VDOE TeacherDirect January 15, 2025

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January 15, 2025


TeacherTalk: January Edition
Avanti Yamamoto, Virginia Teacher of the Year


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Happy New Year! What an unusual start to the year it’s been. For some of us, it may have been an even longer winter break than usual, thanks to a few snow days. I hope you all had the chance to rest, relax, and refresh as we step into a new year and a new semester!

With the new year comes an opportunity to reflect and refine our teaching practices. This year, I challenge you to take a moment to consider your approach. Is there a change you’ve been hesitant to make? Is there a new idea or strategy you’ve wanted to try? Take the leap. Start small, rely on your support systems, and embrace the imperfections of the process. Change can be intimidating and sometimes feel risky, but ignoring the potential to profoundly benefit our students can be just as challenging.

This month in my blog, Beyond the Bell, I share the biggest risk I have ever taken in my classroom and the steps I took along the way. I hope this inspires you to take a leap of faith in yourself, step beyond your comfort zone, and realize that when we are motivated by a genuine desire to better serve our students, every risk becomes worthwhile.

Do you have any burning question you want to see addressed in Beyond the Bell? Do you have something you do in your classroom that you'd like to share with Virginia educators? Write to me at 2025VATeacheroftheYear@gmail.com.

In service,
Avanti

Headlines

National Board Certification Incentive Awards for Classroom Teachers
The Virginia Board of Education has approved incentive bonuses in the amount of $5,000 to classroom teachers for initial certification and $2,500 to classroom teachers for continuing certification. This is in alignment with the longstanding Guidelines for Distributing National Board Certification Incentive Awards eligibility criteria. See VDOE for the 2024-25 National Board Certification Incentive Awards for classroom teachers by school division.

GWLA Selection Committee - Call for Applicants
VDOE is seeking applications to serve on the Governor's World Language Academies Student Selection Committee for the French, German, Spanish, Latin, and Japanese Academies. Proficiency in the target language is preferred but not required. Applicants should be teachers, content specialists, or other educators who are knowledgeable about the Academies. Committee meetings will be held March 12-14 in the Williamsburg or Richmond area. This is a volunteer committee, and selected members will be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines.  Applications are due to the VDOE by January 25.           

VAASL Regional School Librarians of the Year
VAASL is currently seeking nominees for Regional Librarian of the Year. The application is a self-nominating process, but if you know of a school librarian that does amazing things in their school, encourage them to apply. Applications due by January 31.

Elie Wiesel Student Competition
Each year, the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater sponsors the Elie Wiesel Competitions. There are opportunities for middle school and high school students to compete for prizes for writing, visual arts and video. All submissions must be made by February 3. Information is available in the guidebook.

2025 National Civics Bee
In collaboration with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Colonial Williamsburg, and VA250 Educational programming, Virginia will participate in the 2025 National Civics Bee.  Students in grades 6-8 may complete and submit an essay using the online application portal. Application deadline is Feb 4. Learn more from the National Civics Bee.

2025 VITAL Conference- Feb. 6 & 8
Registration is now open for Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership Conference, Virtual Virginia’s free, online annual professional learning conference. The event highlights Virginia educators and leaders who support educational innovations in classrooms, schools, and divisions. Register today!

Free WIDA Webinar
The Key Language Uses in Bilingual Writing will take place at 4 p.m. on January 23. In this free webinar, participants will examine the Key Language Uses in writing in both Spanish and English. Participants will analyze bilingual writing examples and mentor texts using the lens of the Key Language Uses and los usos clave del lenguaje del Marco DALE. Register today.

The OER and AI Fellowship Program 
This Program will support a small cohort of participants who will engage with generative AI tools, create resources, and collaborate to explore the use of artificial intelligence in the service of Open Education. Apply by Jan. 24. Selected applications will be notified by Feb. 14 and begin in March. Learn more or send questions to judith.thomas@virginia.edu.

VMFA Talk: An Evening with Smarthistory
Attend VMFA’s upcoming talk on January 31 from 6:30-8:30pm with the creators and stars of Smarthistory, Drs. Beth Harris and Steven Zucker, as they share stories behind their compelling content. Smarthistory is a hub for public art history with thousands of free videos and essays. This event includes a reception in the Marble Hall with special recognition for educators. Contact 804-340-1405 to reserve free tickets for K-12 and college educators.

Multilingual Learners 101 Workshop -February 4
In this one-day interactive SURN workshop, educators will explore how multilingual learners acquire social and academic language and literacy. This workshop will be held at William & Mary's School of Education. Learn more or register today!

