2024VSTE Annual Conference: Full Schedule

If you are registered for the live conference, you may log in to update your profile and create a personalized schedule. Please note: adding a session to your schedule does not guarantee a seat. This is for planning purposes only.

9:45am EST

Canva Choice Boards for Flipped Learning

Sunday December 8, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST

Ready to set sail on a voyage of student-led science exploration? Join us as we navigate the waters of creativity with Canva, crafting engaging choice boards. This session will chart a course for educators to design interactive boards that support the flipped classroom model and topic review. By offering students the helm in their learning journey, we foster independence and personalized discovery. Participants will curate their first boards, ready to launch on the same day. Anchors aweigh, and let's embark on this educational adventure together!

Speakers

Anna Bayless

Jessa Campbell

Learning Technology Integrator, Department of Technology

Sunday December 8, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
1D

Hybrid Session

11:00am EST

Flocabulary's Word Up: Transforming Test Prep with the Science of Reading!

Sunday December 8, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Learn how a tech coach and a teacher came together to leverage the power of Flocabulary's Word Up lessons and the science of reading to make a positive impact on students? reading comprehension and SOL test scores.

Speakers

Arianna Trickey

Educational Technology Integrator, Richmond Public Schools

Arianna Trickey, M.T., M.Ed., is an Educational Technology Integrator for the Richmond Public Schools District. She holds a B.A. in History, an M.T. in Elementary Education, and an M.Ed. from the University of Virginia. After graduating, Arianna moved to Richmond, VA, where she taught... Read More →

Sunday December 8, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

2:15pm EST

Be An #A11y Ally: Creating Accessible STEM Classrooms with Digital Notebooks

Sunday December 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Ballroom 3

Creating accessible STEM classrooms is essential for ensuring all students have equal opportunities to succeed. In this session, participants will learn how to use digital accessibility tools and digital notebooks to design inclusive, accessible, and engaging STEM learning experiences for every student.

Speakers

Katherine Fielding

Sunday December 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

2:15pm EST

Improve Your Workflow With Google Docs

Sunday December 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

In the last few years, Google Workspace for Education added some pretty impressive updates to Google Docs. And, although we are experts at using Google Docs for our basic professional workflow, I will demonstrate how to access and apply these new features to increase your productivity and organization, as well as create new learning opportunities for our students. Be sure to bring a laptop to begin exploring and applying these strategies right away!

Speakers

Katie Moran

ITRT, Rockingham County Public Schools

Katie Moran is a former high school history teacher who currently works as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher. She works to support classroom teachers in developing educational technology skills and digital methodologies to enhance best practices in their instruction... Read More →

Sunday December 8, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

3:30pm EST

Reclaiming My Time

Sunday December 8, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

?Reclaiming my time? is a quote by Maxine Waters that gained popularity and meme status. It?s now used as an axiom for those who refuse to be taken advantage of. As coaches and educators, it?s important that your time is claimed and utilized for your needs. Learn how we reclaimed our time by creating healthy boundaries, technology routines, and expectations for our school community.

Speakers

Jeanine Osther

Alicia Cordero

Sunday December 8, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

4:45pm EST

Can Facebook Steal My Stuff? Your Students’ Rights On Social Media

Sunday December 8, 2024 4:45pm - 5:45pm EST

Do you really control content that you or your students created for your school? What about Pinterest pins or images on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram? How about the things you said to voice services like Alexa, Bixby or Cortana? Remarks posted to X, Slack or Facebook? Learn what U.S. copyright law can and can?t do to guard your personal privacy and intellectual property on top social media sites. Protect yourself, your school and your students.; Do you really control content that you or your students created for your school? What about Pinterest pins or images on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram? How about the things you said to voice services like Alexa, Bixby or Cortana? Remarks posted to X, Slack or Facebook? Learn what U.S. copyright law can and can?t do to guard your personal privacy and intellectual property on top social media sites. Protect yourself, your school and your students.

