VAIS Conference

Steward faculty regularly engage in professional development to keep up with best practices and trends, meet peers in their fields, and bring fresh ideas back to the classroom. They also share their knowledge at regional, national, and international conferences.

In November, Steward faculty presented at the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) annual conference, which was held at Collegiate School. We are proud to have had so many faculty presenters at the conference.

Dr. Yaa Agyekum (director of the Center for the Advancement of Learning and Lower School assistant director) presented “Culture Beyond Handbooks: Live It!” in which she shared examples of how faculty and leaders shape school culture. She also provided tips on how to foster a more inclusive and values-aligned school culture. “School culture isn’t just taught … it’s lived,” she noted in her talk. 

Elizabeth Crenshaw (Upper School academic dean), Melissa Freed (Upper School curriculum dean), and Dr. Paul Harris (former Steward Upper School dean of student support) presented “Using Strengths-Based Approaches in School Conferences.” Ms. Freed said, “In the Upper School, our strengths-based approach builds trust and deepens engagement by first affirming what students do well, then using those assets as the foundation for collaborative goal setting, growth, and reflection. In doing so, we can create a supportive partnership that strengthens student learning.”

Eliza McGehee (Upper School history teacher and Leadership Program coordinator), Scottie O’Neill (Upper School math teacher and assistant Leadership Program coordinator), and Dr. Austin Council (collegiate assistant professor, Virginia Tech, and frequent collaborator with the Leadership Program) presented “Excellence in Student Leadership: Self, Group, and Community.” They spoke about equipping students with the skills, self-awareness, and hands-on training they need to be successful leaders. Steward’s Leadership Program combines hands-on learning with academic studies.

Jentae Scott-Mayo (school counselor within the Center for Engagement) presented “Inspire Connection: Engage, Empower, Encourage!” She shared creative strategies on fostering meaningful connections with students while promoting resilience and relationships. Mrs. Scott-Mayo led participants through several hands-on strategies that can be used across all grade/development levels. 

Megan Young (Bryan Innovation Lab dean of innovation programs and innovation strategy) presented “Nature Play School” and shared how Steward is building community through free play in a weekly social group for young children. She shared her journey of launching Nature Play School and discussed the program's evolution over its three years, highlighting lessons she’s learned along the way. She also spoke about the inspiration that nature and nature play have had in the broader school experience.