VATLL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

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

8:15am EST

Creating Historical Thinkers: Think Deeply, Question Boldly

Thursday December 3, 2026 8:15am - 9:25am EST

Colony C

This interactive session equips history and social science educators with research-based strategies to move beyond content coverage and cultivate students' historical thinking for success in an ever-changing, 21st-century world. Participants will explore inquiry-based instruction, primary source analysis, perspective-taking, evidence-based argumentation, and culturally responsive practices through modeling, collaboration, and authentic classroom examples. Attendees will leave with practical, ready-to-implement strategies that promote deeper learning, meaningful student engagement, and informed civic participation.

Speakers

Jennifer Brown

Social Studies Consultant, CTLG

Jen Brown has over 26 years of experience as an educator and currently serves as an Educational Specialist for Elementary Social Studies in Fairfax County Public Schools. She has previously taught special education and general education (upper elementary grades), and has served as... Read More →

Alissa Straus

Social Studies Consultant, CTLG

Alissa brings over 23 years of dedicated experience in education, both as a classroom teacher and a division Social Studies Specialist in Henrico County. She is deeply committed to the field of social studies, focusing on enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and understanding... Read More →

Thursday December 3, 2026 8:15am - 9:25am EST
Colony C

common

VATLL Annual Conference

11:40am EST

Angela Whittaker

1:50pm EST

Angela Whittaker

8:15am EST

Jennifer Brown

Alissa Straus

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