guide to examine the systems, leadership practices, and cultural conditions that strengthen professional learning, improve tier 1 practices, and foster collective efficacy. Through discussion, reflection, and systems analysis, leaders will identify priorities for growth and determine practical next steps to strengthen collaborative practices and improve student outcomes across their schools and departments. 
Speakers
AB

Angelyn Berry

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

AD

Abigail Dougherty

PreK-12 Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

9:30am EDT

Just Enough Systems Thinking to Be Dangerous
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
When I heard the quote on the Strategic Action Agenda — “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” — my first thought was “that would make a great tattoo.” My second was that it would be a great session. My goal is to give you just enough systems thinking to be dangerous. We'll explore feedback loops, leverage points, and the structures quietly running our schools — without disappearing into the theoretical weeds. We'll also dig into practical tools. Because understanding your system is only half the battle. The other half is knowing where to push.
Speakers
LB

Lisa Banicky

Executive Director, Department of Planning, Innovation and Accountability
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

9:30am EDT

Cultivating Belonging through the CARE Continuum
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Every student, staff member, and family deserves to feel seen, valued, and connected. In this interactive session, participants will explore the CARE Continuum, the VBCPS belonging framework built on Connection, Achievement, Responsiveness, and Engagement, to intentionally foster belonging across your school community. Participants will identify key practices within each CARE pillar that strengthen relationships and reduce barriers to learning, and design at least one actionable strategy to implement within their classroom or building. Attendees will also examine how responsive systems support equitable outcomes for all learners. Walk away with tools you can use right away.
Speakers
TH

Ty Harris

Director of Opportunity and Achievement, Office of Opportunity and Achievement
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

9:30am EDT

New Teacher, Different Needs: A Tiered Approach to Support
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
A provisionally licensed teacher, a traditionally prepared first-year teacher, and a veteran new to VBCPS each walk into your building, and each one needs something different. In this session, leaders will use scenario-based case studies and a tiered support framework to map what responsive, proactive support looks like at Tier 1, 2, and 3. Through collaborative table work and cross-level peer learning, participants will leave knowing what to do next when a teacher needs more than what's currently in place, because every new educator deserves to feel known and supported from day one.
Speakers
AP

Angela Parsons

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

KB

Karol Bledsoe

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

9:30am EDT

The AI-Empowered Leader: Building Capacity and Efficiency Across Your Team
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Ready to move beyond the AI hype and into high-impact practice? This interactive breakout session explores how leaders can empower staff to use AI as a collaborative partner for professional growth. We’ll share practical strategies for using AI to streamline administrative tasks, enhance PLC collaboration, and provide personalized teacher support. Participants will engage with hands-on tools and leave with a "Quick-Start" framework to lead AI implementation at their own locations. Join us to discover how prioritizing staff capacity with AI creates a stronger, more connected school community where everyone thrives.
Speakers
CH

Chad Huff

Instructional Technology Specialist, Corporate Landing ES
EP

Erik Peterman

Instructional Specialist, Corporate Landing ES

Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

9:30am EDT

AI Instructional Foundations for MS Administrators
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
As school leaders, we have a unique opportunity to lead the transition from traditional practices toward a shared vision for innovation. This session reframes AI as a sophisticated co-designer rather than a hurdle. By leveraging Gemini and MagicSchool, we will explore how to design inquiry-based, AI-resistant assignments that prioritize authentic student voice. Attendees will gain actionable strategies and resources from the Social Institute to move from traditional assessments to high-engagement, student-driven learning. Join us to help staff ensure that critical thinking and original process remain at the heart of the modern curriculum.
Speakers
CH

Charlie Hinsch

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Office of Instructional Technology
MC

Matthew Colohan

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Office of Instructional Technology
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT

10:45am EDT

Mentoring Outside the Lines
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
What if your most impactful mentor has nothing to do with your job title? This session introduces HR Horizons, a mentoring model that intentionally pairs employees across roles and departments rather than by job alignment. Through a walkthrough of the program's monthly themes, hands-on activities, and real examples, attendees will learn how to build a mentoring initiative that strengthens peer-to-peer learning, cross-role collaboration, and fosters a sense of belonging among staff across schools and departments. Participants will leave with practical ideas for creating mentoring structures that help employees feel known, supported, connected to the mission, and engaged in meaningful professional dialogue beyond their immediate role or setting.
Speakers
DT

Darnita Trotman

Chief Human Resources Officer, Department of Human Resources
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

You Can’t Control the Chaos, But You Can Lead Through It: Navigating Complex Situations with Professionalism, Grace, and Accountability
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
School leaders are increasingly navigating emotionally charged, high-stakes situations where there is no perfect script, no clean answer, and no easy resolution. This session explores how leaders can remain grounded, responsive, and accountable while navigating conflict, pressure, competing perspectives, and complex human behavior.  
Speakers
RJ

