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2026 MSCI has ended
Monday, June 22
 

7:30am PDT

Registration and Continental Breakfast
Monday June 22, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
CC First Floor Atrium
Stop by the registration table to pick up your name tag and conference info, then enjoy breakfast in the CC first floor atrium area.
Monday June 22, 2026 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
CC First Floor Atrium Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem VA 24153
  Food/Beverage Event

8:30am PDT

Cultivating a Joyous and Just Education For All, Part 1
Monday June 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom)
Every student, family, and community has the right to a joyous and just education. The "joyous" aspect brings a sense of belonging, while the "just" ensures that we all actively participate in co-constructing collective wellness for all. A joyous and just school is intentional, holistic, and inclusive, building welcoming environments for all members of learning communities....
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Speakers
avatar for Juliana Urtubey

Juliana Urtubey

Juliana Urtubey is the 2021 National Teacher of the Year who advocates for a "joyous and just" education for all students. A National Board Certified Teacher, she holds a bachelor's degree in bilingual elementary education and a master's degree in special bilingual education from... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Keynote Session

10:00am PDT

Coffee Break
Monday June 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am PDT
CC Second Floor Balcony
Hot and cold beverages will be provided on the balcony.
Monday June 22, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am PDT
CC Second Floor Balcony Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Food/Beverage Event

10:20am PDT

Cultivating a Joyous and Just Education for All, Part 2
Monday June 22, 2026 10:20am - 11:50am PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom)
Every student, family, and community has the right to a joyous and just education. The "joyous" aspect brings a sense of belonging, while the "just" ensures that we all actively participate in co-constructing collective wellness for all. A joyous and just school is intentional, holistic, and inclusive, building welcoming environments for all members of learning communities....
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Juliana Urtubey

Juliana Urtubey

Juliana Urtubey is the 2021 National Teacher of the Year who advocates for a "joyous and just" education for all students. A National Board Certified Teacher, she holds a bachelor's degree in bilingual elementary education and a master's degree in special bilingual education from... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 10:20am - 11:50am PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Keynote Session

11:50am PDT

Lunch
Monday June 22, 2026 11:50am - 1:00pm PDT
CC Dining Commons
Lunch is provided in the Colket Center Dining Commons for all registered participants and presenters. Your name tag serves as your entry ticket. 
Monday June 22, 2026 11:50am - 1:00pm PDT
CC Dining Commons Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Food/Beverage Event

1:00pm PDT

Finding My Voice by Finding My Place: The Power of Teacher Voice and Belonging
Monday June 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom)
As the daughter of Indian immigrants, Virginia Teacher of the Year Avanti Yamamoto spent much of her life searching for where she belonged. In this keynote, she shares how those experiences shaped her commitment to creating spaces where every student feels seen, valued, and capable. Through stories of teaching, advocacy, and leadership, participants will be inspired to reflect on how...
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Speakers
avatar for Avanti Yamamoto

Avanti Yamamoto

Senior Teacher, Liberty Middle School
Avanti Yamamoto is the 2025 Virginia Teacher of the Year and a National Board Certified mathematics educator serving as a Senior Teacher at Liberty Middle School in Hanover County, Virginia. She holds a B.S. in Biomathematics from VCU and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from JMU... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:20pm PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Keynote Session

2:20pm PDT

Refreshment Break
Monday June 22, 2026 2:20pm - 2:40pm PDT
CC Second Floor Balcony
Cold beverages will be provided on the second floor balcony.
Monday June 22, 2026 2:20pm - 2:40pm PDT
CC Second Floor Balcony Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Food/Beverage Event

2:40pm PDT

Lead Like a Pirate
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 232 (Kime)
This session is based on the book Lead Like a PIRATE: Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff by Beth Houf and Shelley Burgess. This leadership guide applies the "PIRATE" philosophy to school administration, emphasizing passion, connection, and intentional leadership. Participants will explore practical, actionable strategies - referred to as "moves" - designed to shift leadership...
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Speakers
avatar for Jeanette Warwick

