NNPS students share innovation at VSTE conference
Posted: December 16, 2025
Newport News Public Schools students were selected to showcase innovative programming at the Virginia Society for Technology in Education Annual Conference on December 7 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.
Students from Newport News, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach were invited to participate in the conference's student-led activities.
VSTE is an organization for educators passionate about transforming learning with technology, according to its website. Its annual conference is its premier event and allows attendees to discover the latest innovations in instructional technology and connect with leaders in the field.
NNPS students and teachers participated in VSTE Kid Talks, an annual statewide showcase focused on student innovation, technology, leadership and learning. Students participated in a panel discussion followed by poster sessions and a demonstration in the Exhibition Hall.
Newsome Park Elementary School student Ruby Goodwin and Gildersleeve Middle School student Isaiah McClain represented NNPS in the panel discussion. Panel topics included innovation and problem-solving, responsible technology and internet use, coding and future-ready skills, artificial intelligence in everyday life and advice for educators on supporting student innovation.
"It was a fulfilling experience and I hope that my ideas get to people who can make a difference," McClain said.
Afterwards, students shared information and demonstrated activities at three NNPS booths featuring the school division's summer STEAM Camp program at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
Students who joined Goodwin and McClain in presenting side-by-side with vendors and educational leaders from across the state were Newsome Park student Braden Hayes, Crittenden student Liam McKeel, and Gildersleeve students Madison Goodwin, Noah Gray, Janina Lin and Ulyesa Smith. Stephen Auth from Crittenden, Michelle Jackson from Gildersleeve and Chelsea Simpson from Newsome Park supported students as teacher sponsors for the event.
"NNPS students served as presenters and leaders, explaining their work directly to adults and education professionals," said NNPS STEM Instructional Supervisor Tami Byron. "This experience highlights the school division's commitment to innovative instruction and to ensuring that student voices are at the forefront of our teaching and learning model."