Robert Jamison

Executive Director of Student Support Services, Department of Teaching and Learning

KV

Kimani Vaughan

Director of Elementary Schools, Department of School Leadership
TB

Teri Breaux

Director of Elementary Schools, Department of School Leadership
WB

Walter Brower

Senior Executive Director of High Schools, Department of School Leadership
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Different by Design: Understanding the Power of Your Productivity Style
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Why do some team dynamics flow effortlessly while others experience constant friction? Often, the answer isn't commitment or competence - it's cognitive style. In this interactive session, you'll identify your productivity style, examine how it shapes the way you lead and collaborate, and explore what happens when different styles collide on a team. Through structured reflection and small-group discussion, you'll leave with one concrete, personalized change you can implement immediately. Whether you're a prioritizer, a planner, an arranger, or a visualizer, this session will change how you see yourself and your colleagues, and strengthen the collaborative culture we're building together.
Speakers
AP

Angela Parsons

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

SE

Shelley Erbland

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

More Than a Walkthrough: Building Purposeful Peer-to-Peer Learning
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Peer-to-peer learning is a priority within the Strategic Action Agenda, but meaningful collaboration does not happen simply by placing educators in classrooms together. This session explores how school leaders can design purposeful learning walks, peer observations, and collaborative learning structures that build professional practice without relying heavily on substitutes or release time. Participants will examine practical models, scaffolds, and reflection structures that help teachers, especially newer educators, make sense of what they observe and translate it into instructional growth. Through structured discussion and collaborative idea-sharing, attendees will contribute their own experiences, challenges, and perspectives as the group collectively explores practical approaches for building sustainable, job-embedded professional learning within the realities and constraints of today’s schools.
Speakers
RT

Rebecca Tilhou

Professional Learning Specialist, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)
TR

Tatjana Roth

Elementary Science Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning

KB

Kelli Bradshaw

Secondary Science Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Small Moments, Big Impact: Leading with Empathy to Build Staff Belonging
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
There is much talk in leadership about “building relationships” and creating “positive school climate” for our students and staff. But how do we actually DO that - authentically and consistently? In this interactive session, administrators will reflect on their own dimensions of diversity and consider how these shape their perspectives and interactions with others. We’ll move beyond sympathy to examine how interrupting the “Ladder of Inference” fosters authentic, human-centered leadership. Participants will analyze real-world staff scenarios and practice identifying internal triggers that test empathy. You will leave with actionable “handles” to maintain consistent kindness and regulated actions, ensuring your team feels seen, and valued.
Speakers
avatar for Adrienne Bracy

Adrienne Bracy

Admin Assistant - HS, First Colonial HS
MH

Meredith Hobson

Coordinator of Opportunity and Achievement, Office of Opportunity and Achievement
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

From "Special Event" to Daily Standard: Coaching Sustainable Hands-On Science
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
This session equips coaches and leaders with a framework to help teachers overcome the barriers to inquiry-based learning. While experiencing the explore before explain model via a hands-on lab, participants will analyze a coaching model that integrates tech and gifted pedagogy to streamline logistics and reduce teacher workload. We will share how our approaches over the past several years are resulting in improved outcomes for our students. You will leave with a "coaching toolkit" designed to build teacher confidence, create a sustainable science lab structure, and empower staff to lead future-ready, hands-on science for every learner.
Speakers
CH

Chad Huff

Instructional Technology Specialist, Corporate Landing ES
JC

Jessie Comba

Gifted Teacher, Corporate Landing ES
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Make Coaching Visible: Turning Instructional Coaching into a Strategic Leadership Asset
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Instructional coaching is often busy—but is it visible, strategic, and impactful? This interactive session helps coaches and school leaders move beyond one-to-one support and leverage coaching as a driver of schoolwide improvement. Grounded in Visible Learning, participants will explore how to shift from teacher clarity to student ownership of learning and use coaching cycles to spread high-impact practices. Through hands-on reflection and planning, attendees will audit current coaching structures, identify opportunities to support and amplify practice, and develop a practical plan to make coaching more visible and aligned to student outcomes. Walk away with clear next steps for immediate implementation.
Speakers
MA

Megan Allen

Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

Shifting from Compliance to Ownership: Leading Inquiry-Based Science PLCs Through Clarity
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
Discover how one school is using inquiry-based PLC cycles to shift science instruction from teacher compliance to authentic ownership. Through the lens of clarity and Visible Learning, this interactive session will explore how leaders supported teachers in implementing inquiry-based science and visible writing strategies that deepened student thinking and engagement. Participants will experience elements of the inquiry cycle, reflect on real challenges and successes, and leave with practical tools to launch or strengthen inquiry-focused PLCs in their own schools. Attendees will engage in collaborative processing activities, examine leadership moves that built teacher capacity, and walk away with actionable next steps for implementation.
Speakers
AS

