Rooted in Learning: Growing Strong Foundations in Pre-Kindergarten

Thursday February 2, 2023
3:15 - 4:45 PM
Room 240-242

The young child’s brain is growing and developing the capacity for all later learning. The skills that children learn during their early years lay the groundwork for their future academic endeavors. Title I funds can be used to support and enhance early childhood programs, and this session will tell the story of how Virginia Beach City Public Schools creates meaningful educational opportunities for Pre-K students. In this session, the following topics will be discussed: selection of at-risk students, effective professional learning opportunities for early educators, best practices to build family engagement, meaningful use of funds, and effective curriculum development and implementation in order to build strong foundations for young learners. The cyclical process of assessing, planning, and teaching is highlighted in the Pre-K program using data from statewide assessments. This session is relevant to district leaders, school leaders, and classroom teachers.

Presenters
Rebecca Carter

Becca Carter is the Pre-K Instructional Specialist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools. She earned her undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies, master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, and educational specialist degree in school leadership from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Ms. Carter began her career as a first-grade teacher before becoming a Instructional Technology Specialist, where she served teachers, families, students in grades Pre-K through first-grade. In this position, she developed her love for integrating technology with developmentally-appropriate instructional practices with the youngest of students. As a Pre-K Instructional Specialist, she believes in providing students with a strong academic and social-emotional foundation to carry with them as they start their educational journey.
Laura Silverman

Laura Silverman is serving as the Director of Title I Programs and Pre-K in Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS). She earned her undergraduate degree in English and Elementary Education from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and her Master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Silverman began her career in education as an elementary teacher in Maryland and continued as a teacher in Virginia. During her time as a teacher in VBCPS, Ms. Silverman was selected as a citywide finalist for teacher of the year. After nine years as a teacher in Title I schools, she served as an assistant principal for four years. Her time as both an administrator and teacher in Title I schools made for a logical transition to central office to lead all Title I programs for VBCPS. Ms. Silverman has served as the Director of Title I programs for the past three years where for two years in a row, VBCPS Title I schools were selected by the state of Virginia as National ESEA Distinguished Schools. Ms. Silverman believes that it is our responsibility as educators to provide opportunities for all students to reach their maximum potential and to create positive ripples for our future.
type:
In-Person Workshop
theme:
Instruction
audience:
classroom leaders
tags:
equity and excellence