VATLL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

10:10am EST

From Observation to Impact: Using Evidence and AI for Feedback

Wednesday December 2, 2026 10:10am - 11:20am EST

Strong instructional leadership requires more than observing classrooms—it requires turning evidence into meaningful action. In this highly practical session, participants will explore strategies for collecting high-quality evidence, crafting actionable feedback, and using generative AI to support observation analysis and communication. Through collaborative activities and real-world scenarios, leaders will hone strategies and processes that improve the quality, consistency, and efficiency of feedback while promoting teacher growth and improved student learning.

Speakers

Dr. Rachel Ball

Vice President of Research and Innovation, Stronge & Associates Educational Consulting

Rachel Previs Ball, Ed.D., currently serves as the Vice President of Research and Innovation with fifteen years of K-12 experience in Virginia. She previously served as the first alumna director of a regional governor's school in Virginia for high-ability and gifted students in grades 10-12. She has also s... Read More →

Virginia Tonneson

Chief Operating Officer, Stronge & Associates Educational Consulting

Ginny Tonneson, Ph.D., is the Chief Operating Officer for Stronge & Associates and has been with the company since its inception. She runs the day-to-day operations of Stronge & Associates, serving as the external interface to clients, partners, and various agencies throughout the U.S. and internationally... Read More →

Wednesday December 2, 2026 10:10am - 11:20am EST
Allegheny B

common

11:40am EST

Hope Is More Than a Feeling: The Science That Predicts Student Achievement

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

Allegheny B

Everyone wants motivated students. Few know what actually creates them. Discover the surprising science of hope and why it may be the missing variable behind achievement, resilience, and engagement. Measure your own hope and learn how to measure students, explore the research, and leave with practical strategies and tools that build agency and transform learning. You'll never think about student motivation the same way again.

Speakers

Cathleen Beachboard

Teacher/Author/Researcher for Liberty University and Edutopia, Fauquier County Public Schools/Liberty University/Edutopia/Psychology Today

Cathleen Beachboard is an award-winning and bestselling author, international keynote speaker, TEDx and TED-Ed speaker, educator, and researcher specializing in the science of psychological hope and motivation. A classroom teacher for more than 20 years, Cathleen continues to teach... Read More →

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

common

1:50pm EST

Every Day Counts: Engaging Students to Improve Attendance and Achievement

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

Allegheny B

Discover practical strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism by increasing student engagement and strengthening school culture. Participants will explore proven approaches that improve attendance, decrease discipline concerns, and support student academic achievement. Leave with actionable tools and an implementation plan to help every student show up, engage, and succeed.

Speakers

Heather Cofflin

Principal, Nelson County Schools, Tye River Elementary School

With more than two decades of experience in education and human services, Heather Cofflin is an educational leader committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Currently serving as an elementary school principal, Heather brings over 10 years of administrative... Read More →

Brandon Garrett

Assistant Principal, Nelson County Schools

Entering my 22nd year in education, I have had the privilege of serving students and schools in a variety of instructional and leadership roles. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught U.S. History, World Geography, World History, Civics and Economics, English, Health and Physical... Read More →

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

common

VATLL Annual Conference

10:10am EST

Dr. Rachel Ball

Virginia Tonneson

11:40am EST

Cathleen Beachboard

1:50pm EST

Heather Cofflin

Brandon Garrett

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