Alexandra Shea

Instructional Technology Specialist, Landstown ES

avatar for Allison Jordan

Allison Jordan

Principal ES, Landstown ES
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

PLC by Design: Driving Achievement, Belonging and Collaboration
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
What does it take to move a PLC from compliance to true commitment? In this interactive session, explore a structured PLC model that drives collaboration, where teachers co-plan, refine instruction with coaching support, and lead meaningful PLC conversations. Participants will examine a practical planning document and PLC agenda aligned to data analysis, AVID strategies, Specially Designed Instruction (SDI), and gradual release. Through authentic examples and discussion, you’ll see how this approach builds teacher efficacy, streamlines workload, and improves student outcomes. Walk away with ready-to-use tools and a replicable system that drives instructional consistency, builds capacity, and fosters a strong sense of belonging among teachers.
Speakers
JB

Jennifer Brobjorg

School Improvement Specialist, Lynnhaven MS/AAD HS
avatar for Dawn Kramer

Dawn Kramer

Principal MS, Kempsville Middle School
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

The Data Whisperer’s Guide: Leading Teams from Confusion to Clarity
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT
We know that data can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate it alone! And neither do your teachers. This session shares a collaborative framework for administrators, specialists, and teachers to work as a team so that PLC meetings can be functional and effective. We’ll explore how to aggregate data into simple, actionable fact sheets, as well as how to use data dashboards to drive PLC conversations. By streamlining the "how" of data analysis, we empower leadership teams to support their PLCs more effectively, ensuring that data-driven instruction feels like a shared win rather than a solo burden.
Speakers
BP

Brittany Pirtle

Math Coach, Bayside HS
DS

Devan Smith

Instructional Technology Specialist, Bayside HS
SW

Samantha Wilson

Science Teacher, Bayside HS
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am EDT

1:00pm EDT

Just Enough Systems Thinking to Be Dangerous
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
When I heard the quote on the Strategic Action Agenda — “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems” — my first thought was “that would make a great tattoo.” My second was that it would be a great session. My goal is to give you just enough systems thinking to be dangerous. We'll explore feedback loops, leverage points, and the structures quietly running our schools — without disappearing into the theoretical weeds. We'll also dig into practical tools. Because understanding your system is only half the battle. The other half is knowing where to push.
Speakers
LB

Lisa Banicky

Executive Director, Department of Planning, Innovation and Accountability
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Navigating Employee Issues with Confidence, Clarity, and Compliance
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Navigating employee issues requires both compliance knowledge and strong leadership practices. Led by HR Employee Relations and School Division Attorneys, this interactive session will help administrators build confidence in addressing employee concerns with clarity, consistency, and professionalism. Through real-world scenarios, guided policy walkthroughs, and documentation exercises, participants will strengthen their ability to navigate complex situations while fostering a professional culture where staff feel supported, respected, and connected to the division’s mission. Attendees will leave with practical tools to lead timely conversations, locate and apply policies effectively, and support positive working relationships within their schools and departments.
Speakers
SE

Stephanie Enzmann

Director of Employee Relations, Department of Human Resources
KL

Kamala Lannetti

School Board Attorney, Department of Legal Services
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Belonging by Design: A.R.E. You Ready? Leadership Moves that Strengthen Staff Culture
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Strong school culture is built through relationships, connection, and trust. Using the A.R.E. (Accessible, Responsive, Engaged) visible thinking tool, this interactive session explores how leadership behaviors shape staff belonging and strengthen relational culture over time. Through rotating roundtable discussions, participants will use the tool to surface new ideas, as well as tensions and organizational realities that can unintentionally erode connection and belonging in schools. Leaders will reflect on practical ways to strengthen accessibility, responsiveness, and authentic engagement while learning from colleagues across the division and leave actionable ideas for building more connected, relational, and human-centered staff culture.
Speakers
KZ

Kelly Zimba

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)
avatar for Melinda Pezzella

Melinda Pezzella

Assistant Principal ES, Windsor Woods ES
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Belonging Is the New Leadership Superpower
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Think of someone on your staff who doesn't yet feel connected — to their colleagues, to the work, to the mission. Now ask: what is your leadership role in that? Belonging isn't a feel-good add-on — it's a strategic lever with an effect size of 0.48 on learning, stronger than most professional development. In this 60-minute session, administrators will explore Signature Practice #1, Classroom and School Climate, from the Illustrated Guide to Visible Learning. Veteran leaders will share how they are building a belonging culture in their schools and all participants will leave ready to implement a specific action that moves the needle on our SAA priority: every staff member feels known, supported, and connected to the mission.
Speakers
PF

