|
VDOE Science Professional Learning: Supporting Effective Science Instruction-Sign up by April 24
VDOE is offering science professional learning opportunities for Teachers KG-Grade 12 to support continued implementation of the 2018 Science Standards and effective science instruction. Two sustained, synchronous, virtual professional development courses will be offered this spring. Teachers must be willing to commit to all five sessions in order to participate. Each course will be limited to 30 teachers and participants will receive a stipend of $500 for attending all courses and completing the required assignments. A certificate for 15 hours will be provided to teachers reflecting the hours required in the course. Discourse in the Science Classroom (Wed. 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4) Lesson Planning to Improve Student Engagement and Outcomes (Wed. from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on May 7, 14, 21, 28, and June 4). Interested teachers should fill out the application form by April 24. Selected participants will be notified no later than April 29.
Application for Standard Setting Committees for Reading and Mathematics SOL Tests-Due April 24
The Office of Assessment is accepting applications for standard setting committees for the Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. Standard setting is necessary because of the implementation of new tests based on updated Standards of Learning. The committee meetings will be held at the Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia, on the following dates: Mathematics: June 9-11 and Reading: June 11-13. Educators interested in participating on a standard setting committee must complete an online application. Applications must be submitted no later than April 24, 2025. Read more from VDOE and apply today.
Phones in Focus Survey
In recognition of Virginia Screen-Free Week, we are encouraging educators across the Commonwealth to share your thoughts in this survey from Phones in Focus. This non-partisan research is focused on providing school division superintendents and principals with evidence-based recommendations for school phone policies that optimally support academic learning, healthy social relationships, and emotional well-being. The Phones In Focus survey asks educators about their current and prior cell phone policies and enforcement. This data allows state and school division decision makers to get a better understanding of school cell phone policies and implementation across the state. If interested, complete this confidential 5-minute survey prior to April 30. Participation in this survey is optional.
WIDA Self-Paced Workshop
A new WIDA self-paced workshop on classroom assessment is now available that includes micro tools and multimodal resources for bilingual classrooms. This workshop is delivered primarily in Spanish and includes resources in English and Spanish.
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 and the release of the History and Social Science instructional guides.
National STEM Excellence Scholarship
Awardees will receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship to support their continuing studies. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate study in a STEM related area of study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2025-26 academic year. Applications are due by April 28.
Summer Teacher PD Opportunities
The Valentine Museum in Richmond is excited to share several Teacher Professional Development opportunities this Summer:
-July 8: Landmarks and Legos!
-July 9: Social Studies Boot Camp: US History – 1865
-July 23: Social Studies Boot Camp 1865-Present
Additional information along with other events can be found on the museum website.
Virginia Volunteerism Summit
Governor Youngkin has officially proclaimed April 20–26 as Virginia Volunteer Week, recognizing the vital contributions of volunteers across the Commonwealth. The 2025 Virginia Volunteerism Summit will take place virtually May 14-15, offering community members, volunteer engagement professionals, nonprofit leaders, and students invaluable opportunities to get inspired by nationally-known keynotes, learn best practices for service and volunteerism through hands-on workshops, meet others across the state, and share resources. Learn more today!
National Volunteer Week & Global Youth Service Day
National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 20–26 as part of Global Volunteer Month, highlights the impact of service and encourages volunteers of all ages to get involved. Coinciding with Global Youth Service Day (April 25–27), it’s a great time to engage students in meaningful community projects. Get inspired and get involved! Check out the free resources and partner toolkit from Serve Virginia.
Chesapeake Bay Environmental Literacy Educator Training
The EnLET program has two professional development opportunities for middle and high school teachers. Teachers will explore effects of water quality in the Chesapeake Bay on July 9-11 and the ecological importance of wetlands on July 30 - August 1. The workshops will include hands-on activities and datasets that can be brought back to your classroom. Breakfast and lunch are included. Lodging is available at no cost for out-of-town participants. A $300 stipend is available for participation. Learn more today!
