2026 MSCI: Full Schedule

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7:30am PDT

Tuesday June 23, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am PDT

CC Dining Commons or CC Second Floor Balcony

Enjoy a full breakfast in the Dining Commons (your name tag is your ticket) or grab something quick on the second floor balcony before our keynote session.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am PDT
CC Dining Commons or CC Second Floor Balcony Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Food/Beverage Event

9:00am PDT

Living in Your Why

Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:20am PDT

CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom)

Living in Your Why is a reflective and inspiring session that explores the personal journey, experiences, and relationships that shape an educator’s purpose. Through stories from my life, this program highlights the people, places, and defining moments that inspired me to pursue a career in education—from the wisdom gained on my grandparents’ front porch in rural Virginia to the students who continue to teach, challenge, and inspire me every day.

Speakers

Rodney Robinson

Senior Advisor, Teacher and Leader Pathways, Richmond Public Schools

Rodney Robinson is a veteran educator with over twenty years of experience in Richmond Public Schools. A graduate of King William High School, he earned a bachelor's degree in history from Virginia State University and a master's in educational administration from VCU. He taught middle... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:20am PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Keynote Session

Audience All

10:20am PDT

Coffee Break

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:20am - 10:40am PDT

CC First Floor Atrium and CC Second Floor Balcony

Hot and cold beverages will be provided on the first and second floor between morning sessions.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:20am - 10:40am PDT
CC First Floor Atrium and CC Second Floor Balcony Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Food/Beverage Event

10:40am PDT

BOOK CLUB: Pedagogies of Voice

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

CC 115 (Patterson)

Come join our "Book Club" conversation on Pedagogies of Voice: Street Data and the Path to Student Agency. Be ready to consider the book's big ideas, discuss connections, ask questions and share applications!

Speakers

Donna Fortune

Elementary Education Professor, Virginia Tech

Donna Fortune is a teacher educator in the elementary education program at Virginia Tech and a former primary classroom teacher and reading specialist. Her scholarship and pedagogy emphasize listening as a foundational skill for learning, equity, and relationships - supporting future... Read More →

Nancy Bradley

Associate Director, Office of Academic Programs, Virginia Tech School of Education

Dr. Nancy Bradley is the Associate Director of the Office of Academic Programs in the School of Education at Virginia Tech and also a member of the elementary education faculty. Her research is focused on the recruitment, preparation, induction, and retention of teachers.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
CC 115 (Patterson) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Book Club

Audience All

10:40am PDT

BOOK CLUB: Reimagining Classroom Climate

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

CC 111 (Pickle)

Come join our "Book Club" conversation on Reinvigorating Classroom Climate: Everyday Strategies to Inspire Teachers and Students. Be ready to consider the book's big ideas, discuss connections, ask questions and share applications!

Speakers

Margaret Whitt

Secondary ESL Teacher, Burton Center for Arts and Technology

Margaret Ann Whitt has taught ESL, Russian, Spanish and secondary English for many years. She currently teaches English 9 for ELs, and ESL for Newcomers at BCAT in Roanoke County. She loves studying languages, being married to Dr. Whitt and being a grandmom to 2 very cute grandc... Read More →

Todd Murrill

7th Grade English Teacher, Glenvar Middle School

Todd Murrill has taught elementary and middle school in Roanoke County Public Schools for 23 years. He currently teaches English at Glenvar Middle School and coaches varsity soccer for Faith Christian School. He is a faithful fan of the Manchester United Football Club.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
CC 111 (Pickle) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Book Club

Audience All

10:40am PDT

BOOK CLUB: The Words That Shape Us

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

CC 232 (Kime)

Come join our "Book Club" conversation on The Words that Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language. Be ready to consider the book's big ideas, discuss connections, ask questions and share applications!

Speakers

Wendi Richert

Reading Specialist, Mason's Cove Elementary School

Wendi Richert is a reading specialist at Masons Cove Elementary in Roanoke County. A self-proclaimed word nerd, Wendi was drawn to The Words That Shape Us by her belief that the language we give students doesn't just teach them — it shapes who they become... Read More →

Allison Gray

ELL Teacher, Roanoke County Public Schools

Allison Gray is a graduate of Roanoke College, and has been teaching in the Roanoke Valley for 18 years. She has taught Spanish at all grade levels (K-12) and now is an elementary ELL teacher for Roanoke County Public Schools.

