VDOE Updates
National Security Language Initiative - Critical Languages Grant
The application period is now open for the VDOE National Security Language Initiative (NSLI) competitive grants. VDOE will award these grants to public school divisions that provide one or more world language courses in a world language that is currently identified as critical by the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI) scholarship program. School divisions may apply for this competitive grant program using the NSLI2024 online application. The deadline for divisions to submit completed applications is February 29, 2024.
Support for Mandarin Programs
In December 2020, Taiwan and the U.S. launched the U.S – Taiwan Education Initiative, a project designed to strengthen international education collaboration, with a specific focus on language education. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has invited the VDOE to partner with TECRO on the following programs supported by the initiative:
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Mandarin Immersion Program: The Ministry of Education (MOE) of Taiwan subsidizes groups of American students to study Mandarin and experience the culture of Taiwan. Each group should consist of at least 15 students and could be accompanied by 1-2 teachers. Each group member will receive a subsidy of approximately $190 weekly for a study period of 2-4 weeks.
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Employing Taiwan’s Mandarin Teachers/Assistants in the U.S.: The MOE of Taiwan has instituted a financial aid program for highly trained Mandarin teachers and teaching assistants to teach overseas. The program covers round-trip airfare, a monthly stipend, and a one-time teaching materials allowance for Mandarin teachers.
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Twinning between Taiwan and the U.S. Primary and Secondary Schools: The K-12 Education Administration of the MOE in Taiwan provides subsidies for its primary and secondary schools to establish online collaborative exchanges with schools in English-speaking countries.
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Recruitment of English Teachers and Assistants to Teach in Taiwan: The Taiwan Foreign English Teacher Program aims to recruit English teachers and assistants from the U.S. The program provides a monthly salary, annual leave, flight reimbursement, rental housing reimbursement, performance bonus, and insurance.
For more information on any of the TECRO sponsored programs, please contact Lisa Harris at the VDOE.
Governor's World Language Academies
The application period for the Governor's World Language Academies is now open. Information and related documents are posted on the GWLA page of the VDOE website.
Upcoming GWLA Deadlines
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January 31, 2024: Deadline to submit online student applications and complete online language testing.
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February 16, 2024: Deadline for school divisions and private schools to enter names of student nominees and certify funding in the SSWS system.
GWLA Selection Committee
The VDOE will convene a selection committee to score student applications on March 13-15, 2024. Committee members will meet in teams of two to review applications and assign scores based on a standard rubric. World Language teachers and supervisors interested in serving on the Selection Committee for French, German, Spanish, Latin or Japanese should email Lisa Harris before January 31, 2024 for details on how to apply.
Seal of Biliteracy
Students who apply for the Governor's World Language Academies and complete the language testing requirement may be eligible to apply for the Virginia Seal of Biliteracy. Results for the language testing will be sent to school division contacts after final notifications are sent to students in April.
Supervisors' Corner
World Language Supervisor Tuesdays
World Language supervisors and lead teachers are invited to participate in monthly discussions on topics related to world language leadership and supervision. Sessions will take place on the second Tuesday of each month (except November) at 10 a.m. Register in advance to receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting(s). The next meeting will take place on January 16, 2024 and will focus on teacher recruitment and retention.
Notes about the Use of AI Assistants
At this time, participants in VDOE sponsored webinars and virtual meetings may not record or transcribe the meeting using Artificial Intelligence (AI) services such as Otter AI or any other AI service. Those using any AI service will be removed from the meeting. The Governor is convening a task force to create guidelines for the use of AI in state agencies so this requirement may be updated as further information is provided.
Dual Language/ Immersion (DL/I)
DL/I Day 2024 - Save the Date and Share Your Brilliance!
Registration is now open for Virginia's 5th annual DL/I Day, Biliteracy Brilliance: Nurturing Multilingual Minds, will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the Thomas Fulghum Conference Center in Midlothian, Virginia.
The deadline for proposal submission has been extended. Submit your proposal online before January 5, 2024, for a workshop session.
New Dual Language Methods Online Course at UVA
The University of Virginia is offering a new, asynchronous online course, EDIS 5481: Dual Language Methods, from January 17, 2024 to April 30, 2024. This course focuses on dual-language curriculum and instructional methods. Students will learn to serve multilingual students/families in culturally responsive ways aligned with second language acquisition (SLA) principles. It includes exploration of WIDA, and Virginia's Standards of Learning and Early Learning and Development Standards. PreK-12 educators may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate. For more information, contact Courtney Sullivan.
Teacher Education and Licensure
Virginia Licensure Online System
VDOE has launched its Virginia Licensure Online system (VALO) to help modernize the teacher licensure process and make the application and renewal experience more user-friendly for perspective and current teachers. The system is designed to assist applicants as they move through the licensure process. VALO will make it easier for prospective teachers to submit complete and accurate applications, keep track of their application status, and timely correct any needed information. Read more from VDOE!
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