Virginia Naturally School Recognition
VAN School Recognition is the official environmental education school recognition program of the Commonwealth, administered by the Department of Wildlife Resources. This program recognizes the efforts to increase the environmental literacy of our youngest citizens. Schools may submit applications between April 1 and June 30 of each school year with the recognition awarded by the Fall of the following school year.
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.
K-12 World Language Microgrant applications due April 30
The LCF/Vista Microgrants Program for Language Educators is distributing 100 grants of $300 to K-12 language teachers during the 2024-25 academic year. The third and final round of 2024-25 applications are due by 5 p.m. ET on April 30.
National Heatstroke Prevention Day is May 1
Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of vehicular not-in-traffic non-crash-related deaths for children and this tragedy is 100% preventable. It is important for those working with children to know the signs. See the information from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support your students and their families.
James River Leadership Expedition
JRLE is seeking rising 9th to rising 12th grade students to join them for a free yearlong program that takes students on an immersive journey down the James River. Participants gain hands-on environmental science experience, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers. The program includes a multi-day river expedition, community-based projects, and leadership development. Applications are due by April 30.
Hog Island Marsh Cam
Explore the classroom takeover, resources, and sign up for your class for the Marsh Cam Takeover program this spring from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Learn about the various species and their environment in Surry County.
VSBA with Danville Podcast
Listen in as Danville Public School Superintendent Dr. Hairston shares with VSBA the hard work of her school division is doing towards continuous improvement working with their schools, families, partnerships, and the community.
AI Ready RVA
The free AI Teacher Workshop is hosted by and for teachers on July 23 and 24 starting at 10a.m.. Participants will engage in topics such as responsible use, maintaining rigor, and successfully facilitating student AI tool use. Tools covered include like Brisk, Magic School, Khanmigo, NotebookLM, and advanced ChatGPT functions. Register or learn more today!
Click It or Ticket Starts in May
Help spread the seat belt safety love with the “Love Clicks” campaign from Drive Smart Virginia. Available resources, brochures and posters that can be shipped to any location in Virginia for free.
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Program Information Sessions
Radford University’s School of Teacher Education & Leadership will host an information session tonight, April 24 at 7 p.m. to discuss its graduate programs in Literacy, Mathematics, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Special Education, the Provisional to Professional Pathway, and the Doctor of Education program. This event is ideal for individuals currently working under a Provisional license or those interested in advancing their education. Register for the April 24, 7p.m. session or contact lcmonday@radford.edu for more information.
Elevate Your Expertise
Join Regent University for this opportunity to advance your career at the Educational Technology Programs information sessions, April 24 at 6p.m. Learn through one of the educational technology degree programs: M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology (IDT), M.Ed. in Educational Technology & Artificial Intelligence (ETAI), an Ed.S., Ed.D., or Ph.D. in Educational Technology & Online Learning (ETOL). Register or email Dr. Mitzi Fehl-Seward (IDT or ETAI Programs) or Dr. Don Finn (ETOL Programs).
Info Session: Online M.Ed. or Endorsement only in Reading, Literacy and Learn-ing
Earn your master’s and reading endorsement, or just the reading endorsement if you al-ready hold a master’s, in our fully online courses. Collaborate with a cohort of teachers and share your new skills directly with students. Longwood University is holding a virtual info session on April 29 at 5 p.m. for teachers who are interested in our online Read-ing, Literacy, & Learning M.Ed. or endorsement programs. Register for the information session.
Administration and Supervision Program
The University of Virginia is currently accepting applications for those wishing to pursue an M.Ed. or endorsement in Administration and Supervision for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026. This is a synchronous online program that meets one evening a week. Tuition discounts are available for Virginia Educators. Those are interested in learning more about this program may sign up for our upcoming virtual information session. Contact Dr. Jaime Stacy with questions.
Online Opportunities
The University of Lynchburg has several upcoming information sessions. Educators can take advantage of a tuition discount. Contact gradsuceess@lynchburg.edu to learn more.
-Online MEd in Special Education offers flexible, seven-week asynchronous courses Choose from four endorsement-aligned emphases.
-Online Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology equips you with the skills to design engaging learning experiences for any delivery mode.
-Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership Studies is an interdisciplinary program that blends theory with real-world application.
|
