VDOE TeacherDirect January 5, 2022

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Virginia Department of Education

VDOE TeacherDirect New Logo

January 5, 2022

kids in circle

Did You Know? 
CongratulationsGovernor Ralph Northam has named Dr. Rosa Atkins as Acting Superintendent of Public Instruction. Dr. Atkins was the first Assistant Superintendent for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the VDOE. Prior to this role, Dr. Atkins served as the Superintendent of Charlottesville Public Schools for 15 years. As the city’s second-longest serving superintendent, she led the division’s successful efforts to raise graduation rates, reduce dropout rates and expand opportunities for all students. Read more about Dr. Atkins!

Headlines

Onward and Upward: Grant Request for Proposals from Institutions of Higher Education
This grant opportunity for IHE will provide support for K-12 literacy and mathematics instruction to address unfinished learning across Virginia through the development of high-quality, evidence-based instructional resources, materials, and professional development. See Superintendent's Memo 320-21.

Virtual Virginia Canvas LIVE Winter Workshops in 2022
Canvas trainers will present this series of free, hands-on workshops that focus on the essentials of course design in the Canvas LMS and the best practices for accessibility in courses. Registration is required. All Virginia public school division educators are invited to register for the following workshops: 
-How to Use Google Drive in Canvas on Jan. 6, at 4 p.m.
-How to Add Student Engagement with Modules on  Jan. 13 at 4 p.m.
-Upgrading Your Assignment Instructions on Jan. 20 at 4 p.m.
-Canvas Studio: Fundamentals on Jan. 27 at 4 p.m.
-Canvas Studio: Advanced on Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.
-Accessibility in Canvas: Features & Best Practices Feb. 17 at 4 p.m.

VDOE Desmos Activity Log Updated with Additional Activities!
The VDOE Desmos Activity Log (XLSX) has been updated with additional activities to support the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning. The Log now contains a tab with activities for each grade-level/mathematics course from Kindergarten through Algebra II. Each grade level sheet includes a list of SOL-aligned Desmos activities with a brief description and direct link to the activity.  Check it out today!      

Career Switcher Program Information Session
The VCU School of Education's Career Switcher Program, is holding a virtual informational session on January 18 at 6 p.m. for anyone interested in becoming a teacher. Register today!

Proposals for Summer 2022 National Children and Youth Garden Symposium
This Symposium brings together educators, landscape architects, designers, and people from around the country who are all working to engage children with gardens and the natural world surrounding them. The proposal deadline is January 7 and presenters will be informed by January 31.

VSGC Liftoff 2022
The Virginia Space Grant Consortium will sponsor one Virginia teacher from grade 5-12 for a summer professional development institute in Houston, Texas. The program will feature presentations by scientists and engineers, tours of NASA and Space Center, hands-on, inquiry-based classroom activities aligned to educational standards, and more. Applications are due March 7.  

Shenandoah Valley Writing Project Invitational Leadership Institute
This Institute is open to any Pre-kindergarten-University educator and will be held entirely online from the end of June through July 2022. At the Institute, participants will examine issues in the teaching of writing, improve the use of writing to deepen and extend learning in all curricular areas, study research in the field, and more.  Detailed information on the course of study, applications, interviewing, scheduling and proposed costs is available from SVWP

National STEM Scholar Program
This Program is seeking middle school science teachers who are interested in professional development that include hands-on activities, connecting with speakers and thought leaders in STEM education; learning with skilled science educators, and developing a creative Challenge Project for classroom implementation. Each Scholar will receive a Chromebook and funding for Challenge Project supplies and materials. Applications are due February 1.      

VASCD Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Check out the online and in person opportunities for educators. See VASCD for more information and costs:

  • Help Me Learn How to Play the Game: Discipline with Feeling, Fidelity, and Follow Through Webinar on January 26 and February 23. Discipline is one of the most misunderstood aspects of school improvement. Attend the Jan. 26 session with Andy Jacks. Next, try out a practical strategy. Join the Feb. 23 session facilitated by Kambar Khoshaba and Casey Roberts.
  • 2022 Whole Child Institute: Teach Our Children Well: Strengthening Adult Capacity to Meet Student Needs on February 10 at the Fulghum CenterIn this session, participants will examine five disciplines that are key to strengthening educators and schools.
  • The Minimalist TeacherAttend the all-day, in person session in Roanoke on February 22, or the one-hour webinar on February 24 at 4 p.m. Join ASCD author Tammy Musiowsky- Borneman who will share ideas about minimalism in education.

Superintendent's Memo of Interest to Teachers