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VALLSS: Español Virtual Information Session
The Virginia Literacy & Language Screening System: Español (VALLSS: Español) is available to preschool programs that receive public funding and to all public schools in Virginia grades Kindergarten through Grade 3. VALLSS: Español is a screening system that can be used to guide decisions regarding Spanish literacy instruction. VALLSS: Español is not a translation of English, nor is it a replacement for VALLSS. VALLSS (English) must be given to students for whom it is required. Join Virginia Literacy Partnerships for the VALLSS: Español virtual information session on January 13, at 8 a.m. to learn more.
Governor Youngkin's Amended FY 2026 and Introduced 2026-2028 Biennial Budgets & Calculation Templates
On December 17, 2025, Governor Youngkin presented his amended FY 2026 budget and his introduced 2026-2028 biennial budget before a joint session of the Senate Finance and Appropriations, the House Appropriations, and the House Finance committees. The Governor’s budgets will be considered by the 2026 Session of the General Assembly, which is scheduled to convene on January 14, 2026. The amended FY 2026 budget is comprised primarily of technical updates to Direct Aid Programs. The Virginia Department of Education published calculations templates and budget information related to the Governor’s amended FY 2026 budget and introduced 2026-2028 biennial budget. Information can be found on the Virginia Department of Education website.
Science Standards of Learning Professional Learning Sessions
The STEM team will be offering ongoing professional learning to support the implementation of the Science SOL. Registration is required, and sessions will be held from 4-5 p.m. Sessions include:
• January 20: Using the Scientific and Engineering Practices to Improve Science Learning: Developing and Using Models. Attendees will learn how to guide students in creating and applying models to explain phenomena.
• February 17: Using the Scientific and Engineering Practices to Improve Science Learning: Planning and Conducting Investigations. Attendees will learn how to foster curiosity and critical thinking through hands-on inquiry.
• March 17: Using the Scientific and Engineering Practices to Improve Science Learning: Interpreting, Analyzing, and Evaluating Data. Attendees will learn about tools and techniques to deepen data literacy and critical thinking in the science classroom.
• April 21: Using the Scientific and Engineering Practices to Improve Science Learning: Constructing and Critiquing Conclusions and Explanations. Attendees will learn strategies to help students build strong scientific arguments, evaluate the reasoning of others, evidence-based thinking and communication.
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English and Literacy Professional Learning Webinar Recordings Available
The Office of English is sharing a full collection of thirty professional learning webinars designed to support the 2024 English Standards of Learning. These sessions offer practical guidance and instructional strategies to strengthen teaching and learning across the Commonwealth. Use these resources during PLCs, department meetings, schoolwide professional learning, or whenever it best fits your schedule. Sessions address a wide range of topics, including Effective Practice of Foundational Skills, Text‑Dependent Questioning, Purposeful Planning, Writing Instruction, Considerations for Planning Reading Intervention, and more.
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VSTE's AI in Action: Practical Tools, Real Classrooms, Connected Educators-January 27 Practical tools, real classrooms, and connected educators engage in a summit built for teachers who want hands-on, immediately usable AI strategies and meaningful collaboration with peers. Through small group conversations and collaborative activities, participants will explore high-value tools and learn the essentials of data privacy. They will leave with new skills, ready to use resources, and a connected network of educators. Learn more about the upcoming sessions including:
• January 27 at Richard Bland College
• February 26 at Spotsylvania County Public Schools Office
• March 31 at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
• October 8 at Chesterfield County Public Schools Recovery Academy
Celebrating 250 Years of Science!
The Science Museum of Virginia will post blogs and social media pieces through July 2026 to celebrate 250 years of science. Published once a month, these blogs focus on one aspect of life in the late 1700s, explain the scientific and technological advancements we have today, and look forward to the future. Every blog lists related science, history, and health SOL. More information can be found on the Museum’s website and their social media pages.
