VDOE TeacherDirect February 18, 2026

February 18, 2026


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Congratulations! The Virginia Community Schools Designation process is a rigorous application and review process that recognizes schools demonstrating strong alignment with the community school model and sustained commitment to high-quality implementation. This year, over 50 sites across 13 school divisions earned designation. The VDOE congratulates these schools and divisions for their leadership and commitment to students and families. See the full list of designated Community Schools and Hubs, along with a recent report on Community Schools outcomes on the Virginia Community Schools web page. 

Headlines

Virginia Mathematics Task Force Application Open – Apply by March 2
The Virginia Mathematics Task Force is charged with providing recommendations to improve mathematics education in elementary, middle, and high school. The recent signing of Executive Order Four by the Governor reinforces the Commonwealth's focus on academic excellence and high-quality public education for all students. VDOE is looking to expand its membership to incorporate a broader range of stakeholder perspectives and expertise in alignment with requirements in Executive Order 4 and Chapter 725. All applications must be received by March 2. Details are available from VDOE.

Seeking Additional Innovative Assessment Workgroup Members – Apply by March 2
In response to Executive Order 4, the Virginia Department of Education is opening up the legislatively-required Innovative Assessment Workgroup for additional members. This Workgroup serves as an advisory board to the Department and helps inform the development of a new, innovative statewide assessment system.  Applications must be received by March 2. Details are available from VDOE.

Virginia Literacy Act Advisory Workgroup Reconvenes – Apply by March 2
Executive Order 4 directs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene a state advisory workgroup to strengthen implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act. It is anticipated to be a short-term working group, with its establishment in March 2026 and the conclusion taking place on or before December 31, 2027. All applications must be received by March 2. Details are available from VDOE. 

Virginia State Literacy Conference
Registration is now open for the 2026 Virginia State Literacy Conference with the theme, Adventure Awaits: Turning Pages, Sparking Minds. Conference attendees will explore the strands of literacy with nationally known speakers and enjoy sessions that include research-based and peer reviewed programming. Join your peers on March 2–4, at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.

2026 NCSSFL-ACTFL Can Do Statements for World Languages
The newly revised NCSSFL-ACTFL Can Do Statements for Communication and Intercultural Communicative Competence are now available online. These updated resources include revised Can Do Statements in both sentence and chart formats, a crosswalk comparing the 2017 and 2026 versions, and refined proficiency benchmarks aligned with the 2024 ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. The documents also feature updated intercultural benchmarks and a clarified glossary to support consistent use of key terms. Learn more today!

Supporting Students with Challenging Behavior: Building Community & Capacity-February 25
This full‑day VA School Consortium for Learning workshop, led by behavior specialist Megan Williams, offers practical, evidence‑based strategies for educators working with upper‑elementary through grade 10 students. The session focuses on relationship‑building, effective classroom management, and tailored supports within a collaborative framework. Register to join your peers in Charlottesville or learn more today. Contact adwierselden@vascl.org with questions.

Field trip Scholarships to Monticello from the Thomas Jefferson Foundation
Students can visit and learn about Monticello as an architectural icon and Jefferson’s vision for the development of a new nation. Field trip scholarships are available to help cover admission and/or transportation costs. Transportation grants prioritize Southwest Virginia (Region 7), but schools across the Commonwealth are encouraged to apply. Learn more about this opportunity from the Thomas Jefferson Foundation today!

VMFA Teacher Summer Seminar: Art Interpretation for Multilingual Learners- June 25-26
Centered on multilingual learners, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 2026 Teacher Seminar will bring together a cohort of K–12 Virginia educators to explore how art interpretation strategies can support language acquisition. Accepted participants will receive a stipend at the beginning and end of the year-long commitment which begins with a two-day workshop on June 25 and 26. Applications will be accepted through March 16.   

Call for Co-Teaching Demonstration Sites
To enhance inclusive practices for students with disabilities, the VDOE began the Excellence in Co-Teaching Initiative in 2014. VDOE is expanding this Initiative and invites school divisions to nominate co-teaching partners and their schools to serve as demonstration sites. Selected teams will model inclusive, research-based practices that support the success of all students, including students with disabilities, through active co-planning, co-teaching, and co-assessing. The VDOE and Training and Technical Assistance Centers will provide training and technical assistance. Participating schools will receive a $5,000 sub-grant for use in supporting the achievement of students with disabilities, and each co-teaching partner will receive a $2,500 stipend for their participation. Total awarded funding per co-teaching team will not exceed $10,000. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on May 22.

VAST Innovate, Elevate, Accelerate: Science SOL Review
Join the Virginia Association of Science Teachers for an interactive, hands-on professional learning workshop focused on strategies for Science SOL review across elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Participants will explore ways to enhance science discourse, make student thinking visible through models, integrate science and engineering practices, and strengthen academic vocabulary instruction. The workshop will be held in Virginia Beach on March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited so register or learn more today.


Virginia Colleges & Universities


Education Leadership Programs
George Mason University’s Education Leadership Program is hosting virtual information sessions on March 17 and April 8 for educators interested in furthering their leadership potential and earning licensure in Administration and Supervision through the M.Ed. or Graduate Certificate in Education Leadership. Hybrid and fully online cohorts will be available for summer and fall start times. Application fee waiver provided to those who attend a virtual information session. Contact edleprog@gmu.edu with questions.

Online Master of Education Information Sessions
The University of Lynchburg’s 100% online Master of Education programs are designed for educators and professionals ready to lead and change the lives of students. Whether you’re pursuing licensure, curious about instructional design, or looking to work toward an endorsement in areas such as special education or gifted education, the University of Lynchburg has an MEd program for you. Plus, as an educator or paraprofessional, you can take advantage of our 40% tuition discount. Register for an information session on February 19, March 5 or 19 or contact gradsuccess@lynchburg.edu.

School Counseling Track Opportunity
Learn from dedicated, doctoral-level instructors who bring a wide range of counseling experience to their students. Longwood’s School Counseling track fulfills the VDOE licensure regulations for school counselors and is a 60-credit in-person program that can be completed full-time or part-time and includes hybrid, weekend and evening courses. Register for the Zoom information session on February 24 at 3:30 p.m. Contact Dr. Marsha Rutledge, Program Director, for more information.

Online M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction Information Sessions
The 100% online and asynchronous M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program at UVA provides opportunities for you to pursue graduate studies or licensure requirements to enhance your instructional practice. Select an area of emphasis that aligns with your professional and educational goals. Program faculty and staff will be available to give an overview of the program, and answer questions about the student experience and admission process. A reduced tuition rate is available for VA educators. Register for the March 3 at 8 p.m. information session.

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