Jenny Brown

Special Education Lead Teacher, Eastern Montgomery High School

Jenny Brown just completed her twentieth year as the special education lead teacher at Eastern Montgomery High School in Elliston, VA (Montgomery County). Her favorite topics in education include collaborative/inclusive high-leverage practices, meaningful post-secondary transitions... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
CC 232 (Kime) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Book Club

Audience All

10:40am PDT

Finding Your Voice with Structured Literacy

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT

CC 210 (President's Dining Room)

How can teachers implement state-approved curriculum while still maintaining, consistency, creativity and their own instructional style? This session will focus on:
· What strong, research-based instruction looks like in practice
· Where teachers have flexibility within structured systems
· How to bring engagement, responsiveness, and creativity into daily lessons
· Practical examples from classrooms supporting VLA implementation

Speakers

Amie Burkholder

Founder, Literacy EdVentures

Amie Burkholder is a K–5 Literacy Coach, national speaker, and literacy consultant dedicated to helping teachers turn research into practical, effective instruction. She is the founder of Literacy Edventures and co-owner of Unlocking SoR, where she supports educators through professional... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Breakout Session

Audience Elem Ed

11:45am PDT

Lunch

Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

CC Dining Commons

Lunch is provided in the Dining Commons for all registered participants and presenters. Your name tag is your ticket!

Tuesday June 23, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
CC Dining Commons Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Food/Beverage Event

1:00pm PDT

What's Right for Kids? Teachers' Ways of Knowing in a Complex World

Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm PDT

CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom)

Drawing on Dr. Sarah Beach’s journey from classroom teacher to education researcher, this keynote session challenges the assumption that there is one “right” way to educate students. Together, participants will examine how teachers’ lived experiences shape their understanding of what works and why multiple “right" ways can coexist. Through reflection and dialogue, attendees will consider how to leverage collaboration to navigate complexity, embrace difference, and advocate for systems of education that better support all learners.

Speakers

Sarah Beach

Director of Research, Education Rights Institute

Sarah Beach, Ph.D., is Director of Research at the Education Rights Institute (ERI). Her perspective is informed by experience as an elementary, secondary and university educator and scholar. Her research focuses on K-12 assessment and accountability, education policy for equitable... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Keynote Session

Audience All

2:00pm PDT

Relax with a Chair Massage - SIGN UP HERE!

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

CC 230 (Garrett)

Enjoy a chair massage with professionals from Twin Palms Massages in Colket Center's Garrett Room. Massage registration is "first come, first served!" Please use the link below to reserve your spot.
Find out more about Twin Palms Massage at: Fast Track Pain and Mobility Solutions.

SIGN UP HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0545AFA929A3FCC61-64582825-twin

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
CC 230 (Garrett) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Connect and Create!

2:40pm PDT

Creating Belonging in PK-8 Classrooms

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT

CC 232 (Kime)

As educators, we know that a sense of belonging is one of the most important steps to student growth and progress. In this session, we'll share how we create a sense of belonging in our classrooms and across our preschool-8th grade campus at Community School.

Speakers

Katrina Hill

Executive Director, Community School

Katrina Hill is Executive Director at Community School, where she previously taught middle school. A National Geographic Certified Educator, Best Delegate Advisor, and AMLE's 2025 Educator of the Year, she serves on AMLE's School of Distinction Board. She and her family own Rainy... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 232 (Kime) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Breakout Session

Audience Elem Ed, Middle Ed, Administrators

2:40pm PDT

From Classroom to Calling: Turning Your Passion into Impact

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT

CC 210 (President's Dining Room)

This session takes a personal look at how educators can grow their ideas into meaningful work beyond the classroom. Our conversation will focus on:
· My journey from classroom teacher to founding Literacy Edventures
· Lessons learned along the way (what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish I knew)
· Practical steps for getting started
· Encouragement for teachers who feel called to create, share, or lead in new ways

Speakers

Amie Burkholder

Founder, Literacy EdVentures

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Breakout Session

Audience All

2:40pm PDT

Layered Narratives: Journaling and Collage as Methods for Intercultural Understanding and Reflection

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT

CC 115 (Patterson)

Educators will learn how to use journaling and collage to support intercultural learning, meaning-making, and reflection. This session highlights practical, easy-to-implement strategies that amplify student and educator voices, spark creativity, and encourage meaningful engagement while aligning with instructional goals.

