VDOE TeacherDirect October 15, 2025

October 15, 2025


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Congratulations! At its September meeting, the Virginia Board of Education celebrated Virginia Roots: A Journey into Appalachian Music, an Emmy Award®–winning series co-produced by Blue Ridge PBS, PBS Appalachia/Virginia, and the VDOE! Virginia Roots features short videos and instructional materials aligned with Virginia’s 2020 Music SOL. Developed in collaboration with Virginia music educators, these resources are available on the VDOE website. The series, which explores the rich traditions of Appalachian music, received an Emmy for Informational and Instructional Long Form Content from the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. It was also named Best Educational Resource for the Classroom at the 2025 Public Media Awards. Congratulations again to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement. Explore the series and bring the sounds and stories of Appalachian music into your classroom!

Headlines

Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy Workshop – Register by October 16
In partnership with WIDA, the Virginia Department of Education will be offering the Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy Workshop. This workshop is designed for secondary English language development teachers and content teachers. It will take place at the Hanover County School Board Office at October 21, 8:30 a.m.  In this one-day workshop, educators will explore key factors that influence literacy acquisition and development in content areas, focusing on how to engage secondary newcomer students in content learning. Learn more from VDOE.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Train the Trainer Opportunity – Register by October 17
The VDOE Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety is facilitating a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Train the Trainer opportunity for school personnel, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. This is a free virtual course scheduled for November 18-20. In order to participate in the course, you must have attended the eight–hour Youth MHFA class within the last three years. Participants must register by October 17, by emailing Laura Roberson, DBHDS Suicide Prevention Coordinator.  

VMFA Teacher Workshop: Perspectives in Portraiture
Attend VMFA’s upcoming teacher workshop, offered in partnership with the Valentine Museum, on October 18 from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Visit the galleries and gain innovative ideas and activities for interdisciplinary learning. All teacher programs are aligned with Virginia SOL and model strategies for integrating works of art across K-12 curricula. Registration is required for this free workshop and lunch will be provided. 

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Teacher Workshop: January 16–18
Join Woven Through Time: Peopling the Past, a three-day professional development workshop exploring new online resources that bring 17th- and 18th-century everyday lives into focus. Learn to integrate primary sources into your teaching with lessons that blend social studies and literacy, align with Virginia SOL, and promote critical thinking. This workshop is funded by the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources grant. Learn more and apply today!

Nominations for the Mary V. Bicouvaris Teacher of the Year Program – Due February 9
VDOE is proud to announce the launch of the Mary V. Bicouvaris 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program, elevating educators who exemplify the highest standards of teaching across the Commonwealth and the nation. Each division Superintendent is invited to nominate one exceptional teacher for consideration. The locally selected Teacher of the Year will complete a portfolio using the online platform SMApply. Teachers may collaborate with their Superintendent or designee by sharing their electronic application. All applications must be submitted via SMApply by February 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.  For eligibility criteria, preview the application, and access to the SMApply portal, visit the Virginia Teacher of the Year Application and Qualifications website. Contact TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov with questions. 

EPIC Conference
The VEA 2025 Education Professionals in Collaboration Conference will take place in Richmond on November 7-8. The conference offers interactive sessions, cross-role discussions, and a launching pad for collaborative work. Register or learn more about the conference today.

Power of You(th) Program Overview
The VDOE Office of STEM invites Driver Education teachers and supervisors to explore Power of You(th), a free prevention program from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Designed for middle and high school students, it addresses impaired driving through interactive presentations, real-life stories, and practical strategies. With over 60% of teens drinking before graduation and thousands of lives lost annually, this program empowers youth to make safer choices. Explore today.

Be Part of National Research on Student Cell Phone Use
Researcher Dr. Angela Duckworth (author of "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance") invites you to keep the momentum going in the national study examining school cell phone policies and their effects on student learning and well-being. Why join? Virginia is leading the way with these efforts and wants to increase our participation from last year’s survey. Thousands of your fellow educators have already contributed their insights, including many of you right here in the Commonwealth! Your perspective will directly shape smarter, evidence-based policies and best practices for classrooms nationwide. Make your voice heard today! Go to: www.phonesinfocus.org. 
Quick Facts:
  -Just 5 minutes of your time
  -Completely confidential
  -No cost to participate
  -Instant snapshot of current results at end of survey    


Virginia Colleges & Universities


Support for Provisionally Licensed Teachers
Are you a provisionally licensed teacher seeking options to complete your professional studies requirements? Or are you considering becoming a teacher in Virginia? The UVA School of Education and Human Development offers multiple online pathways that might be the right fit for you. Whether you are interested in non-degree or degree pathways to professional licensure, UVA is able to guide you in creating an individualized option. Join us on 10/15 at 8 p.m. to learn more about becoming a teacher. Take advantage of our reduced educator tuition rate today!

Mathematics Specialist Leader Virtual Information Session
Explore George Mason’s K-8 Mathematics Specialist Leader program! This program is ideal for educators who are passionate about enhancing math instruction and taking on leadership roles in their schools. Attend the info session on October 21 to learn more about the program's structure, learning outcomes, and admissions requirements. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver. Contact cbaker@gmu.edu or visit our website for more information.

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