Empowering Leaders' Symposium 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to the Henrico County Public Schools 2026 Empowering Leaders Symposium

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

9:00am EDT

From Scaffolding to Success: Leading the Shift to Engineered Content

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

This session shifts the focus from simplifying content to engineering it for Multilingual Learner (ML) success. Leaders will identify high-leverage instructional moves and evidence-based techniques that bridge the gap between language proficiency and grade-level rigor. Explore how amplified texts maintain linguistic complexity, ensuring MLs can both access and master the curriculum. Gain a coaching framework to analyze ML literacy profiles, guide PLCs to maintain rigor, and know exactly what to look for when observing teachers using engineered or amplified text.

Speakers

Sarah Modrak

LIEP/ESL Education Specialist, Teaching & Learning

ESL Specialist, Coordinator or Coach

Alexa Haynie

ESL Division Coordinator

Dede Cox

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
2109/2110

Academic Achievement

10:25am EDT

From Scaffolding to Success: Leading the Shift to Engineered Content

Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT

2109/2110

Speakers

Sarah Modrak

LIEP/ESL Education Specialist, Teaching & Learning

ESL Specialist, Coordinator or Coach

Alexa Haynie

ESL Division Coordinator

Dede Cox

Tuesday July 28, 2026 10:25am - 11:40am EDT
2109/2110

Academic Achievement

12:40pm EDT

Implementing the 2023 Math Standards

Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

2109/2110

Move beyond surface-level engagement to identify what truly matters in mathematics instruction. This session focuses on the evidenced-based practices from the VDOE along how to recognize evidence of strong teaching and learning during classroom visits. Participants will leave with clear, actionable look-fors to guide feedback, calibrate expectations, and support consistent, high-quality mathematics instruction across classrooms.

Speakers

Kelly Parker

Elementary Math Specialist, Elementary Teaching and Learning

Tuesday July 28, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2109/2110

Academic Achievement

9:00am EDT

Setting Students up for Success: How to support reshaping challenging behaviors through behavior SDI (+curriculum options)

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT

2109/2110

This session will explore practical strategies to proactively support students with challenging behaviors through targeted Behavior Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Participants will explore evidence-based interventions and how we can create supportive classroom environments that foster positive outcomes. The training also highlights curriculum options and adaptations that align with behavioral goals, ensuring instruction remains accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all learners. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to support behavioral needs, promote student success, and strengthen instructional effectiveness.

Speakers

Michele Andrews

Kristin Herman

Exceptional Education Coordinator, Henrico County Public Schools

Wednesday July 29, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am EDT
2109/2110

Learning Environment

12:40pm EDT

Leading in the Age of AI: Strategy, Practice, and Efficiency

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT

2109/2110

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping education, requiring school leadership to evolve just as quickly. This session empowers HCPS leaders to move beyond the hype and harness AI as a responsible tool for both instructional excellence and administrative efficiency.

Participants will explore a dual approach to AI:

Instructional Leadership: Examine approved HCPS tools, academic integrity frameworks, and strategies to align AI use with high-quality instruction and the Henrico Learner Profile.

Operational Efficiency: Engage in hands-on exploration of tools like Gemini and NotebookLM to streamline workflows, manage complex communications, and reduce cognitive load.

Speakers

Kourtney Bostain

Director of Innovation

Kourtney is in her 23rd year in education and currently serves as the Director of Innovation for Henrico County Public Schools. She started her career as a middle school social studies teacher at Brookland Middle, then moved into instructional technology as an ITRT at Moody and Quioccasin... Read More →

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EDT
2109/2110

Learning Environment