2025 SVEA-AE Convention Breakout Sessions

Presenter:

Malik McKinley, Sr., ETS
Director of Educational Partnerships, K-16 Division (The Praxis Series)

Dr. Amber Brown
VEA Teaching and Learning Specialist

Description:

Participants will briefly learn about resources provided by ETS, how to study for the test, Licensure information from VDOE, and key facts that you should know before taking the test.

Presenter:

Meghan Depue
VCU Senior Education Specialist; Department of Teaching and Learning

Description:

Participants will engage in a discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, tips, and concerns of using AI for lesson planning in K-12 schools. Then, participants will have the opportunity to interact with two AI systems: a generic AI (such as ChatGPT) and Educaide (an AI designed for educators). Various AI prompts will be used to create an initial lesson plan, adapt the lesson plan as needed, and differentiate the lesson based on the real-world needs of students. Finally, participants will come together to reflect on the experience of using AI for lesson planning and reevaluate the advantages, disadvantages, tips, and concerns based on this experience.

Presenter:

Michelle O’Neil
NEA Aspiring Educator Organizational Specialist

Description:

There never seem to be enough hours in the day, but there certainly seems to be enough stress! How would you like to learn some life hacks to decrease stress while making the most of your time? This is an interactive session; participants will share their wellness routines and ideas, and learn new ways to stay active and take care of themselves.

Presenter:

Taisha Steele
Director of Human and Civil Rights, VEA

Description:

Are you interested in getting involved and learning more about racial and social justice?  Do you want to use your voice to bring awareness and appreciation for all within the Commonwealth of Virginia through a community service outreach project?  Join the Director of Human and Civil Rights for an opportunity to help create a community event.

Presenter:

Dr. Amber Brown
VEA Teaching and Learning Specialist

Malik McKinley, Sr., ETS
Director of Educational Partnerships, K-16 Division (The Praxis Series)

Description:

One of the toughest parts about teaching is knowing that your students need resources, and your school division is not able to provide them.  In this interactive “un-session”, participants will use real-time data and information to be able to pinpoint needs, identify supportive community stakeholders, and come up with talking points to drive conversations around this topic.

Presenter:

Mackenzie Turbeville-McCorry, Ed. D.
Project Specialist, Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC)

Description:

Cultivating a safe and orderly classroom environment is an intentional practice. This session will introduce teachers to seven universal practices that teach and encourage positive social behaviors and build a strong class culture. The focus will be on teachers self-identifying goals for their classroom around the universal practices that will give them the biggest bang for their buck. In addition, participants will learn positive response strategies for when students act in ways that don’t hold up to the classroom agreements.

Presenter:

Meghan Depue
VCU Senior Education Specialist; Department of Teaching and Learning

Description:

We will look at examples of both in-person and digital classroom escape rooms used to assess student understanding of math, science, social studies, and language (including second language acquisition). Then, participants will have the opportunity to create their own piece of a virtual escape room.

Presenter:

Michael Gavin,
NEA Member Benefits

Description:

As a Member of the Association, take advantage of the many discounts and programs that can help you in your everyday life.  From movie ticket discounts to the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness calculator, come learn about your benefits!

Presenter:

Dr. Amber Brown
VEA Teaching and Learning Specialist

Description:

In this session, participants will explore several scenarios focusing on situations in and out of the classroom, where they encounter explicit and implicit biases. For educators to challenge biases, they have to examine themselves and unpack key concepts to prevent harm to their students. When encountering a situation emphasizing explicit and implicit bias, how can educators pause to self-reflect on their journey, understand what support they need to move forward, and better help their students by examining their belief systems before engaging in any actions? Participants will also identify three steps in furthering their journey to keep challenging and reflecting on their actions and the school system.

Presenter:

Mackenzie Turbeville-McCorry, Ed. D.
Project Specialist, Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC)

Description:

Special education isn’t just for special education teachers– it’s everyone’s responsibility! How can teachers of any subject better understand and support students with disabilities through not only following but helping to inform the IEP? In this interactive session, you will learn the most important parts of an IEP as well as get creative about your role in supporting students with disabilities. Participants will be able to experience a few common challenges students with disabilities face and brainstorm how to overcome these barriers in their classroom.

Presenter:

Michelle O’Neil
NEA Aspiring Educator Organizational Specialist

Description:

In our post-COVID society, diagnosed anxiety is on the rise. This session will help anyone who has to work with anxious adults or children to understand the signs and triggers, how to make space for anxious people, and some strategies to help them manage the effects of anxiety on their bodies. Some anti-anxiety activities will be modeled if time allows.

Presenter:

Michael Gavin,
NEA Member Benefits

Description:

As a Member of the Association, take advantage of the many discounts and programs that can help you in your everyday life.  From movie ticket discounts to the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness calculator, come learn about your benefits!