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Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission Opportunity
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, VDOE, and VA250 invite students to help make history come alive and enter the Expressions of Freedom competition. This is an opportunity for grade 3-12 students to share their ideas and perspectives through artwork, videos, audio recordings, poetry or essays in response to the question, “What does Freedom mean to you?” Selected student work will be placed in a time capsule in the restored pedestal of the statue of George Washington located in historic Trafalgar Square, London, England. Submissions are due by April 11.
History and Social Science Instructional Update
On March 26, 2025, VDOE staff provided an update on the History and Social Science Instructional Guides to the Board of Education. The Standards implementation remains on track and underway. Check out the roll out plan and calendar.
VDOE Fine Arts Summer Professional Learning
The VDOE Fine Arts summer webinar sessions will provide relevant and accessible professional learning for Virginia’s fine arts educators related to implementation of the Standards and content of the newly released Instructional Guides resource. Sessions are intended to support both new and returning fine arts educators and leaders in preparing for the 2025-2026 school year.
Virginia Data Science Institute
This free Virginia High School Data Science Professional Learning Institute will be held at the Katherine G. Johnson Hall at the GMU Science and Technology Campus in Manassas on June 24-25. Suggested participants include grade 8 - 12 math teachers, coaches, and specialist who support high schools, or teach the Virginia Data Science High School course. Register or learn more today.
2025 Health and Physical Activity Institute July 14-16
HPAI registration is now open. The Institute provides an opportunity for teachers to share new and innovative teaching and learning practices. The primary objective of the initiative is to improve the quality of health and physical education instruction and provide support to implement the VDOE SOL for health and physical education. The institute consists of a variety of engaging workshops and general sessions. Register today!
Vocabulary Development
Classrooms across the state are encouraging students to dive into the world of words through engaging in reading multiple genres and a variety of texts around a thematic topic or theme. As educators are working with families to enhance student vocabulary, you may want to share a variety of instructional approaches that have students engaged in authentic text including Read Alouds, Conversations and Questions, Cross-Curricular Vocabulary, Writing Assignments, Independent Reading, and Explicit Vocabulary Instruction. Continue to encourage families to utilize the resources found on the VDOE website as well as the "Family Supports for Reading” in the Resource Hub.
Arab American Heritage Month
The Virginia General Assembly issued House Joint Resolution No. 82 designating April as Arab American Heritage Month. This month honors the contributions of Arab Americans who have played an important role in enriching the Commonwealth with contributions to all areas of life. Governor Youngkin issued a Proclamation in recognition of this month. Resources are available from Smithsonian museums and its affiliates, like the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Asian Pacific Center, Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives, and Arab American National Museum.
School Library Month
A school library is an essential component in supporting each school's instructional program by providing a variety of learning and teaching resources supporting academic standards and information literacy skills. Governor Youngkin issued a Proclamation recognizing the importance that they play in tackling unprecedented learning loss in reading. The full potential of school libraries is dependent upon trained professional Virginia School Librarians whose skills assist teachers and students in effectively using a wide range of information resources. Thank you School Librarians!
Southside Virginia Writing Project Summer Institute
During the SVWP Summer Institute at Longwood University, educators will grow as writers, researchers, and leaders as they collaborate with other educators. PreK-16 teachers and administrators who complete the Summer Institute will earn the title of “teacher consultant,” a designation recognized at all National Writing Project sites across the country and a process that prepares educators to conduct professional development in your district and beyond. In addition, research shows that students of teachers who participate in National Writing Project sites’ Summer Institutes demonstrate higher writing competencies and test scores. See this flier for details.
VMFA Special Exhibition
From April 5– September 28, 2025, VMFA will have a special exhibition of Frida: Beyond the Myth. This exhibition examines how this extraordinary artist crafted her image. This is free for K-12 educators as well as college educators with an ID. To inquire about availability, call 804.340.1405.
Elevating Virginia Educators!
Over the past few weeks, VDOE and school divisions from across the Commonwealth have been celebrating the 2026 Regional Teachers of the Year. One of these outstanding educators will be named the Virginia Teacher of the Year and celebrate alongside Governor Youngkin this spring. Follow along with VDOE to see who the regional teacher of the year is in your area! #ElevateEducatorsVA
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Driver Education Certification Courses
Longwood University’s Professional Studies is offering 3 credit hour courses for Driver Education certification: PHLT 301: Foundations of Traffic Safety June 16–27 and PHLT 302: Instructional Principles & Methodologies July 14–25. These two required courses provide the foundational knowledge and instructional skills needed to teach driver education in Virginia. Offered in-person at Longwood University at a reduced tuition rate. Join Dr. Vonnie Colvin for an information session via Zoom on April 8 at 5 p.m. or April 10 at 5 p.m. or contact professionalstudies@longwood.edu.
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Program
Advance your career with a fully online program from VCU designed for aspiring and current education leaders. Choose from four dynamic concentrations. Enjoy a 20% Educator Discount on the Administration & Supervision Concentration. Register for the info session on May 14 at 5 p.m.
Becoming a Reading Specialist
Averett University is now accepting Summer and Fall 2025 applications for our Reading Specialist Endorsement Programs, M.Ed., and Certificate. All courses are online and asynchronous! A Virtual information session on the Reading Specialist Endorsement programs will occur on April 14, at 4:00 p.m. Register or contact Leslie.kapuchuck@averett.edu.
SURN Summer Online Courses: June 16-July 20
Designed for teachers and instructional leaders, each W&M SURN online course in the summer series is organized into five modules with opportunities to explore relevant topics and apply what you learn to your own context. Participants can expect to spend 4-6 flexible, asynchronous hours online each week, engaging in activities that help build your repertoire of practical strategies and skills. Register or email questions to surn@wm.edu.
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