VDOE TeacherDirect March 9, 2022

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Virginia Department of Education

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March 9, 2022

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Did You Know? 
Celebrating National School Social Work Week is March 6-12! 
School social workers are vital in supporting students’ needs to optimize their learning and are instrumental in linking school leaders, families, and communities to help students succeed. The theme for 2022 is “Time to Shine."  School divisions are encouraged to join VDOE in recognizing Virginia school social workers for their dedication to students, families, and school communities. Information can be found on the VDOE School Social Work Services website and from the School Social Work Association of America.

Headlines

March is Women's History Month
Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a Proclamation recognizing and honoring March as Women's History Month. Governor Youngkin stated in the document, "I encourage all Virginians to join me in appreciating the past, present and future contributions of women in the Commonwealth." Read the full Proclamation  today!

Meet Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow!
Jillian Balow was named Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor Glenn Youngkin in January 2022. As State Superintendent, she serves as the executive officer of the Virginia Department of Education, which is the administrative agency for the Commonwealth’s public schools. Read all about Superintendent Balow today!

Dual Language/Immersion Day 2022
The next DL/I Day is planned for March 19 from 10a.m.– 2p.m. This virtual conference will allow teachers to produce materials that can be implemented in their DL/I classrooms. To attend, complete the Virginia DLI Day registration by March 11.

Celebrate National School Breakfast Week – March 7–11, 2022! 
VDOE Office of School Nutrition Programs, along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the School Nutrition Association, encourages schools to recognize National School Breakfast Week March 7–11. This year's theme is Take Off with School Breakfast. Celebrating NSBW provides opportunities to inform parents, students, and educators of the value of school breakfast, increase participation, and improve the health and academic performance of Virginia’s students. See Superintendent’s Memo 032-22 for more information!

Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers
This is an opportunity to learn and explore nanomaterials and nanoscience related concepts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 15. Sessions include both an in-person and virtual option to extend the opportunity to teachers across the US. Teachers can receive a stipend and classroom materials.

VCTM Annual Conference
The Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Conference will be held virtually on March 18, beginning with an evening keynote and continue on March 19, with a full day of concurrent sessions. Keynote speakers include Ron Lancaster and Mandy Jansen. Visit the VCTM for details and registration information.

Leading Ed Forum 2022-March 23
This Forum will be held on March 23 from 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. at the New College Institute, Martinsville with a virtual option. Topics include leadership, cybersecurity, student data privacy, digital accessibility, hybrid learning, trends, and more. Many sessions are panel discussions with school divisions and stakeholders. This event is for school division instruction and technology leaders including chief technology officers/directors, network administrators, Instructional Technology Resource Teachers, Superintendents, and staff that support instructional technology. Contact Dr. Susan M. Clair with any questions.

VIBE Workshops: Counselors, Extracurricular Advisors, Athletics Coaches
Counselors, extracurricular advisors, and athletics coaches will be able to build and edit free templates and learn how to best organize their school’s Canvas hub for their needs. Registration is required for this three-part series. Options:
-Workshop One: Option A: March 16 at 4 p.m. or Option B: March 17 at noon
-Workshop Two: Option A: March 23 at 4 p.m. or Option B: March 24 at noon
-Workshop Three: Option A: March 30 at 4 p.m. or Option B: March 31 at noon
If PLN is not visible on your Dashboard, you may self-enroll. Contact Stephanie Shea or Steven Sproles with any questions.

Journey into Teaching Academy 
The Journey into Teaching Academy is a yearlong professional development initiative for teachers completing their second year as a provisionally licensed special education teacher. This May 2022-May 2023 program will include a virtual orientation on May 19 at 4:30 p.m. and a summer academy, July 25-28 in Richmond. This is a competitive process requiring a Teacher Application and Administrator's Recommendation. Completed documents are due to VDOE by April 1. Once applications are reviewed, notification will be emailed by April 12. Contact Dr. Teresa Lee, Office of SPED Instructional Services, or Kristin Williams-Faus, Office of STEM and Innovation with any questions.

National Youth Science Camp-Applications Due March 31
This STEM program designed to honor and challenge some of the nation’s rising leaders and provide them with opportunities to engage with industry professionals. Applicants must be in their senior year of high school. Two delegates will be selected to represent each of the 50 States. Applications are due March 31.

M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Opportunity
Join VCU as they prepare graduates to be transformative leaders who are able to promote a culture of change and growth in their organizations. The Program offers options in concentrations including higher education administration, culturally responsive leadership, and leadership studies. Applications are due by May 1 for the Fall semester.  

M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction 
Learn more about the online University of Virginia M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction program. Register for the one-hour Zoom meeting to learn more about the program, requirements, costs, and resources. The Curriculum and Instruction informational webinar will be held on March 21 at 7 p.m.

Upcoming PL Opportunity-March 28
The Virginia Work-Based Learning Network and Virginia Ed Strategies invite all Work-Based Learning coordinators, CTE Directors, and others to attend the session on March 28 at 10 a.m. Presenters are Dr. Clare Waterman and Dr. Katherine Shields, researchers from the Education Development Center. Register to learn about the published Work-based Learning Data Collection Toolkit and a process for improving data collection systems. Email danielle.meyer@lcps.org if you are interested in connecting with this group.

VCEE Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Throughout March and April, VCEE will be offering many professional development opportunities. Topics range from  Online Entrepreneurship Institute, Online Economics Institute, Using Pop Culture to Teach Economics, Understanding Global Economics Issues, and a Personal Finance Teacher Forum. Find out more information today!        

STEM Lyceums
The purpose of this virtual club is to build high school STEM communities and engage students in the exploration of STEM concepts and career pathways. Monthly meetings will focus on topics such as genomics (March 22), renewable energy (April 20), nuclear engineering (May 25), and healthcare smart devices (June 8). Explore today!

VCU School of Education Opportunities
Join VCU's School of Education's for upcoming opportunities: 
-March 17 at 4:30-6 p.m.: RSVP DEI free Community Conversation: An Evening with  Dr. DeLeon Gray from North Carolina State University.
-March 22 at 6 p.m.: The Career Switcher Program is holding a virtual informational session on for anyone interested in becoming a teacher. 

Take a "Byte" of Computer Science with CodeVA PD Opportunities
All Virginia K-12 educators are invited to join CodeVA for spring Learning Bytes, professional learning sessions that support Computer Science SOL integration and build knowledge and self-efficacy! CodeVA's new flexible format includes a webinar-style instruction in the opening hour and an optional interactive second hour. All registrants receive follow-up recordings. Weekday, after school, and Saturday morning sessions are available.

SREB and National Geographic Society Webinar Series
These free webinar series provide the tools, strategies and resources teachers can use to inspire the next generation of explorers and problem-solvers. All webinars meet from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Topics include science on March 28 and project-based learning on May 11.           

Superintendent's Memo of Interest to Teachers