Jeanette Warwick

Director, Mosaic Private Day School
Jeanette Warwick retired from Virginia Public Schools after 34 years of service as a teacher and administrator. Currently, she serves as the Director at Mosaic Private Day School, where she continues to lead with vision and purpose, supporting students with diverse needs and empowering... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 232 (Kime) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

2:40pm PDT

More Than a Checklist: Rethinking How We Read and Use Standards
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
Bast 300
Using the topic of slavery in Virginia Social Studies standards and Ghanaian Social Studies and History standards as a case study, this breakout session invites educators to examine standards to identify what they explicitly state, implicitly suggest, and omit. Participants then examine opportunities to teach the unwritten narratives, concepts, identities, and contextual understanding necessary...
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Speakers
avatar for Jennifer McCloud

Jennifer McCloud

Associate Professor of Education, Roanoke College
Dr. Jennifer McCloud is Associate Professor of Education at Roanoke College and Education Program Coordinator. She teaches the Elementary Social Studies Methods course where she guides students to create and implement pedagogy through a culturally relevant inquiry model lens... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Cornelius

Lisa Cornelius

2026 Teach for America Corps Member, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Lisa Cornelius is an aspiring elementary educator and a recent graduate of Roanoke College where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. Growing up in Ghana, through her experiences within a different cultural and educational context, she has developed a cross-cultural lens on... Read More →
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
Bast 300 Bast Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

2:40pm PDT

The Power of Student Choice in Nurturing Lifelong Readers
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 230 (Garrett)
I used to believe a period schedule did not support a daily free reading and writing routine in English. After being introduced to Jared Amato's Just Read It, however, I proposed a fourth quarter experiment implementing daily Read and WRAP within the sixty minute period. I will share my results in this session.
Speakers
avatar for Cynthia Bowen

Cynthia Bowen

7th Grade English Teacher, Andrew Lewis Middle School
Cynthia Bowen has taught middle school English for 19 years in South Carolina, Massachusetts, Virginia Beach, Roanoke County and now Salem, in both public and private school classrooms. She loves her family, her students, and reading really good books.
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 230 (Garrett) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

2:40pm PDT

You Cant Teach Who You Do Not Know: Why Relationships and Conversations Drive Learning
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room)
You can't teach who you do not know! When educators move beyond labels to develop deeper understanding of students, instruction becomes more responsive and effective. Culture influences what students experience in learning environments (Knight, 2015). This session examines how relationships, language, and intentional conversation support engagement and deeper learning.
Speakers
avatar for Jodi Bailey

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 →
avatar for Carey Stewart

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 →
Monday June 22, 2026 2:40pm - 3:40pm PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

3:40pm PDT

Buffet Reception and Keynote Speaker Meet and Greet
Monday June 22, 2026 3:40pm - 5:00pm PDT
CC 111 (Pickle) and CC 115 (Patterson)
Come enjoy this signature institute event! Delicious food and drinks, and opportunity to spend time with our keynote speakers. Food and bar in Patterson and the Atrium; seating provided in Pickle.
Monday June 22, 2026 3:40pm - 5:00pm PDT
CC 111 (Pickle) and CC 115 (Patterson) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Food/Beverage Event
 
Tuesday, June 23
 

7:30am PDT

Breakfast: Dine-in or Grab and Go
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Rodney Robinson

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

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
avatar for Donna Fortune

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 →
avatar for Nancy Bradley

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

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
avatar for Margaret Whitt

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 →
avatar for Todd Murrill

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

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
avatar for Wendi Richert

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 →
avatar for Allison Gray

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.
avatar for Jenny Brown

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Amie Burkholder

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Sarah Beach

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

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
avatar for Katrina Hill

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

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,...
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Speakers
avatar for Amie Burkholder

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

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
avatar for Jodi Bailey

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 →
avatar for Carey Stewart

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

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
avatar for MaryBeth Mills

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 →
avatar for Anna Kambach

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

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!
 