Speakers

Joyce Johnston

Adjunct Professor, George Mason University

This is my fifth presentation year at VaASL. Over my many years teaching dual enrollment high school English and research skills at George Mason University, I have developed three major focus areas: teaching advanced undergraduate research and composition to science and technical... Read More →

Sunday December 8, 2024 4:45pm - 5:45pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

9:45am EST

Anchored in Innovation: Navigating the Top 10 EdTech Tools for 2024

Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST

Join us for an engaging and interactive session where we dive into the latest and most popular tools in educational technology. Anchored in innovation, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of ten cutting-edge tools that are transforming classrooms and enhancing learning experiences. Whether you?re a tech coach, educator, or school leader, you?ll leave with practical insights and strategies to implement these tools effectively in your educational setting.

Speakers

Patrick Heath

Coordinator, Instructional & Information Technology Training, Prince William County Schools

I am currently the Coordinator of Instructional & Information Technology Training for Prince William County Schools. Until recently, I have been an Instructional Technology Coach in Prince William County. I have been actively involved in education for the the past 18 years. I... Read More →

Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
1D

Hybrid Session

9:45am EST

Writing Your Story: Creating Your Professional Portfolio

Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST

Ballroom 3

Professional portfolios are a powerful tool for showcasing teaching philosophies, professional growth, and reflection. In this session, educators will explore how to craft personalized digital portfolios that highlight their unique professional journeys

Speakers

Katherine Fielding

Monday December 9, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

11:00am EST

Build Your Classroom Toolkit with Google

Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

With so many hidden gems and overlooked tools in Google Workspace for Education, let me be your guide as we discover new updates to Google apps and revisit some well-known tools that we can hack into a better workflow. In this high-energy, interactive session, you will learn how to increase your own professional productivity and boost student learning opportunities. For this hands-on session, be sure to bring a device with you so you can start applying these tricks right away!

This session is repeated on Sunday at 4:45 in 4E.

Speakers

Katie Moran

ITRT, Rockingham County Public Schools

Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

11:00am EST

Uncheatable Assessments

Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST

Ballroom 3

AI and low student engagement have teachers worried about cheating, and how to create assessments that are rigorous, equitable, and foster academic integrity. Learn the secrets of doing so and redesign an existing assignment in this hands on session.

Speakers

Michael Hernandez

Writer, Speaker, Educator, Michael Hernandez Learning

Michael is an award-winning teacher, author, and international speaker in Los Angeles whose work focuses on digital and civic literacy, social justice, and student-centered learning experiences. His new book about authentic learning, Storytelling With Purpose: Digital Projects To... Read More →

Monday December 9, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

1:00pm EST

Create, Collaborate, and Connect with Book Creator

Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

You have probably used Book Creator to have students create a book, but did you know that Book Creator can also be used to encourage collaboration amongst students, teachers, and families while providing many connections to the educational community and beyond? During this session Book Creator users will explore the new collaboration features, feedback options, app smashing, templates, translation options, and so much more. Attendees will receive a free 6-month subscription to the premium features within Book Creator, which includes unlimited libraries, 1000 books, ability to add co-teachers and engage in real-time collaboration. While classroom teachers can definitely benefit from this session, specialists in a coaching role will see the added benefits of having multiple libraries in order to work with more than one classroom at a time.

Speakers

Julee Donnell

Library Media Specialist, White Oaks Elementary School

Chris Lowman

Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

1:00pm EST

Voyage to Victory: VSTE's Demo Slam

Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Ballroom 3

Share and celebrate the latest and greatest apps and ideas for using new tools and old tools in new ways at this VSTE DEMO SLAM! It could be something amazing you learned in a session or just an awesome thing you discovered. Participants are given two minutes max to demo their resource or tip. Then the audience will vote for the winner. The first fifteen to sign up get special VSTE SWAG and a chance for prizes and glory as the VSTE Demo Slam champion! Do you have the coolest idea to take you to the top of the VSTE DEMO SLAM!? To sign up go to [we will add link here] or visit Port VSTE!

Speakers

Tina Coffey

Heather Askea

Monday December 9, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

2:15pm EST

Makerspace is for everyone

Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

In this session, we will explore how to create an inclusive and accessible makerspace environment. We?ll discuss strategies for adapting to diverse student needs, meeting learners at their skill levels, and demystifying technology. Our focus will be on bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all students feel empowered to engage with technology, regardless of their prior experience.