Call for Proposals
Proposals are now being accepted for the 2026 WIDA Annual Conference! Consider submitting a proposal for the conference that is by teachers, for teachers. Visit the conference website to submit a concurrent session or workshop proposal by January 20.
VSTE Education Committee’s Three-part Demo Slam Series
Each event features fast-paced, three-minute demos where educators share favorite tools, strategies, and ideas you can use right away. Attend one or all three—participants vote for the top slam, and winners earn prizes and bragging rights. Attendees will walk away with new resources, practical tips, and connections with other educators who are passionate about making good happen in their schools and communities. Never presented before? No problem! Demo Slams are a fun, low-pressure way to share something amazing. Join in for Demo #1 on January 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Teacher of the Year Nominations-Due by Feb. 9
Just a reminder that the deadline is now only one month away for the school division's locally selected Teacher of the Year to complete their portfolio application for the 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program. The Mary V. Bicouvaris 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Program celebrates educators who exemplify the highest standards of teaching across the Commonwealth and the nation. The locally selected Teacher of the Year will complete a portfolio using the online platform SMApply. Teachers may collaborate with their Superintendent or the division designee by sharing their electronic application. All applications must be submitted via SMApply by February 9, at 4 p.m. Visit the Virginia Teacher of the Year Application and Qualifications website.
From Decoding to Deep Comprehension – Feb. 12
Join the Reading League, Virginia for a K–8 literacy conference aimed at supporting educators with evidence-aligned information. Sessions will cover all aspects of literacy, from foundational skills to advanced comprehension, helping participants identify students' needs for reading growth. Learn more about the conference and how to register.
American Revolution Program – Feb. 21
The American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati will present American Revolution during the Wilson Era, a program designed with content aligned to the 2023 Standards of Learning for History & Social Science. The program will focus on the use of primary source collection items in the classroom, as presented by the American Revolution Institute’s staff and two master teachers from Prince William County and Buena Vista City Public Schools. Attendees will enjoy admission to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library. Registration is required.
Virginia Humanities K–12 Educator Fellowships
This fully virtual paid opportunity is designed for educators across Virginia who want to deepen their humanities' content knowledge, collaborate with peers, and bring new ideas to K-12 classrooms. Fellows participate in a cohort-based experience that includes engagement with leading scholars, sustained discussion, and hands-on curriculum development. Fellows will receive a stipend. Learn more and apply by March 6.
2026 Virginia State Literacy Conference
Registration is now open for the 2026 Virginia State Literacy Conference, Adventure Awaits: Turning Pages, Sparking Minds. This in-person conference will take place March 2–4, at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center in Roanoke. Learn more about the conference from VSLA.
Registration is Open for the 7th Virginia Dual Language/ Immersion (DL/I) Day
This event will take place on March 14, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Highland Springs High School with the theme is Growing Global Citizens: Planting Seeds Beyond Words and Across Cultures. The sessions are organized around three strands: language and culture integration, family and community engagement, and global perspectives through technology. Registration is $25 for in-state attendees. Teachers may also submit session proposals by January 30.
Virginia Colleges & Universities
Virtual AI in Education Series
What if AI could give you back hours in your week and help you personalize learning without doubling your workload? Learn about AI with GMU TTAC & experts while earning certificates of attendance for PD hours during one-hour virtual professional learning sessions on zoom! These synchronous sessions will explore how educators can effectively leverage AI in their practice. Every session is built on a demonstration-to-application model, ensuring you leave with new skills already at work in your teaching. Register today!
Summer and Fall Administration and Supervision Program
The Administration and Supervision program at the University of Virginia is currently accepting applications for those wanting to pursue an M.Ed. or endorsement in Administration and Supervision for Summer and Fall, 2025. This is a synchronous online program that meets one evening a week. Tuition discounts are available for Virginia Educators. Learn more at the January virtual information session contact Dr. Jaime Stacy at Dr. Jaime Stacy with any questions.
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