Wednesday, June 24
 

7:30am PDT

Breakfast: Dine-in or Grab and Go
Wednesday June 24, 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 the morning sessions.
Wednesday June 24, 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

Calculated Risks: Using Your Voice to Advocate for Playful Math
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room)
Sometimes, using your "teacher voice" means going against the grain of test-prep culture. This session focuses on the courage it takes to prioritize engagement and how that choice empowers both the teacher and the student.
Speakers
avatar for Danny McNamara

Danny McNamara

Math Teacher, King George High School
Danny McNamara is a 2001 Roanoke College alumnus and has been teaching math for 25 years.  He has 77 pairs of crocs and loves the Boston Red Sox (and Calculus!). He currently teaches at King George County High School.
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

Life Work Balance: Small Shifts, Big Impact Micro-Habits for Busy Educators
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 111 (Pickle)
Small shifts create powerful change over time. When educators build micro-habits - brief reflection, clear boundaries, intentional pauses - they protect energy and clarity. A balanced life strengthens teacher voice, making it more confident, authentic, and influential in learning environments.
Speakers
avatar for Jodi Bailey

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 →
avatar for Carey Stewart

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 →
avatar for Anna Kambach

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 →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 111 (Pickle) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

Magnify Teacher Voice: Design Feedback Routines to Highlight Listening, Agency and Engagement
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 232 (Kime)
Students don't automatically know how to listen to feedback. In this interactive design studio, teachers will create feedback-listening routines that foster reflection, agency and voice - helping upper-elementary and middle school students use feedback to grow as confident, intentional learners.
Speakers
avatar for Donna Fortune

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 →
avatar for Shelly Papenfus

Shelly Papenfus

Doctoral Student, Virginia Tech School of Education
Shelly is currently a Ph.D. student at Virginia Tech in Curriculum and Instruction and supervises teacher candidates in their clinical placements. She has an extensive background in education, having worked as an administrator, instructional supervisor, teacher and instructional coach... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 232 (Kime) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

9:00am PDT

Teachers as Policy Analysts: A Study on Reimagining the Virginia Literacy Act
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 115 (Patterson)
What happens when teachers become policy analysts? Dr. Candace Bechtold presents qualitative research reframing educators as "policy analysts" of the Virginia Literacy Act. Participants will engage in a collaborative session to "analyze" the VLA and share their voices to help reimagine literacy instruction in the Commonwealth.
Speakers
CB

Candace Bechtold

Adjunct Professor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Candace Bechtold, Ph.D., is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University and co-editor of Reading in Virginia, a practitioner-focused literacy journal. Her research examines how American sociocultural contexts shape literacy policy and classroom instruction. She is currently... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
CC 115 (Patterson) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Session

10:00am PDT

Coffee Break
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am PDT
CC First Floor Atrium and CC Second Floor Balcony
Hot and cold beverages will be provided on the first and second floors between morning sessions.
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:00am - 10:20am PDT
CC First Floor Atrium and CC Second Floor Balcony Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Food/Beverage Event

10:20am PDT

All Means All!
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 115 (Patterson)
This session is based on the book, Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write by Karen Erickson and David Koppenhaver. The educational team from Mosaic Private Day School will share their journey implementing the strategies in this publication.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Patterson

Jordan Patterson

Special Education Teacher, Mosaic Private Day School

avatar for Jeanette Warwick

Jeanette Warwick

Director, Mosaic Private Day School
Jeanette Warwick retired from Virginia Public Schools after 34 years of service as a teacher and administrator. Currently, she serves as the Director at Mosaic Private Day School, where she continues to lead with vision and purpose, supporting students with diverse needs and empowering... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 115 (Patterson) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Workshops

10:20am PDT

Let Them Create: Building Academic Oral Language, Standards-Based Understanding and Student Agency through Scratch Jr. Coding K-4
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room)
This session explores how ScratchJr coding supports elementary students in demonstrating standards-based understanding while developing academic oral language and student agency. A classroom teacher and technology coach will share a second grade life cycle project and guide participants in exploring ScratchJr and designing a project for their classroom.NOTE: Please bring an iPad to this session if...
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Speakers
avatar for Laurie Sullivan

