VDOE TeacherDirect March 8, 2023

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Virginia Department of Education

TeacherDirect
March 8, 2023

VDOE Full Color Logo

Did You Know? The VDOE is hosting several opportunities for the public to engage and contribute directly to the review of the English Standards of Learning. Three in-person and four virtual will begin with presentations by VDOE staff about the SOL revision process, followed by an opportunity for participants to share feedback about the current English Standards and suggest revisions. Advanced registration is required for all sessions and are limited to 100 participants on a first come first served basis. Confirmed registrants will receive an email providing information about their session and location specific details. Register or find out more from VDOE today!

HEADLINES

Journey into Teaching Academy
The VDOE Department of Special Education and Student Services is announcing its fifth cohort of the Journey into Teaching Academy. The Academy is a yearlong professional development initiative for teachers completing their second year of teaching by the end of the 2022-2023 school year and entering their third year of teaching during the 2023-2024 SY as a provisionally licensed special education teacher. Completed applications are due to the VDOE by April 1. For more information about this initiative and the application process, please see Superintendent's Memo 039-23.

GWLA staff applications due by March 15
Teachers and Resident Assistants are needed for the French, German, and Spanish Governor's World Language Academies.  These are three-week residential programs for the state's most talented and motivated world language students.  Housing and meals are provided, along with a set salary based on position type. Apply today!

Blue Skies Blended Learning Workshops Continue
Virtual Virginia's series of blended learning workshops will return on Thursday, March 16, at 3 p.m. Led by blended learning expert and Instructure Principal Learning Consultant Evette Davis, these sessions continue to focus on practical applications and provide tips, tools, and techniques that educators can begin using immediately. Register now for the next workshop topic: Blended Learning for Secondary Teachers.  For questions about the Blue Skies Blended Learning Workshop Series, please contact Professional Learning Coordinator Steven Sproles

World Language Advancement and Readiness Program Grants
The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) seeks innovative applications that identify and implement evidence-based practices to meet the academic needs of the highly mobile military-connected students in their community and applications which establish, improve, or expand world language programs targeting elementary and secondary students. DoDEA intends to award multiple grants, subject to the availability of funds. Find out more information today!

Work-Based Learning: Professional Development Needs - March 20  
The VA Work-Based Learning Collaboration Group and Virginia Ed Strategies  invites WBL coordinators, CTE teachers and directors, and others to discuss the professional learning needs of those developing and managing work-based learning experiences of students. Register in advance for a Zoom session and join the discussion facilitated by Chris Jones, VASCD, and Jennifer Stevens, Virginia Ed Strategies, in an effort to identify topics for upcoming workshops and events. Email  meyerdn@pwcs.edu if interested in connecting with this group.

Application for the Science Standards Revision Committee
The VDOE is seeking K-12 public school educators who are qualified and available to serve on the Standards Development Committee which will meet during the summer of 2023. Applicants may include teachers, principals, administrators, content specialists, or others who have expertise with the content areas and the standards. Educators who wish to serve on the Standards Development Committee to develop the Science Standards of Learning for the 11 courses must submit an application through the online platform by  April 21. See Superintendent’s Memo 044-23 for details.

CTE-Creating Excellence Awards for 2022-2023
The secondary and postsecondary awards recognize excellence in the following categories: CTE exemplary programs, advisory committees, and business and industry partnerships. There are three levels of recognition: local, regional, and state. Find out more information today!

Application for the English Standards Revision Committee 
The VDOE English Program is seeking nominations from division superintendents for individuals who are qualified and available to serve on the English Standards Revision Committee to review the K-12 English Standards of Learning during the summer of 2023. Nominees should be teachers, principals, administrators, content specialists, reading specialists, or other educators who have expertise with the content area and current standards. Individuals who wish to serve on a committee to review the K-12 English Standards of Learning must submit an application through the web-based process. The application will require a professional reference and division approval. Completed applications are due to the VDOE by  March 10. See Superintendent's Memo 026-23 for details.


VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS

M.A.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction-Music Education
Virginia Tech’s Master of Arts in Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus in Music Education is designed for students who have completed a Bachelor of Arts in Music or a similar degree program and desire to pursue a masters with teacher licensure. The graduate program is set up in a cohort model, and students can usually complete the program in 2 years or less. Join the virtual information session on March 23 at 7:30 p.m. or email Dr. Catheryn Foster, Program Coordinator for more information.

Leadership in Mathematics Education
Earn a Master’s Degree or an Educational Specialist Degree focused on Leadership in Mathematics Education from Regent University’s online programs. Grow your teaching career in this high-demand area as you also influence improvement in school mathematics programs. The coursework aligns with the competencies needed to earn the Virginia Mathematics Specialist endorsement for elementary and/or middle education. Email Dr. Darwin Mills with any questions.

ESOL and World Language Education Information Session
George Mason University will offer an informational webinar on their ESOL and World Language Education programs on March 9 at 7 p.m. Faculty and staff will be on hand to present an overview of the program and the application process and answer questions. Register online to attend the virtual information session or email  to learn more about the program.

Elementary Education Program
George Mason University’s Elementary Education (ELED) program offers multiple pathways to licensure in PK-6 classrooms via day and evening synchronous and face to face formats.  Earn licensure plus your bachelor’s degree or master’s degree to work with PK-6 students in as few as four semesters. See the program website for more information or contact Dr. Audra Parker, Program Coordinator with questions. 

Special Education Master’s Degree and/or Endorsement
Are you interested in growing professionally and learning more ways to help your special needs students find success? Earn a Master’s Degree focused on Special Education through our hybrid residency model designed for working professionals. Graduate students learn through experience with meaningful support from faculty and peers within their learning community. If you have already have a master’s degree, consider Longwood University’s Special Education Endorsement courses to prepare you to teach students with diverse learning needs. Email for more information!   

Administration & Supervision M.Ed Information Session
The University of Virginia M.Ed program in Administration & Supervision prepares the next generation of educational leaders in school districts across Virginia. This synchronous online program uses evidence-based leadership practices and improvement science to assist leaders as they guide the teaching of excellent instructors, manage the complex needs of students and parents, and help orchestrate school reform. Register for a virtual information session. Deadline for summer admission is April 21.

Summer and Fall M.Ed. and Endorsement Programs
Averett University will be hosting virtual information sessions throughout the month of March to share information about their Gifted, SpEd, Reading Specialist, Math Specialist, and Administration & Supervision M.Ed. and Endorsement programs for the summer and fall. Programs and coursework are available to support provisionally licensed SpEd teachers as well. Register for an information sessions or email questions to Dr. Jaime Stacy, M.Ed. Program Director.  

Education Leadership Program
The George Mason University Education Leadership Program offers several program options to fit the needs of full-time working educators interested in advancing their careers by earning a Master's degree or Graduate Certificate in Education Leadership.  Email for information or register for a virtual session hosted by Dr. Shahrokhi, Education Leadership & Policy Division Director on: March 7, March 23, or March 29. Campus hybrid and fully online program formats are offered or regional cohorts in: Stafford County, Prince William County and Loudoun County in Summer; and Fairfax County and Arlington County/Alexandria City school districts in Fall.


Superintendent's Memo of Interest to Teachers