2026 MSCI: Full Schedule

8:30am PDT

Cultivating a Joyous and Just Education For All, Part 1

Monday June 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT

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. Ms. Urtubey shares heartfelt, humorous, real, and transformative examples from her practice of how schools can continue to shift and heal educational spaces to ensure everyone can shine through community connection and growth.

Speakers

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

Audience All

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)

Speakers

Juliana Urtubey

Monday June 22, 2026 10:20am - 11:50am PDT
CC 218 (Wortmann Ballroom) Colket Center, Roanoke College, Salem, VA 24153

Keynote Session

Audience All

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 their own experiences, beliefs, and passions can become powerful tools for building belonging and using their voices to make a difference in the lives of students and the future of the profession.

Speakers

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

Audience All

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

10:40am 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

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

2:40pm 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

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

Audience All

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

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 →

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

Audience All

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

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.

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 →

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

Audience All

8:30am PDT

10:20am PDT

1:00pm PDT

9:00am PDT

10:40am PDT

10:40am PDT

10:40am PDT

1:00pm PDT

2:40pm PDT

9:00am PDT

10:20am PDT

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