Speakers

Kaitlyn McCoy

Program Manager, ODU Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab

I am an education professional with experience in library science, STEM programming, and educational technology. Holding a Master’s in Library Science from East Carolina University, I am dedicated to fostering inclusive and innovative learning environments. I have a track record... Read More →

Monday December 9, 2024 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

3:30pm EST

Behavior Buoyancy in Tech Waters

Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Enhance your instructional strategies through responsive classroom techniques. This session will focus on fostering student self-regulation and implementing logical consequences to maintain focus and purposeful technology use. Participants will explore practical approaches to creating a supportive classroom environment, encouraging student accountability, and integrating engaging instructional methods. Empower your students to harness the full potential of technology while promoting responsible and self-directed learning.

Speakers

Anna Bayless

Christopher Howell

Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

3:30pm EST

Crafting Digital Narratives: Empowering Students through Portfolio Creation

Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Ballroom 3

Student portfolios have become a powerful tool for showcasing learning, growth, and reflection. In this session, educators will explore how help students craft personalized digital portfolios that highlight their unique learning journeys.

Speakers

Katherine Fielding

Monday December 9, 2024 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

8:30am EST

Empowering Educators: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Teaching and Teacher Preparation

Tuesday December 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EST

This interactive presentation will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of education, specifically focusing on how AI can empower teachers at any experience level. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their integration into educational practices offers unprecedented opportunities for personalized learning, efficient classroom management, and professional development for educators. The session will provide insights, practical examples, and strategies for effectively incorporating AI into teaching and teacher training.

Speakers

Erin McDonnell-Jones

Kaitlyn Nicole Barker

Elementary Education Class of 2025, Randolph-Macon College

Tuesday December 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EST
1D

Hybrid Session

8:30am EST

Google Tips and Tricks That Can Anchor Your Teacher Life

Tuesday December 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EST

Ballroom 3

A teacher's life is hectic and busy. Let's use Google Workspace tools to help you make your life easier and a bit more organized. Learn quick, simple and easy tips and tricks for Google Workspace tools. You will walk away from this session with knowledge and skills that will allow you to use Google tools to your advantage. This will be a fun and fast paced session.

Speakers

Fara Faust

Tuesday December 10, 2024 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

9:45am EST

Video storytelling in the classroom

Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST

Ballroom 3

Learn the secrets of how to record and edit video, and ideas for lessons in classrooms of all levels.

Speakers

Michael Hernandez

Writer, Speaker, Educator, Michael Hernandez Learning

Tuesday December 10, 2024 9:45am - 10:45am EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

11:00am EST

Be An #A11y Ally: Creating Accessible Classrooms

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

Ballroom 3

Creating accessible classrooms is essential for ensuring all students have equal opportunities to succeed. In this session, participants will learn how to use digital accessibility tools to design inclusive, accessible, and engaging learning experiences for every student.

Speakers

Katherine Fielding

Tuesday December 10, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
Ballroom 3

Hybrid Session

11:00am EST

Growing Creative Thinkers with Adobe Express in the Classroom

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

Do you want to motivate, engage, and inspire your students? Research shows that when students tell stories, present to an audience, or share information visually, they engage more deeply with course content and gain confidence simultaneously. Additionally, students who learn to effectively use visuals?both consuming and creating them?often have a better understanding of the material. Creative thinking also plays a key role in helping students actively engage with learning content and retain information more readily. Adobe Express can be the tool that helps you accomplish these goals. This session, designed for those new to Adobe Express, will guide you through its extensive resources. You'll learn how to use Adobe Express to create compelling visuals, foster creative thinking, and enhance student engagement. Discover the features and tools Adobe Express offers to make your journey toward building a creative and dynamic classroom both achievable and enjoyable.

Speakers

Arianna Trickey

Educational Technology Integrator, Richmond Public Schools

Tuesday December 10, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session

1:00pm EST

Leveraging Technology to Teach Practical Life Skills Across Educational Levels

Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

In this session, educators will explore innovative strategies to integrate technology into their teaching practices to equip students with practical life skills. This session will cover approaches tailored to different educational levels?elementary, middle, secondary, and collegiate?ensuring that students develop essential competencies for their personal and professional lives. Participants will gain insights into effective tools, applications, and teaching methodologies that enhance student engagement and foster critical life skills across all stages of education.

Speakers

Erin McDonnell-Jones

Kaitlyn Nicole Barker

Elementary Education Class of 2025, Randolph-Macon College

Tuesday December 10, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
1D

Hybrid Session