Laurie Sullivan

Project Discovery STEM Teacher, Barrett Elementary School
Dr. Laurie Sullivan, the Project Discovery STEM teacher at Barrett Elementary in Arlington, is a Virginia Teacher of the Year and PAEMST finalist. She engages her students in hands-on learning enriched through collaboration with instructional coaches, volunteer engineers and scientists... Read More →
avatar for Jacqueline Moody

Jacqueline Moody

Instructional Technology Coordinator, Barrett Elementary School
Jaqueline Moody is the instructional technology coordinator at Barrett Elementary School in Arlington, Virginia. She previously taught elementary school and served as a literacy coach in international schools in Thailand, Colombia, and China, and is passionate about learning from... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 210 (President's Dining Room) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Workshops

10:20am PDT

Raising Voices through Visual Literacy
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 232 (Kime)
Using graphic novels as multimodal texts, this workshop provides K-12 teachers the tools to cultivate student empathy and understanding, focusing on refugee experiences as a model. Participants will explore grade-specific strategies, curated text sets, and research based approaches that amplify diverse student voices through visual literacy.Presentation Slides:...
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Speakers
avatar for Donna Fortune

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 →
avatar for Anna Kambach

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 →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 232 (Kime) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Workshops

10:20am PDT

The Kids Aren't the Only Ones Who Need It: Building Community for Adult Learners
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 111 (Pickle)
Explore and engage in adult learning practices that foster a sense of community for both educators and students. Identify strategies to intentionally connect these practices in ways that promote collaborative and supportive learning environments.
Speakers
avatar for Morgan Hill

Morgan Hill

Targeted School Improvement Mentor, Roanoke City Public Schools
Morgan Hill is a Targeted School Improvement Mentor for Roanoke City Public Schools supporting instructional leaders, teachers and classrooms to improve educational outcomes for students.
avatar for Kevin Bowman

Kevin Bowman

Supervisor of Targeted School Improvement, Roanoke City Public Schools
Kevin G. Bowman has been a classroom teacher, an administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels, and a state championship boys' basketball coach. He has formerly served as the City of Suffolk's Youth Services Coordinator and has served and volunteered in youth recreational... Read More →
AS

Amanda Spivey

Targeted School Improvement Mentor, Roanoke City Public Schools
Amanda Spivey, a Roanoke native, is a Targeted School Improvement Mentor with Roanoke City Public Schools, who will begin her twentieth year in education this fall. A former Teach for America teacher in Las Vegas Valley, Amanda is passionate about relationships, teacher belief, and... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 10:20am - 11:40am PDT
CC 111 (Pickle) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Breakout Workshops

12:00pm PDT

Award Luncheon and Keynote: A Lasting Effect
Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom)
The Copenhaver Institute's closing luncheon celebrates our learning and interactions this week. Come enjoy a delicious served lunch, help us honor this year's award recipient, listen for your chance to win one of our closing door prizes, and be inspired by our speakers, Jasmine and Anthony Swann. Their keynote, A Lasting Effect, explores the power of teacher voice and its impact on...
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Speakers
avatar for Jasmine Swann

Jasmine Swann

Math Interventionist, Westside Elementary School
Jasmine Swann is a passionate and dedicated public-school educator with over 15 years of experience, serving in 2025/26 as a Kindergarten and Third Grade Math Interventionist at Westside Elementary School in Roanoke City Public Schools. Her commitment to student success has earned... Read More →
avatar for Anthony Swann

Anthony Swann

Principal, Meadow View Elementary School
Anthony Swann became the first African American sitting teacher in Virginia to be appointed to the Board of Education in 2021 by Governor Ralph Northam.  Anthony has been in education for 19 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, an assistant principal, and now serves as the principal... Read More →
Wednesday June 24, 2026 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153
  Keynote Session
 

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