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Purposeful Planning Meetings: Analyzing Student Work Webinar
The Office of English is hosting the final webinar in its three-part Purposeful Planning series on December 4. This targeted professional development opportunity is designed for division leaders, building administrators, reading specialists, and literacy coaches. The concluding session will provide guidance on analyzing and interpreting student data to support effective data meetings and improve student achievement. Complete this form to receive the registration link.
Updated Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) in Reading and Mathematics
The Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL) are the revised academic content standards for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are enrolled in grades 3-8 and high school in Virginia. Specifically, the VESOL represent content in reading and mathematics for grades 3-8 and high school and science for grades 5, 8, and high school replacing the previously used Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOL) in these content areas. A training webinar will be provided to support educators in understanding the updates and can be accessed at Virginia Alternate Assessment Program | Virginia Department of Education. Listed below are the 2025 Virginia Essentialized Standards of learning for reading and mathematics:
• Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning in Reading
• Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning in Mathematics
Opportunity for Public Comment: Ed-Flex
The Educational Flexibility (Ed-Flex) program is authorized under the Education Flexibility Partnership Act of 1999 and was reauthorized by section 9207 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Ed-Flex empowers schools and the state agency to innovate by redirecting funds or flexibility to address specific challenges, like learning loss or improving math/reading outcomes, without needing direct federal approval for every change. Public comment on the Ed-Flex application is open, and any individual or organization may submit written comments on the proposed waiver. Learn more about Ed-Flex from the Virginia Department of Education.
Learning Bytes PD for Teachers
CodeVA’s free Fall Learning Bytes series offers four one-hour virtual sessions for Virginia public school educators, each earning 1 recertification hour. The next topic will be Coaching with Feedback on December 3 from 6–7 p.m. Sessions are presented in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education. Sign up today!
VENergize Webinar Series
The Virginia Environmental Literacy Network is offering the VENergize Series, an engaging webinar series that helps Virginia educators and school teams bring environmental literacy to life. Each session shares practical ideas, real examples, and easy ways to strengthen Environmental Literacy Plans and connect learning to the Virginia Environmental Literacy Framework. The next webinar is on December 3 discussing Asset Mapping.
NOAA Teacher at Sea Program
The application for the NOAA Teacher at Sea (TAS) Program in 2026 is now open. This program offers a unique professional development experience, placing teachers aboard NOAA research vessels to gain hands-on experience in ocean and atmospheric science. This experience allows educators to bring real-world data and research back into the classroom. The online application is open now until December 12.
Virginia Junior Academy of Science Opportunities
School membership and student paper submission for VJAS is now open. Secondary school teachers can register their schools for free to give students the opportunity to participate in authentic STEM research projects. Student papers will be entered into the VJAS juried science symposium, with the chance to present in person at Hampden-Sydney College on May 30. Teachers interested in having a mentor support their class must register by January 15. Learn more today!
Virginia Association of Driver Education and Traffic Safety Student Opportunity
Session 1 of the VADETS campaign is now open until January 18! High school students in grades 10–12 who are enrolled in or have completed a driver education course, as well as college freshmen, are invited to apply as social media ambassadors. Ambassadors will earn $300 upon successful completion of campaign requirements. Learn more today!
Computer Science Summit
Join CodeVA’s free virtual summit for Virginia public educators, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education. Earn 5 recertification points while celebrating Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 8-12) with daily emails featuring short video tutorials, resources, networking opportunities, and giveaways. Whether you’re new to CS or an experienced educator, this event offers practical tools and a community to support your teaching. Register or learn more today!
VFHY Help Students Understand the Dangers of Fentanyl
Teachers play a vital role in student health, yet many youth remain unaware of fentanyl’s risks. To support classrooms, the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth offers free, evidence-based lessons in English and Spanish, for middle and high school classrooms. VFHY will also award 35 Activation Grants of $4,000 in 2026 to eligible Virginia organizations. Applications are due December 5, by noon. Review the VFHY Prevention Lessons page and apply for the grant through the online portal.
VMFA Educator Resource: Art of the Ancient World
By examining works in VMFA's collection, teachers and students can consider the art and innovations of ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, and Mali. This new set of online resources is designed to help students develop questions, demonstrate curiosity, and engage in critical thinking and analysis. Learn more today!
Speech Language Pathologist Division Leads Network Meeting (Virtual) – December 11
The Virginia Department of Education is hosting a virtual Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Division Leads Network Meeting on December 11, from 3-4:30 p.m. to provide a forum to discuss relevant topics that impact SLP practices and to collaborate with colleagues in other school divisions. This meeting will include updates on legislation and guidance that impact the practice of SLPs, answers to questions, and opportunities to discuss topics of interest with SLP leads from different school divisions. This meeting is limited to SLP leads or designated SLPs who can relay the information back to their division and share it with other SLPs. Register in advance for the SLP Division Leads Network Meeting and include any questions you would like to have answered and topics that you would like to discuss during the meeting.
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, at 4 p.m. For eligibility criteria, preview the application, and access to the online portal, visit the Virginia Teacher of the Year Application and Qualifications website.
North Tier Winter 2026
Dive into invigorating slopes with North TIER's online professional development courses for educators and administrators. Just like a skier carves fresh tracks on a pristine slope, our 100% online winter courses will help you master the ever-evolving landscape of education. For $55, participants can earn 30-hours to enrich their professional toolkit or seize the opportunity to earn 2 graduate credits from Colorado State University. Prices for courses will increase starting January 1. Prices for all courses will increase starting January 1st. Learn how and where to register today.
Jingle Your Way to a Safe Holiday: Buckle Up and Drive Safely Contest
The Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety Contest is an educational initiative that invites Virginia middle and high school students to promote safe and responsible driving during the high-risk holiday season. Running from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, the contest encourages students to buckle up and drive safely while celebrating the holidays. Participants may compete individually or in groups by creating a short jingle that delivers a seat belt and/or safe driving message tailored to a teen audience. Learn more today.
Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program
Apply now to join a 2026–2027 VCC cohort and become a VSTE Certified Coach! Take your coaching to the next level with a professional credential designed for instructional coaches. The VSTE Certified Coach Program provides practical, research-based training on how to be an effective coach, building the skills, strategies, and confidence to make a lasting impact. Applications close December 12. Visit VSTE and tap “Apply Now!”
Virtual Science Teacher Resources
Virtual Science Teachers offers free, interactive, NGSS-aligned resources that make it easy to bring real-world science into the classroom. Resources include simulations, graph makers, and virtual labs to analyze data and think scientifically. No login is required.
There is Still Time to be Part of National Research on Student Cell Phone Use!
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! Go to www.phonesinfocus.org and make your voice heard today!
Virginia Colleges & Universities
Secondary Education Program Virtual Info 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 December 4 to learn more about the program, meet faculty and advisors, and explore whether teaching is the right path for you.
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