VATLL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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11:40am EST

Addressing Virginia's Most Urgent K–12 Challenges: Action Projects That Transform Schools

Wednesday December 2, 2026 11:40am - 12:50pm EST

Address the root causes of Virginia's most urgent K–12 challenges- chronic absenteeism, literacy gaps, mental health concerns, and teacher burnout- by restoring meaning, agency, and belonging in the school experience. This session introduces the award-winning Solutionary Framework, a free tool that engages these challenges through student-led, community-connected action projects. Explore concrete project examples, hear impact stories from students and teachers, examine essential design components, and leave with practical strategies and free resources for any grade level, subject area, or role.

Speakers

Angela Whittaker

K-12 Project Manager, Institute for Humane Education

Angela Whittaker is an educational innovator specializing in student-led inquiry that leads to meaningful action. As the K-12 Project Manager for The Institute for Humane Education, Angela manages and develops professional learning programs that empower teachers and students to address... Read More →

Wednesday December 2, 2026 11:40am - 12:50pm EST
Colony C

common

1:50pm EST

Data to Action: Environmental Literacy Projects Elevate Literacy, Numeracy, and Engagement

Wednesday December 2, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EST

Colony C

Environmental Literacy Action Projects engage students in real-world, applied learning—and in doing so, create authentic demand for reading, writing, data analysis, and quantitative reasoning across content areas. Grounded in IHE’s Solutionary Framework and place-based learning research, this session equips K–12 educators with a pedagogical approach that elevates academic skills, deepens engagement, and connects students to their communities. This approach transforms student agency, optimism, and engagement while enhancing school-community connections for all stakeholders. Free framework and resources.

Speakers

Angela Whittaker

K-12 Project Manager, Institute for Humane Education

Wednesday December 2, 2026 1:50pm - 3:00pm EST
Colony C

common

VATLL Annual Conference

11:40am EST

Angela Whittaker

1:50pm EST

Angela Whittaker

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