VDOE TeacherDirect May 1, 2024

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May 1, 2024

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Congratulations! Prince William County Schools’ Dale City Elementary in Woodbridge and George P. Mullen Elementary in Manassas are the two Virginia schools named 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. This Program recognizes environmentally friendly schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions that model its three pillars: reducing environmental impact and cost, improving health and wellness, and offering effective environmental and sustainability education. Read more from VDOE!

Headlines

WIDA’s Digital Tools
Take advantage of WIDA’s digital tools to help you save time while planning your classroom instruction. Use the WIDA ELD Standards Framework, 2020 Digital Explorer to reference grade-level cluster Language Expectations and Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs).       

FLAVA Awards: Nomination Deadline Extended
The deadline to nominate a colleague for one of the annual FLAVA awards, which includes the Virginia World Language Teacher of the Year, has been extended to June 1. Visit the FLAVA awards page for details on each award and the nomination process.         

Moton Museum Teacher Institute 2024 - Hybrid Workshop
The Robert Russa Moton Museum and Longwood University are offering a professional learning opportunity for middle and high school teachers to learn about civil rights while earning up to 60 recertification points. This hybrid workshop includes three required on-site days at the Museum and two weeks to complete the online portion. Participants will engage with museum resources and learn from guest facilitators. Meals and lodging are included. Cost: $20. Participants will receive a stipend upon successful completion. More information is available or email Leah Brown.

Zearn Educator Training
School divisions that have opted into Zearn Math for Virginia ALL In Tutoring are invited to join live training sessions this spring. In these sessions, facilitators will guide Virginia educators and leaders through their approach to math learning, materials to support tutoring sessions and how to navigate the Zearn platform. The next opportunities for educators are May 22 and June 14.

Applications Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program (#VCC)
VCC and VSTE are actively working to develop the VCC Professional Learning Network (PLN) to provide continued support, professional collaboration, and opportunities for growth to all VSTE Certified Coaches. You can become a part of this amazing PLN by applying for one of the 2024-2025 VCC cohorts.  Act fast because applications close on May 17.

Environmental Education Modules
VDOE is pleased to offer four free professional development modules on science concepts and pedagogy supporting the 2018 Virginia Science SOL. The modules are designed to provide K-12 educators with a deeper understanding of Virginia-specific environmental issues. An Environmental Issues in Virginia Microcredential is awarded upon successful completion the four self-paced virtual modules. Modules run from May 28 to July 5 and July 8 to August 30. Space is limited and based on a first come first serve basis. Email Gregory MacDougall with questions. Register today.

ECODETECTIVES: An Environmental Economics Institute
The Virginia Council on Economic Education, in partnership with Maymont's education staff, is excited to share an upcoming teacher institute combining science and economics to study perplexing environmental issues.  Teachers grade 4-12 are encouraged to apply for this hybrid opportunity, with six hours online and two days on-site at VCU and field trip to Maymont. There is no cost and attendees will receive 18 contact hours.  Registration is now open.

Free Electronic Resource for World Languages
The National Foreign Language Center e-Learning Portal is a free catalog of over 7,000 language learning materials across dozens of languages and dialects developed by the NFLC over the course of nearly 20 years. Visit the help page, which includes a video tour of the features, information about product types, and answers to frequently asked questions.

ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024 Released
The ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024 (the Guidelines) were released the first week of April. The 2024 revisions improve clarity and accessibility and enhance the utility of the Guidelines by aligning them to key documents, such as the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages and the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements. 


VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS


Online Master's in Education Programs
Prospective students are invited to attend UVA's virtual information session for online M.Ed. programs. Featured programs will include M.Ed. in: Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education and in Reading Education. Program faculty and staff will be available to give an overview of the programs and answer questions. A reduced tuition rate is available for VA educators. Register for the May 7 information session held at 7 p.m.

Hybrid Master’s Degree Focused on Educational Leadership
Longwood University’s Master of Science in Education with an Educational Leadership Concentration is a five-semester hybrid model designed for teachers dreaming of being leaders. The program meets five Saturdays per semester on-campus; the remainder of learning occurs asynchronously online. The aspiring leaders learn to fuse theory with real-world relevance, analyze leadership through multiple viewpoints, and impact lasting change. Register for the May 14 Zoom Information session held at 4:30 or email Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson for more information.

Online Course at UVA-Dual Language Methods
UVA is offering an asynchronous, online course, EDIS 5481: Dual Language Methods June 10-August 2. 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 principles. It includes exploration of WIDA, and Virginia's SOLs and Early Learning and Development Standards. PreK-12 educators may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate. For more information, contact Courtney Sullivan.

Special Education Add-On Endorsement
Longwood University offers the courses required for the Special Education Add-on Endorsement in a convenient online format. Acquire the skills and expertise necessary to support students with diverse learning needs. These courses can be used to add a special education add-on endorsement to your license through the VDOE, for recertification points, or for professional enrichment. Complete 15 credits across three semesters for the elementary, middle, or secondary special education - general curriculum add on endorsement. Learn more today!

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