TEACHING & LEARNING INSTITUTE 2026
Jumpstart your learning. Explore the best way to start your school year. Join us for two days of connection, collaboration, and inspiration before the new school year kicks into high gear.
Whether you are stepping into your first classroom or looking to refresh your seasoned toolkit, TLI provides the strategies and peer network you need to thrive. Engage in interactive sessions and workshops designed to strengthen your skills. Join us for two days of learning built around engaging speakers, the culture of Virginia’s independent school environment, and plenty of time for peer collaboration.
Who should attend?
Teachers entering their first classroom or who are new to independent schools, as well as experienced educators who want to jump-start their preparations and learning for the new year.
Teaching and Learning Institute Class of 2025
Sessions will be offered within these targeted learning tracks to maximize your professional growth:
- Understanding Difficult Content
- Creating a Productive Environment
- Maximizing the Opportunity to Learn
- Activating Students’ Thinking
- Cultivating Your Professional Success
Speaker and sponsor announcements coming soon.
| VAIS Members | $650 |
| Non-VAIS Members | $1300 |
Registration includes all sessions, workshops, and materials for both days.
Registration Closes July 13
Hotel block at The Westin Richmond also closes July 13. Book your room →
Conference Schedule
August 4–5, 2026 · St. Christopher’s School · Richmond, VA
Concurrent Sessions
Choose from 16 breakout sessions across all four concurrent blocks, covering topics from classroom management and AI integration to parent communication, financial literacy, and belonging.
Thriving or Surviving?
Sam Stover, Middle School Director — Highland School
Unpack how to balance teaching at an independent school with the demands of home and life. Participants will identify common challenges and learn practical strategies for managing time effectively and working smarter — leaving with tools they can put to use at the very start of the new school year.
Study Skills Workshop to Support Students with Learning Differences
The New Community School
Drawing on decades of experience with dyslexia and related learning differences, presenters share brain-based study strategies to build independence, boost retention, and deepen understanding. Topics include multisensory approaches, executive function supports, metacognition, and self-advocacy techniques.
New Teacher Nuts & Bolts: The First 30 Days
Lana Shea, Director of Teaching & Learning — St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School & Tung Trinh, Dean of Faculty — Collegiate School
A two-part, question-driven session shaped around what new teachers are actually carrying. Covers school culture, classroom routines, schedules, and building early relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Expect practical tips, honest insights, and a few “I wish someone had told me this” moments.
Looking at Student Work to Uncover Student Thinking
Dr. Amy Nail — Education Resource Group (erg) (offered for K–6 and 6–12)
Using the Brookhart & Oakley (2021) framework, participants build their toolkit to infer student thinking, provide effective feedback, and decide on next instructional moves. Participants are encouraged to bring student work samples.
The Human-AI Model: Leveraging AI for a Human-Centered Classroom
Luke Peterson, Science Department Chair — Episcopal High School
Explore how AI can optimize educators’ workload — freeing time for relationships and targeted feedback. Participants learn how targeted prompts can assist with rubric design, formative assessment, and mind-brain education integration, leaving with practical strategies and a renewed perspective on AI as a classroom ally.
More Than a Check-In: Elevating Advisory and Student Life for Enrollment, Belonging, and Beyond
Bridget Johnson, Founder — Deans’ Roundtable; Leadership Coach & Consultant
Learn to integrate restorative practices, proactive classroom management, and relationship-centered advisory models into a cohesive, community-driven approach. Explores how setting the right tone early supports behavioral consistency, family confidence, and long-term alumni engagement.
How to Talk to Parents (AKA How to Communicate with Anyone)
Dr. Michelle O’Dell, Head of School — Loudoun Country Day School
Learn how to choose the right format — email, phone, or face-to-face — and how to excel in each. Write emails that won’t get misread, speak with clarity and calm, master quick carline conversations, and use validation to transform tough exchanges. Walk away with a practical communication toolbox ready to use immediately.
Lower School Teacher Tech Tools
Kaitlin Tyler, LS Math Specialist & EDI Teacher — Norfolk Academy
A hands-on exploration of engaging, age-appropriate digital resources that enhance classroom learning and build 21st-century skills. Focuses on tools supporting creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, with practical strategies for seamless integration into daily routines — for tech newcomers and veterans alike.
Navigating Residence Life / Living on Campus
Bridget Johnson, Founder — Deans’ Roundtable; Leadership Coach & Consultant
Full session description coming soon.
Teacher Clarity
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson & Dr. Peter Willis — ElevateED
Full session description coming soon.
Middle and Upper School Belonging
Harrison Schroder — The Hill School
Full session description coming soon.
The Art of Lower School Classroom Management
Angie Cross, Lower School Director & Dr. Jen Kaywork, ROLE — Loudoun Country Day School
Full session description coming soon.
Understanding Learning Differences & Practical Strategies for Instructional Support
Dr. Jacqueline Johnson Wilson & Dr. Peter Willis — ElevateED
Equips teachers with foundational knowledge about learning differences — dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and more — along with practical differentiation strategies and tools to create inclusive learning environments. Designed for educators with no prior training in this area, with immediate classroom applicability.
The Art & Impact of Planning
Katy Reagan — St. Christopher’s School
Full session description coming soon.
Financial Literacy for Educators
Richard Adams — CG Financial
Full session description coming soon.
Professional Growth & Paths to Leadership
Dr. Kristine Varney — Norfolk Collegiate School
Full session description coming soon.
What did past TLI participants have to say?
“Outstanding practical and personal takeaways. I learned so many tools I can use in the classroom to make a difference with my students.”
“Amazing to know that I will be working in an independent school community with passionate and excited educators.”
“This event was really beneficial to everyone and will support my next moves at school this year.”
Scenes from Last Year
