VDOE TeacherDirect May 28, 2025

May 28, 2025


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The voices and artistic expressions of Virginia students on the theme of freedom was celebrated as part of the Expressions of Freedom competition and preserved in a time capsule to be included in the base of the George Washington Statue in Trafalgar Square. This statewide initiative, created by the VA250 Education Steering Committee, invited students in grades 3–12 to explore and articulate their understanding of freedom as the nation's 250th anniversary approaches in 2026.  This event is the culmination of incredible efforts and collaborative partnership between the Offices of the Governor and First Lady, VDOE, American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), and Friends of the Washington Statue.  Read more from VDOE and check out the 2025 Student Competition: Expressions of Freedom Booklet which contains the creative collection of the submission winners.  

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VMFA's Teacher Summer SWAP
This is an opportunity to Share What Art Promises for you, your students, your summer, and beyond. Join VMFA for an evening of artmaking, gallery exploration, take-home educational resources, and giveaways! Drop in to VMFA’s Conference Room 1 on May 28 between 4 and 7 pm to share ideas and have fun with art.            

Driver Education Program and Wellness Related Fitness Survey Due June 30
The SSWS window is open for both the Driver Education Program (DEP) and Wellness Related Fitness Survey (WRF Survey). To access this SSWS window, go to the SSWS login window. Completed reports are due by June 30. For questions about the Driver Education Program (DEP) please contact Robin Shepherd. For questions about the Wellness Related Fitness Survey (WRF Survey) please contact Jenn Vedder.  

Recognize Excellence in World Language Education: FLAVA Awards Nominations Due June 1
The Foreign Language Association of Virginia (FLAVA) invites educators to nominate outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of World Language education. Nominations are open for colleagues, community partners, and university students who demonstrate excellence, leadership, and commitment to language learning. Among the honors is the prestigious Cox Award for K-12 World Language Teacher of the Year, which celebrates exceptional teaching and dedication within the K-12 classroom. Learn more today.

Content Teaching Academies
Join VDOE and its state-funded partners at the Content Teaching Academies on June 23-26, at James Madison University. The Academies are designed to provide professional development to participating Virginia educators to enhance the outcomes of students with disabilities using high-quality instruction. For all public school participants, the VDOE will assume the cost of registration, meals, and double occupancy lodging on JMU’s campus. School divisions are encouraged to cover travel expenses for participants as this cost is not assumed by VDOE. Register today! 

Join VATLL/VCMS's "Math is Figureoutable"
Looking for high-quality summer professional development? Don't miss "Math is Figureoutable", a two-day learning event hosted by VATLL and VCMS on July 15 – 16 in Chesterfield. Featuring keynote speakers Pam Harris and Jennifer Lempp, along with sessions led by Virginia educators and mathematics leaders, this event offers powerful strategies to support mathematics teaching and learning across grade levels. Bring a team and collaborate with colleagues! Learn more today.

FLAVA 2025 Fall Conference Proposals
FLAVA is accepting proposals for its 2025 Fall Conference, scheduled for October 9–11, 2025, at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott in Norfolk, VA. The conference theme, ""Rooted in Language,"" encourages exploration of the shared purpose and connections built through language teaching and learning. Interested individuals can submit proposals through the FLAVA Fall Conference 2025 Proposal Form by the deadline of June 15 at 11:59 PM EST.

VQB5 End of Year Action Items – due May 31
The spring local observation window ends on May 31. Site administrators must make sure that all local CLASS observation scores are entered and verified in LinkB5 the end of the window.   Note: Since May 31 falls on a weekend this year, verification in LinkB5 will be accepted through Monday, June 2 this year.  Also, if you would like to update your site’s curriculum use information, make sure to do so in LinkB5 by June 2.  Read more about these reminders from VDOE.

VCTM Annual Conference-June 13-14
The Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics will host its annual conference at the Founders Inn and Spa, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Virginia Beach. A pre-conference will be held on June 12 and will include a viewing of the movie Counted Out. Visit the VCTM conference webpage for more details.

History and Social Science Professional Learning Webinars for Division Leaders and Teachers
This professional learning is designed to support the implementation of the instructional guides. Advance registration is required for the sessions specific to either division leaders or teachers. Learn more and register today

VMFA's Summer Education-Centered Gallery Tours-Teacher Tuesdays at Two
Let's look at art together through the teacher's lens! Practicing K–12 educators across disciplines are invited to join VMFA Teacher Programs personnel for an education-centered conversation in the galleries. Come spend an hour with us to share your perspective, elevate your practice, and enjoy some summer afternoon playtime. Registration is required for these free tours taking place on select Tuesdays June-August.

