THE NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Professional Learning
Learning that strengthens practice, builds understanding, and expands how we support students who think & learn differently.
2026 Learning Symposium
Keynote Presenter
Nancy Lewis Hennessy, M.Ed.
Fact Not Fiction:
The Science of Reading Includes Comprehension!
The science of reading extends beyond word recognition to include comprehension. This session explores the research behind language, cognition, and knowledge-building, and how structured literacy practices support students in constructing meaning from text.
CLOSED
Thank You for Joining Us!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Learning Symposium!
We hope you left feeling inspired, informed, and connected.
Symposium Details
Date & Time
Friday, October 2 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location
The New Community School 4211 Hermitage Rd.
Registration
- Registration Fee: $125
- Student Registration: $85 (Student Email Required)
For More Information
TNCS 2026 Learning Symposium
Breakout Sessions
Join educators, families, and professionals for a day of active learning and shared discovery. Through dynamic keynotes and hands-on breakout sessions, you’ll learn practical strategies, gain fresh perspectives, and explore collaborative approaches to support students who think & learn differently. You’ll leave inspired with research-based tools, strengthened connections, and new ideas to expand how we support every learner.
01
Ara Duszak Middle & Upper School Math Interventionist
Differentiation and Student Engagement Through Math Workshop
02
Rachel Owens Middle School Math
Make Sense Before You Solve: Two Word-Problem Routines for Students with Dyslexia
03
Carolyn Latta Upper School History Amy Chung Middle School History
From Overwhelmed to Organized: Research Strategies for Diverse Learners
04
Katy Branscomb Language Fundamentals
The Engagement Advantage
05
Stacy Hassler Middle School Counselor
Implementing Whole-School Emotion Recognition & Regulation Programming
06
Tory Hendelman Upper School English
Leveraging and Limiting A.I. in the Classroom: A Collaborative Workshop for All
07
Summer Ferguson Middle School Language Fundamentals
Reducing Cognitive Overload: Practical Supports for Dyslexic and Neurodiverse Learners
08
Ashley Morck ET/P, C-SLDI, M.T., B.A. Summit Health
The Parent-Educator Partnership: Supporting Executive Functioning Inside and Outside of the Classroom
09
Henry Schofield Upper School History Josh Roy Upper School Science
Developing Study Skills: Designing an Intentional Study Skills Program for your School, Grade, or Classroom
2026 Learning Symposium
Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors
We are grateful for their support of this year's symposium.
Presenting Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
Their partnership helps make the 2026 Learning Symposium possible and supports meaningful professional learning for all.
TNCS Simulation
experience dyslexia firsthand.
Wednesday, October 28th, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
4211 Hermitage Rd. | Richmond, VA 23227
REGISTRATION CLOSED
Experience Dyslexia: A Hands-On Simulation
Join us for a new, eye-opening simulation that puts you in the shoes of individuals with dyslexia and related learning differences. Through a series of engaging, hands-on activities, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges involved in reading, writing, and spelling and discover new empathy for the students and adults who face these challenges every day.
Previous TNCS Simulation experiences have shown participants learn:
what it really feels like to struggle with reading and processing.
how frustration and fatigue impact confidence, focus, and self-esteem.
why understanding, patience, and the right support make all the difference.
The Dyslexia Simulation transformed understanding into experience, inviting participants to engage directly with the challenges faced by learners with dyslexia. Through this immersive evening, families and educators built a deeper appreciation for how meaningful support changes lives.