Power of School Leaders Series-Feb. 6
Learning Forward VA and Stronge & Associates will provide professional development opportunities to support school leaders.  Highly effective principals and other school leaders are essential to school improvement and success, as well as increased student learning. This series is designed for aspiring and current school leader. Learn more today!

CodeVA E-Learning Educator Courses: Launching, CS Integration, Coaching, Twine
These flexible, self-paced professional development courses look to integrate computer science into instruction. Courses have a rolling registration and cover a range of topics, from foundational computer science concepts to advanced coding skills. Educators have the option to opt-in for certification, ensuring they meet the requirements to teach CS in Virginia. Learn more today!

Teachers in a Time of Change
Have you ever wondered, "What is the science of teaching reading really all about?" This one-day conference is designed to answer that question and more as we unpack the "how to" and "what" of teaching reading.  Join VATLL (formally VASCD) and SURN, on February 11, at the Fredericksburg Convention Center to learn and think with fellow educators from across the Commonwealth! For more information and to register, visit W&M SoTR.

Math Day Professional Learning-February 6
Join SURN for a day of interactive, practice centered professional learning, designed specifically for teachers by teachers! This conference will help educators align their curriculum, instruction, and assessment to meet the needs of all learners as they implement new mathematics SOL.  This workshop will be held William & Mary's School of Education and features speakers from K-12 classrooms, higher education, and VDOE. Learn more and to register today!

Revolutionary Reflections: Free Workshop for Virginia Teachers
This free workshop will take place on February 8 at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Participants will learn about the Marquis de Lafayette and his focus on empowering women, free and enslaved Black Americans, American Indians, and more.  Learn more or register today.

2024 VSTE Technology Teacher, Coach and Leader of the Year Award Winners
VDOE Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation Office and VSTE are excited to announce the Virginia Teacher, Technology Coaches and Leader of the year. We appreciate all who submitted nominations. Read more today!

VaSCL Professional Learning Opportunities
Visit VaSCL to learn more about programs, locations, and costs for the upcoming sessions which are taught by practitioners for practitioners from across Virginia.
Jan 30 webinar: Shifting to a Competency-based Approach to Assessment, Grading, and Reporting 
Feb. 3 onsite: Effective Behavior Management in the Secondary Classroom 
Feb. 6 onsite: Fostering Safe Learning Environments in the Elementary Classroom Through Effective Behavior Management 
Feb. 13 onsite: PreK-2 Big Ideas and Complex Concepts in Math and Literacy 
Feb 18 onsite: Developing and Expanding Coaching Mindset Strategies 

Woman in Data Science Conference-Feb. 18 &19
This year’s theme is Building the Next Generation of Women in Data Science. The in-person program at Virginia Tech is free and will include topics of interest to high school students. The opening and closing keynote speakers with exemplary careers in academia/industry, will share perspectives from their career journeys. Register today!

VEA Summit  
This annual Summit on Educators of Color will be held February 21-22 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump. The target audience includes local VEA affiliates, Pre-K-12 teachers, education support professionals and administrators, IHE faculty and students, HR personnel, local school boards, and community organizations. Find out more information from VEA.

STEM Teacher Leadership Academy
This free week-long professional development experience is offered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Washington D.C., July 28-August 1. It connects educators with subject matter experts and introduces the basics of basic science research within AFOSR. Applications are being accepted from licensed, practicing K-12 educators across the state with educators from Title I schools prioritized in the selection process. Applications are due by February 28.

Reminder: Teacher of the Year Applications-Due February 3
The deadline for the 2026 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year applications is quickly approaching—due by February 3.  Superintendents (or designee) are encouraged to nominate one teacher for state-level recognition through the online 2026 Teacher of the Year Application portal. The Superintendent (or designee) and the selected division teacher have the opportunity to collaborate within the application. The selected division teacher will electronically sign the application, provide three references, and send an email via SM_APPLY to their Superintendent and Principal for confirmation. Completed applications are due by February 3 at 4 p.m.  Visit the VDOE Educator Awards and Recognition webpage.  Send questions to TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov.


VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS


Administration and Supervision Program
The Administration and Supervision program at Averett University is currently accepting applications from those wishing to pursue an M.Ed. or the Graduate Certificate for Summer and Fall 2025. Both programs are fully asynchronous online. Sign up for the February 3 information session or contact Dr. Leslie Kapuchuck with questions. 

Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Information Session
The 100% online and asynchronous M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program at University of Virginia provides opportunities for you to pursue graduate studies or licensure requirements. Select an area of emphasis that aligns with your professional and educational goals. Program faculty and staff will be available to give a program overview and answer questions. A reduced tuition rate is available for VA educators. Register for the January 16, 8 p.m. info session.

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