Speakers

Jodi Bailey

Secondary Reading Specialist, Mathews County Public Schools

Jodi Bailey, Ed.S., is a secondary literacy specialist in a rural Virginia public school system. She has served as a school administrator, reading specialist and special education teacher, and has completed doctoral coursework in education. Her research interests focus on adolescent... Read More →

Carey Stewart

Doctoral Student, Virginia Tech School of Education

Carey Stewart, M.Ed., is a lifelong learner and educator. She has served as an instructor in higher education, elementary school administrator, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. Carey is a Ph.D. student writing her dissertation at Virginia Tech. Her research interests include... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 115 (Patterson) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Breakout Session

Audience Middle Ed, High School Ed

2:40pm PDT

Spotting the Signs Early: Using Structured Literacy to Identify Dyslexia Risk in Young Learners

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT

Bast 300

What early signs of dyslexia can educators observe before formal reading difficulties emerge? This session shares findings from a classroom-based study of preschool students and examines how phonological awareness, letter-sound correspondence, and rapid naming tasks can help identify literacy risk factors. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for early observation and intervention.

Speakers

MaryBeth Mills

2026 Kindergarten/first grade teacher, The Fletcher School

Mary Elizabeth Mills is an elementary educator and 2026 graduate of Roanoke College, who will be teaching K-1 at The Fletcher School in the fall. Her presentation shares undergraduate honors research she completed in Spring 2026, focusing on the early identification of dyslexia... Read More →

Anna Kambach

Lecturer, Roanoke College Education Program

Dr. Anna E. Kambach is a Lecturer in the Education Program at Roanoke College, where she teaches a variety of PK-12 literacy courses. She previously taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades in Virginia, where her interest in the teaching of reading (especially reading comprehension) began... Read More →

Tuesday June 23, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
Bast 300 Bast Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Breakout Session

Audience Elem Ed

3:30pm PDT

Ice Cream on the Quad!

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

CC Front Quad (grassy area at entry)

Grab an ice cream from the Chris' Custards truck on the grassy area in front of Colket and enjoy it inside or out. Check out more on this favorite local spot for treats at Chris' Custards and Coffee.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
CC Front Quad (grassy area at entry) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Food/Beverage Event

3:30pm PDT

Relax, Connect and Strike a Pose!

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

CC First Floor Atrium

Enjoy your ice cream in the AC, strike a pose at the photo booth, or relax and chat while waiting for your activity or massage.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
CC First Floor Atrium Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem VA 24153

Connect and Create!

3:50pm PDT

Shrewd Archery Activity - SIGN UP HERE!

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:50pm - 5:30pm PDT

CC First Floor Atrium

SIGN UP HERE (spaces are limited): REGISTER for Shrewd Archery

Try your hand at indoor archery! Our group leaves for the Shrewd indoor archery range at 3:50 from the Colket lobby. Sign up below for a spot. Check out more on "Shrewd Outdoors" on Salem Main Street at Shrewd Outdoors (Indoor Archery Range).

Tuesday June 23, 2026 3:50pm - 5:30pm PDT
CC First Floor Atrium Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem VA 24153

Connect and Create!

4:00pm PDT

Farm-fresh Flower Arrangement Creation - SIGN UP HERE!

Tuesday June 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

CC 111 (Pickle)

SIGN UP HERE (spaces are limited): REGISTER for Lark and Sky

Create and take home your own farm-fresh flower arrangement with tips from instructor, Laura Stump, from Lark and Sky Farms. Check out more on Lark and Sky Farm (where you can hand-pick flowers all summer!) at Lark and Sky Farms or Lark and Sky FB page.

Tuesday June 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
CC 111 (Pickle) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Connect and Create!

7:30am PDT

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10:20am PDT

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10:40am PDT

10:40am PDT

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11:45am PDT

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2:40pm PDT

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3:30pm PDT

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4:00pm PDT

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