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Virginia Celebrates the Arts in March!
This month offers an opportunity to recognize the vital role fine arts programs play in Virginia’s comprehensive education system. Virginia prescribes Standards of Learning for K-12 instruction in all four fine arts disciplines of dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Instructional resources and Instructional Guides are located on the Virginia Department of Education Fine Arts website. Two-thirds of Virginia students take at least one fine arts course each year, with rising enrollment in ceramics, sculpture, guitar, songwriting, music technology, chorus, orchestra, band, dance, and theatre. Students who take multiple years of fine arts also show lower chronic absenteeism. Join VDOE in celebrating these programs throughout March.
Virginia Middle School Association Conference-March 18
The VMSA is excited to share a special offer designed to help more educators attend the annual conference to be held at James Madison University. If your school has already registered at full price, you can now bring additional attendees at no cost. Register using the code VMSA2026. Email Katie Johnson with registration questions.
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Professional Development Institute for Virginia Educators
This institute is a collaboration between Virginia Commonwealth University, the Library of Virginia, and Virginia Humanities, bringing together K-12 educators with leading scholars, rare primary sources, and innovative pedagogical approaches. All educators committed to teaching the humanities are encouraged to apply. Continuing education credits and a stipend will be provided. Applications are due March 20.
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Celebrate Agriculture Literacy Week March 23–27
Visit the Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom 2026 Agriculture Literacy Week webpage for celebration materials and to purchase their 2026 Book of the Year, Farm Boots, by Lisl Detlefsen. Books ordered through VA AITC will come with an “Explore Virginia Agriculture” poster that contains QR codes to videos featuring Virginia producers. For more nutrition and agriculture education resources, visit the VDOE Farm to School webpage.
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Review of the 2020 Digital Learning Integration Standards of Learning: Public Comment and Committee Application-Due March 30
At its November 13, 2025, meeting, the Virginia Board of Education authorized the Virginia Department of Education to begin reviewing the Digital Learning Integration (DLI) Standards of Learning. The review is expected to be completed by Summer 2027. An important part of the review process is gathering public feedback. Share your input using the 2020 DLI SOL Public Comment form by March 30. Your feedback helps ensure we collect a comprehensive set of perspectives from all stakeholders.
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Fine Arts Standards of Learning: Public Comment and Committee Interest Form-Due March 30
An important part of the review process for the Fine Arts Standards of Learning is the solicitation of comments on the current standards. Comments may be submitted via the 2020 Fine Arts SOL Public Comment Form. The Fine Arts Standards of Learning review teams will meet in the summer of 2026 to review proposed revisions to the Standards. Educators, leaders, and additional stakeholders interested in taking part in the review process must complete the 2027 Fine Arts Review Committee Interest Form to be contacted when the official application process opens. Dates, locations, compensation information, and the official application process will be provided in April 2026 to those who complete the form and qualify to serve on a review team. Interest form responses are due by March 30.
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2026 Valentine Museum Teacher Fellowship
Applications are now open for the Valentine Teacher Fellowship paid for by the Valentine History Museum. This opportunity invites Richmond-area teachers to collaborate with the museum’s programming to develop primary source-based resources, evaluate existing programs, and support summer teacher workshops. The Valentine Museum fellowship runs for approximately 8 weeks with flexible dates between June and August. Applications are due March 30.
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Nominations for the 2026 Standards of Learning Item Review Committees-Due April 3
The Virginia Department of Education Office of Student Assessment is seeking nominations for the 2026 Standards of Learning Item Review Committees for mathematics, reading, science, and history and social science. Approximately 10-15 members are needed for each of the committees, and school divisions may nominate one or more representatives for each committee. The Committees will be convened July 2026 in Richmond. For a full list of committees and specific dates, please refer to the 2026 SOL Item Review Committee Information for Applicants and the Assessment Committees web page. The three-step application process must be completed by April 3.
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Project GPS: Get Places Safely
Get Places Safely is a free initiative that helps middle and high school students stay safe during the “100 Deadliest Days” (Memorial Day to Labor Day) by promoting seat belt use, smart decision-making, and strategies to prevent high-risk behaviors like speeding, distraction, and unsafe passenger situations. The program builds traffic safety awareness for younger students and focuses on reducing risky driving behavior among teens to help prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Schools and youth groups can access free materials from Project GPS: Get Places Safely.
VADETS Teacher Opportunity
The Virginia Association of Driver Education and Traffic Safety is offering 20 scholarships of $1,000 for teachers to complete both driver education endorsement courses in 2026. For more information and how to apply please visit the VADETS website.
Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s 2026 Teacher Institute
The American Revolution was shaped not only by well-known leaders but also by everyday people whose choices influenced the course of history. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation’s 2026 Teacher Institute highlights these often-overlooked stories and provides educators with resources and strategies for creating engaging, inclusive instruction. Applications are open through April 13 at 9 a.m. for this free professional development program. Sessions run July 6–10 for elementary teachers and July 20–24 for secondary teachers.
Applications are Now Open for the 2026-27 VSTE Certified Coach Program
Take your coaching to the next level with a professional credential designed for both current and aspiring coaches that provides practical, research-based training on how to be an effective leader. In addition to our traditional cohorts, VSTE is offering a new after-hours cohort designed specifically for aspiring coaches and educators in non-coaching roles. Applications are due by April 17. Visit VSTE and select “Apply Now!”
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EdcampCIVa 2026: Registration Now Open
This free professional development event held on July 9, is designed for World Language and English Learner teachers and focuses on research-based practices for implementing comprehensible input in the classroom. Sessions will be available for both educators new to comprehensible input and those looking to deepen and reflect on their existing practice. Registration and details are available on the EdcampCIVa website.
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2026 Health and Physical Activity Institute July 12-15
The 2026 Health and Physical Activity Institute (HPAI) registration and the Call for Presenters is now open. Educators will discover and share innovative instructional strategies designed to elevate health and physical education instruction and support effective implementation of Virginia's Standards of Learning. Register or submit a proposal today!
Smithsonian’s Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange Fall 2026 Cohort
Become a Smithsonian Virtual Exchange Facilitator and learn how to collaboratively design and lead place-based investigations with your students to better understand the stories emanating from your hometown. Share and reflect with another community in another corner of the country. Celebrate the commonalities and the differences. Learn more from the Smithsonian Virtual Exchange website.
Virginia Colleges & Universities
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M.Ed. in TESOL Program Information Session
James Madison University’s School of Education will host an information session on March 11 at 5 p.m. to discuss its fully online graduate program in Education with a concentration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). This event is ideal for individuals who already have a license in another area or those interested in advancing their education with a master’s degree. Register to join or for questions email Dr. Katya Koubek.
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Teacher Licensure Completion Program
Are you a provisionally licensed teacher in the Richmond area? The Teacher Licensure Completion (TLC) Program the University of Richmond helps eligible educators meet Virginia Department of Education requirements through affordable, flexible, and personalized support while you continue teaching full time. Summer registration opens March 17. Participants receive benefits such as discounted tuition at $400 per course, free licensure testing vouchers, instructional coaching and advising and more. Apply today or contact Megan Kertis with questions.
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Pursue your M.Ed. or a Post-Professional Certificate in PK-12 Leadership
The School of Education at William and Mary will be hosting an informational webinar for the online M.Ed. and Certificate programs in PK-12 Educational Leadership on March 17 at 7 p.m. The deadline to apply to these programs is July 15. Register for the webinar to hear faculty talk about these programs and how they will prepare you to be a transformative school leader. Can't make it? Register anyway to receive a recording afterward. Full-time educators in Virginia may be eligible for 25% off tuition.
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Ready to grow as a school leader?
Longwood University offers two flexible pathways into PreK-12 Educational Leadership careers designed for working educators.
Master of Science in Education: Educational Leadership (Hybrid)Earn your master’s degree and the VDOE Administration and Supervision PreK-12 Endorsement through our five-semester program meeting just five Saturdays per semester, with the remainder completed asynchronously online. Educational Leadership Endorsement: For educators who already hold a master’s degree. Choose a one- or two-year option and take the 21 credits needed to add the VDOE Administration and Supervision PreK-12 Endorsement. Register for a Zoom Information Session: March 18 at 4 p.m., April 7 at 2 p.m. or April 16 at 5:30 p.m. Email questions to leadership@longwood.edu.
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Online Reading Specialist Program
Virginia Tech’s Reading Specialist program offers an MEd for teachers leading to the Reading Specialist VA Endorsement. This 18-month, fully virtual program includes dedicated course series in literacy coaching, adolescent literacy, literacy foundations, and assessment. The program is taught by nationally recognized literacy faculty. The next cohort starts in Fall of 2026. Join a virtual information sessions on March 18 or April 6 for educators interested in this program. Contact Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer with any questions.
Advanced Literacy Learning Opportunities
The Literacy Program at George Mason University offers hybrid and fully online Literacy Education Master’s and Reading Specialist graduate certificate options. Complete your studies in as few as 2 to 4 semesters. Register for an online information session on March 19. The event will include an overview of the program options, career outcomes, financial aid, and admissions.
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