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VDOE History and Social Science Instructional Guides and Webinar
In the upcoming weeks, VDOE will release history and social science instructional guides as companion documents to the 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning. The first release date was on November 15 for Civics and Economics. A webinar will be held on December 3 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the purpose and use of the Guides. Division leaders, curriculum leaders, and school leaders are asked to register to attend this session. Educators should visit the History and Social Science webpage for additional information and updates.
Reminder: 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year -Due February 3
School division superintendents are invited to nominate one teacher for state-level recognition using the online 2026 Teacher of the Year Application portal. The program recognizes all teachers in pre-kindergarten through grade 12, including library media specialists, school counselors, career and technical educators, mathematic specialists, and reading specialists, who hold a current renewable Virginia teaching license in the assigned teaching area. Completed applications must be submitted by February 3, 2025 by 4 p.m. See the VDOE Educator Awards and Recognition web page for directions and the online application. Send questions to TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov.
STEM Teacher Recruitment and Retention Initiatives Application
The General Assembly appropriated funding to attract, recruit, and retain high-quality individuals to teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics subjects in Virginia middle and high schools experiencing difficulty in recruiting qualified teachers. If interested, an online application must be submitted by December 6. See additional information from VDOE.
Donors Choose Opportunity
On #GivingTuesday the @DonorsChoose community is aiming to raise $5 million for students. Donations to every classroom project will be matched at least 50%. Teachers should submit their projects ASAP to https://bit.ly/3OeQeIR!
2025 Hometown Teacher Program
This program provides grants of $7,500 to low-income high school graduates who graduated from an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth and subsequently returned to teach within one year of college graduation in a high-need public school in the school division where they graduated. Eligible individuals should work with their Human Resources Department in their local school division to submit applications. Each Superintendent’s Region may select up to four applicants for consideration. Individuals who received an award through this program during a previous fiscal year should complete the continuing application. Applications are due by March 14. Additional information can be found in the Hometown Teacher Program Application Packet.
Classroom Microgrants Program for Language Educators
The Language Connects Foundation/Vista Microgrants Program for Language Educators is an initiative aimed at supporting those who are passionate about teaching languages and incorporating cultural elements into their lessons. This program is open to all K-12 language educators. Eligible individuals may apply for grants of $300 to fund a variety of projects. The current application cycle will run from November 13 to February 5 with awards announced on February 10. See the LCF Classroom Microgrants for Language Educators webpage for details.
Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program
Over the past year, hundreds of Virginia coaches have joined the VCC and VSTE is actively working to develop the Professional Learning Network to provide continued support, professional collaboration, and opportunities for growth to all VSTE Certified Coaches. You can become a part of the PLN by applying for one of the 2025-2026 cohorts before December 20.
Feedback on ACCESS for ELLs
Annually WIDA invites educators to participate in events that help them review and refresh their assessment tools. They value the fresh eyes, unique perspectives and range of experiences that educators bring to ACCESS for ELLs test items, and they revise test items based on this feedback from the field. If you would like to contribute to WIDA test development work, visit the Building a WIDA Assessment page to learn more and apply.
VSTE Annual Technology Conference-Dec. 8-10
VSTE 2024 is all about being anchored in innovation held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This year, dive into sessions showcasing the latest in instructional technology. Register for the engaging workshops, deep-dive panels, and networking opportunities.
VESA Conference Registration and Call for Proposals
This year's conference will be held January 30-31 in Williamsburg. The theme of this year's conference is Cultivating Connections, and the keynote speakers are Jessica Costa and Lisa Marie Kane. For more information Visit VAVESA for more information or to register.
Behavior Specialists Survey
The College of William & Mary School of Education is conducting a survey on the roles and responsibilities of Behavior Specialists and ways in which they collaborate with other school personnel to support student achievement. Your anonymous response will provide valuable information to inform college preparation programs and ongoing training for Behavior Specialists and other public school personnel who implement positive behavior intervention and supports.
Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership Conference - February 6 and 8
Join VDOE and Virtual Virginia for the 2025 VITAL Conference, where we seek dynamic, informative, and engaging presentations. Submit your proposals by November 15. Should you have any inquiries regarding the conference, feel free to reach out to Morgan Occhuizzo, the Professional Learning Specialist at Virtual Virginia.
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Mid-Day Q & A Session
The University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies will be holding our final Mid-Day Q & A session of the year on November 21 at 12:30 pm. Join us to learn about our programs, including a Masters of Teaching or M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction or Ed Leadership and Policy Studies. Attend the Q & A and you’ll receive a code to waive your application fee.
Physical Education Master's Degree Program Info Session
Join George Mason University's Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning information session to learn more about the Online Master’s degree for licensed Health and Physical Education Teachers. This degree is designed to help PE educators increase their subject-area knowledge while also fine-tuning their teaching performance. Register for the December 4 Info Session or learn more about the program. Application fees will be waived for those who attend a session!
Dual Language Methods Online Course
UVA is offering an asynchronous, online course, EDIS 5481: Dual Language Methods, Jan. 13-May 4. This course focuses on dual-language curriculum and instructional methods. It includes exploration of WIDA, and Virginia's SOLs and Early Learning & Development Standards. PreK-12 educators may be eligible for a reduced tuition rate. For more information, please contact Courtney Sullivan.
Program Information Sessions
The College of William & Mary is offering several interest sessions:
-Reading Specialist Program: MAED program and a post-professional online certificate for teachers wanting to add a reading specialist endorsement. Questions: Dr. Denise Johnson.
-Teacher Education or Counseling: Clinical Mental Health, School Counseling, ESL/Bilingual Ed, Elementary Education and Gifted Education.
-M.A.Ed. with concentrations in Elementary, Secondary, Special and ESL/Bilingual Education. Apply by January 15. Sign up for a 1:1 informational appointment to learn more.
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