VDOE TeacherDirect October 22, 2025

October 22, 2025


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Profiles in Teaching Excellence! The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with Blue Ridge PBS, proudly presents Profiles in Teaching Excellence—an inspiring video series showcasing the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year and Regional Teachers of the Year. These exceptional educators reflect on what inspires their teaching, share insights for aspiring teachers, and reflect on the honor of being recognized in their regions. Celebrate their journeys and discover the lasting impact they’re making in classrooms across the Commonwealth.

Headlines

PD Opportunity for Teachers of Struggling Readers in Grades 4-12 – Application Due October 29
The VDOE Office of Special Education Instructional Services is inviting up to 90 general education and special education teachers to participate in a no-cost professional development to address the needs of students who struggle with reading. Applicants must be current teachers, Grades 4-12, who work with students at least 60% of the day, preferably in special education. Teachers are encouraged, but not required, to register with a teaching partner from their school or division to maximize learning and application across classrooms. Teachers who are interested in participating should complete the Application: Lexia Aspire Professional Learning Series by October 29 by 5 p.m. 

VDOE Virtual Learning Options Webinar
The VDOE Office of Innovation invites virtual learning leaders, instructional staff, technology specialists, and administrators to a webinar on October 28 from 10-11 a.m., focused on innovative virtual learning options for K–12 instruction in Virginia. The session will showcase engaging virtual learning opportunities for all students, highlight the VDOE virtual learning website and available resources to support educators and divisions, and share best practices and success stories. The Office of Innovation looks forward to supporting your efforts to integrate virtual learning into the classroom.  Registration is required.     

W&M SURN Science of Teaching Reading – November 6
K-8 General & Special Education Teachers, Literacy Specialists, and School Leaders are invited to join SURN this fall to implement the VA Literacy Act in our schools. In partnership with W&M, T/TAC and W&M Literacy Lab, this one-day conference will focus on providing just-in-time resources for our classrooms and schools. See more from SURN about details, costs, and registration.  

VAST 2025 Professional Development Institute
Ignite your passion for teaching and join science educators from across the Commonwealth for three days of collaboration, learning, and inspiration at the VAST 2025 Professional Development Institute to be held November 13–15 in Alexandria. Through dynamic sessions, hands-on workshops, and meaningful connections with fellow educators, discover innovative ways to empower minds and shape the future of science learning. Highlights include dynamic sessions, a preconference, and Astronaut Leland Melvin as our closing speaker. A limited number of attendees will receive a signed copy of Space Chasers! Register online or onsite.

Society of the Cincinnati History Teacher of the Year Competition
The 2026 award will again recognize excellence in teaching the American Revolution and Virginia’s role in it. Any K-12 teacher in the state of Virginia is welcome to apply between October 15-December 15 and the winner will be notified of their award by April 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically.               

Online Language Learning Resource for Language Students
Virginia residents, including teachers, students, and parents, can access Transparent Language Online for free through their local public library. The platform offers self-paced courses in over 140 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL) and English as a Second Language (ESL). Learners can study on most devices, including offline through the mobile app. The program supports listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and can be used independently or alongside classroom instruction. To get started, visit your local library’s website.

ASLTA Webinar Series
The American Sign Language Teachers Association is offering several webinars this fall featuring presenters from across the ASL field. Details and registration can be found on the ASLTA Webinars webpage. The broadcasts are from 1-3 p.m. on the following days with these topics:
October 25: Applying for Grants: What's the Secret?
November 1: Monolingual and Bilingual First Language Acquisition
November 8: How to Teach Non-Manual Markers (NMM) Effectively
November 15: Dual Levels in the Same ASL Classroom
December 13: Hearing M2L2 Signers

National French Week: November 4-10, 2025
The American Association of Teachers of French is organizing the 22nd annual National French Week, a week-long celebration of all things French that will take place in schools across the US. The theme this year is Design your future with French. See the AATF website for information about ideas, resources and student contests.

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. 

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


Special Education Webinar
Join Regent University for a Special Education webinar on October 22, at 7 p.m. We're highlighting our Special Education Programs: Autism Certificate, M.Ed. K-12 SPED General Curriculum Licensure, SPED Add-On Endorsements, and Post-Master's. Our courses are delivered through convenient eight-week online sessions that align with your professional schedule. Reserve your spot today and find out about an educator discount. Feel free to reach out as well to learn more about our other exciting programs such as our Educational Technology Programs!

Master of Science in Counselor Education Virtual Interest Meeting
Join Longwood University to learn from dedicated, doctoral-level instructors who bring a wide range of counseling experience to their students. Choose from tracks in Mental Health Counseling or School Counseling with an opportunity to gain your LPC. Our School Counseling track fulfills the VDOE licensure regulations for school counselors.  This is a 60-credit in-person program that can be completed full-time or part-time and includes hybrid, weekend and evening courses. With a focus on social justice and multicultural perspectives, you’ll have practical experiences to help you excel in any counseling setting. Want to learn more? Join us on October 23 at 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register to receive the link. Questions? Contact Dr. Marsha Rutledge.

Secondary Education Program Virtual Information Session
Interested in becoming a licensed secondary teacher in Computer Science, English, History/Social Science, Mathematics or Science? George Mason’s Secondary Education (SEED) Program is designed for both undergraduate and graduate students—whether you're pursuing initial licensure or fulfilling provisional requirements. Join an upcoming virtual session on October 30 to learn more about the program, meet faculty and advisors, and explore whether teaching is the right path for you. Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.

Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach Programs
Are you interested in becoming a Reading Specialist or Literacy Coach? Join Radford University for more information on how you can earn your Master’s Degree in Literacy Education or obtain your Reading Specialist Certificate (K-12) through our online program. Register for one of our upcoming information sessions: November 13 and December 16 at 5 p.m.          

Reading Specialist Programs
William & Mary offers a MAED program and a post-professional online certificate for teachers who would like to add a reading specialist endorsement. Both programs are fully online, offered in 7-week terms during fall and spring semesters and 5-week terms over summers. New cohorts start in July! Registration is required for the upcoming informative webinar on November 13, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. For questions, email Dr. Kristin Conradi Smith or Ms. Tammy Williams.

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