Shazam! In an instant Kellam High School’s central commons area was instantly transformed into something that would activate anyone’s spidey senses.

Up in the sky—or risers, it wasn’t a bird, or a plane. It was the Three Oaks Elementary School fifth-grade chorus performing a medley of heartfelt super hero songs.

One could say that the gathering was more powerful than a locomotive. Dozens of the division’s past and present Teachers of the Year gathered for a mission they chose to accept: Hone their superhero abilities at the 14^th Annual Teacher Forum Roundtable held April 25.

This year’s theme:  “I Teach…What’s Your Superpower?”

This unique event, hosted by the Teacher Forum Leadership Council (TFLC), provided the opportunity for Teachers of the Year to network and engage in dialogue with division leaders while celebrating the profession.

“My superpower is getting students to think critically,” Robert Wnukowski, Kempsville Middle School’s 2016 Teacher of the Year wrote on his poster which teachers created to share their passions and expertise with other attendees.

“My superpower is teaching the love of reading,” Jeanelle Paden, 2013 Teacher of the Year who currently teaches at Brookwood Elementary School shared. Celebratory pictures were sent via the powers of Twitter, under the hashtag #VBsuperpower.

Teachers of the Year then selected three of 18 roundtable discussions which included heavy-hitting topics such as National Board Certification, Student Discipline Task Force and Teacher Career Lattice. Dr. Aaron Spence led one table with a crucial conversation about “Charting the Course.”  One of the more popular table topics touched on the work of the Design Fellows, a group of 57 teachers from across the division who are defining Personalized Learning, Goal 2 in the division’s strategic framework, Compass to 2020.

“The wide range of topics made the event relevant to everyone, regardless of subject or grade level, and there were sessions suited to everyone’s passions,” said Jenna Free, 2017 Citywide Teacher of the Year from Tallwood High School.

Melissa Smith, Parkway Elementary School’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, described the event as vibrant, energetic, upbeat, and fun.

“It is obvious that members of Teacher Forum and other division leaders share a communal responsibility for student learning,” Smith said.

According to TFLC’s Chair Bevin Reinen, the primary goal of the marvel was “to leverage the already amazing capabilities of this dynamic group of educators to help promote a culture of growth and excellence in Virginia Beach City Public Schools.” She added that topics were strategically selected to inspire action, promote teacher leadership, or seek teacher input.

Teachers of the Year were encouraged to share their learning with colleagues back in their school buildings.

Laura White, Woodstock Elementary School’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, enjoyed the session about technology and professional learning.  “I was able to share with my physical education peers the different ways we can incorporate Google Docs and Google Classroom into our own classrooms.”

Suzanne Buhner, 2017 Teacher of the Year from John B. Dey Elementary, said the event reminded her of an important saying.

“If you want to go fast, go alone.  If you want to go far, go together.”

Follow the work of the VBCPS Teacher Forum and Teacher Forum Leadership Council on Twitter @VBTFLC as they continue to fight a never-ending battle for public education.