Paulette France

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)
DC

Dr. Catrina Manigo

Principal ES, College Park ES
DK

Dr. Katie Catania

Principal ES, Parkway ES
DS

Dr. Shana Remian

Principal MS, Virginia Beach MS
DW

Dr. Whitney Szoke

Principal MS, Larkspur MS
avatar for Dr. Leslie Ittner

Dr. Leslie Ittner

Principal HS, Ocean Lakes HS
avatar for Ebony Cherry

Ebony Cherry

Assistant Principal HS, Bayside HS
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Effective PLCs: Designing the Conditions for Collaborative Learning
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
What does meaningful collaborative learning look like when teams are focused on improving student achievement? In this session, participants will use the Effective PLCs Tool to examine the difference between compliance-oriented meetings and collaborative practices grounded in inquiry, evidence, and collective responsibility for student learning. Through analysis, discussion, and application, leaders will strengthen their ability to recognize high-quality collaborative practice and identify the leadership actions that support productive team learning. Participants will leave with clearer look-fors for effective PLCs and practical strategies for strengthening instructional clarity, improving Tier 1 practices, and advancing student outcomes.
Speakers
AB

Angelyn Berry

Professional Learning Coordinator, Professional Growth and Innovation (PGI)

AD

Abigail Dougherty

PreK-12 Coordinator, Department of Teaching and Learning

JM

Jennifer McGregor

Secondary Science Instructional Specialist, Department of Teaching and Learning
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

The Power of Praise: Cultivating Culture and Belonging through Purposeful Peer Partnerships using the Praise Walk Framework
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
The Power of Praise transforms the traditional "walkthrough" into a joyful search for instructional bright spots and a culture of celebration. In this session, attendees will learn to facilitate cross-curricular "Praise Walks" that dissolve departmental barriers and build lasting professional alliances. Discover how witnessing great practices in a colleague’s room—regardless of content area—fosters a deep sense of belonging and collective pride. Informed by participant feedback and equipped with a turnkey toolkit, you’ll gain a non-evaluative framework to truly value your staff and cultivate a vibrant, collaborative school culture.
Speakers
KL

Kelly Lepkowski

Gifted Teacher, Salem HS
avatar for Dr. Corey Bács

Dr. Corey Bács

Assistant Principal HS, Salem HS
avatar for Sharon Byrd

Sharon Byrd

APA Academy Coordinator, Salem HS
My leadership is grounded in the belief that creativity is not an enrichment — it is essential. I strive to build learning environments where artistic excellence, student voice, and meaningful reflection work together to shape both strong performers and thoughtful human beings... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Strengthening IEP Practices: Administrative Review and Feedback
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Administrators will grow and develop their skills as they identify key pieces in reviewing IEPS and providing meaningful feedback to teachers. This will support teachers in growing their ability to write a well-drafted IEP. Additionally, this session will enable administrators to support student growth by ensuring rigorous goals and identifying appropriate accommodations for students.
Speakers
CD

Christine Drescher

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children
MC

Mandi Cumpston

Special Education Coordinator, Office of Programs for Exceptional Children
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Decoding Your School's CS Journey: Are You Prepared for Impact?
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
School leaders are essential in shifting Computer Science from a "special" to a core literacy. This session provides a high-level briefing on VBCPS’s latest CS initiatives and a showcase of high-quality resources developed through recent ACSE grants. Participants will step into their students' shoes through high-energy, unplugged activities—like Parson’s Problems and Sorting Networks—designed to demystify computational thinking, algorithms, and debugging. By experiencing the same strategies introduced to specialists this year, including hands-on work with Micro:bits, leaders will leave with clear connections for integrating CS across the curriculum.
Speakers
ST

Sheila Teri

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Office of Instructional Technology
CH

Charlie Hinsch

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Office of Instructional Technology
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

Breaking the Silos: How Holland Elementary Built Impactful PLCs for Instructional Assistants
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
While Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are a staple for certified staff, the essential "boots on the ground"—our Kindergarten and Special Education (SPED) Teacher Assistants (TAs)—are often left out of the collaborative loop. This session chronicles the 2025–2026 journey of Holland Elementary as we moved from "haphazard updates" to structured, data-driven PLCs for support staff. We will share the logistical blueprint for carving out time in a rigid elementary schedule, the specific frameworks used to empower TAs, and the measurable impact this shift had on student intervention and staff morale.
Speakers
AA

Alainya Abdelkader

MTSS Coach, Office of Student Support Services

BS

Beth Stone

Reading Specialist, Holland ES
CC

Christina Cronauer

Title I Resource Teacher, Holland ES
TB

Tara Brewer

Principal ES, Holland ES
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
 
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