Free Professional Learning Opportunity for World Language Teachers
EdcampCIVA 2025, hosted by the Comprehensible Input Virginia Alliance, will take place on July 10, from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Norfolk. This free, one-day professional learning event provides a collaborative environment for World Language educators to share ideas, examine acquisition-driven practices, and engage with current proficiency-based instructional approaches. The event is not language-specific and will focus on practices relevant to second language acquisition. Visit the website for more information and registration.  

Advanced Placement Participant Grants
These grants are available to AP teachers who are teaching one of the following courses in the 2025-2026 school year: AP African American Studies, AP Precalculus, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Seminar.  Participant grants support the tuition cost of an in-person or virtual Advanced Placement Summer Institute in June, July, or August. Additional information on how to apply is available in this flyer.     

Dual Language Immersion Summer Leadership Institute
The VADLEN Dual Language Immersion Leadership Institute will take place on  July 31, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Office Complex in Fairfax. With the theme Voices of Leadership: Elevating Dual Language Immersion in Virginia, this full-day event is designed for Virginia school leaders focused on launching or expanding one-way or two-way Dual Language Immersion programs. Attendees will engage in collaborative sessions to explore leadership strategies, examine implementation practices, and strengthen the statewide community of practice. Register today.

Lexia Professional Learning to Drive Student Growth
ALL-In educators are invited to opt into flexible professional learning opportunities to prepare for summer school and strengthen EOY myLexia data routines to ensure all stakeholders are equipped with timely, efficient, and meaningful next steps.  Read more from VDOE.

Zearn Math Summer Intensive Series
As part of ALL in Tutoring, all educators have access to Zearn’s Summer 2025 Math Intensive Series which is  a targeted 4–6 week sequence designed to build strong foundations in math for rising 1st–9th graders. Families can also access the Summer Intensive Series from home at no cost, along with free resources to support and celebrate their student’s progress. Check it out today.

Virtual Virginia’s Statewide Professional Learning Webinars
The free webinars will take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM, featuring expert educators discussing key topics in literacy, computer science integration, accessibility, and digital learning environments. For more details and to sign up, visit Virtual Virginia’s official website.   The next session is June 3, 10, 17 – ActiVAtED Learning Podcast Series. This three-part series will highlight conversations with educators sharing what inspires them about using technology to enhance student engagement.

VCEC Conference Call for Presenters- Due June 30
Virginia Children's Engineering Convention will be held on September 19-20 in Henrico at Reynolds Community College. VCEC is seeking K-8 hands-on activities and problem-based workshop proposals focused on the conference theme: STEM Recharged: Reviving Science and Math; Engineering Virginia’s Future? This theme emphasizes restoring focus on science and math while acknowledging the continued importance of technology and engineering. Deadline for proposals is June 30.

Library of Virginia Brown Teacher Institute
Registration is now open for the 16th annual two-day Brown Teacher Institute hosted in four of the superintendent regions. The Institute will focus on research and projects that explore the history of Black Virginians in Richmond’s Jackson Ward district in support of the Library’s forthcoming exhibition, “House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History.” The institute will offer tools, resources and content to aid educators in teaching this history in the classroom. Teachers will explore how to use primary sources to enhance student learning and discover new digital resources. Learn more or register today.

North TIER's Online Professional Development Courses
These courses help participants to discover new strategies to invigorate their teaching. There are a variety of course offerings for educators and administrators See the North TIER Professional Development Member Catalog today!

2025 Grammar Reimagined Workshop
This interactive workshop will take place on October 11 at Longwood University. Participants will learn strategies of effective grammar instruction from Sean Ruday, an internationally recognized expert on teaching grammar. Registration includes admission, materials, and a copy of one of the grammar books signed by Sean. Learn more today!

Share Your Voice: Phones in Focus Educator Survey
Educators across the Commonwealth are encouraged to share their thoughts in this national survey from Phones in Focus. This non-partisan research is led by the psychologist Angela Duckworth (University of Pennsylvania) and the economists Hunt Allcott and Matt Gentzkow (Stanford University) and is focused on providing 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 get a better understanding of school cell phone policies and their implementation across the Commonwealth. 


VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS


Online M.S.Ed. in Reading Education
Old Dominion University offers a fully online Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in Reading Education designed to prepare educators for Reading Specialist Endorsement. This 30-credit hour program can be completed in just 3–4 semesters, providing the flexibility and support working professionals need to grow their impact. To learn more, to include the 25% discount for VA public school employees, attend the information session on June 3 from 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. EST. Email Dr. Abha Gupta or call 757-683-6074 with questions.

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