Every graduation season brings excitement and a sense of possibility, and this one has felt especially meaningful to me. In recent weeks, I've had the privilege of joining Governor Spanberger at bill signings across the Commonwealth, celebrating legislation that reflects a growing commitment to expanding opportunities for Virginia's students. 

In Roanoke in April, the Governor signed legislation strengthening the implementation of changes to graduation requirements and diploma pathways. Last week in Highland Springs, we celebrated a bill supporting African American Studies courses, an important step toward a more inclusive and comprehensive education. And this week, the fine arts diploma seal bill underscored the value of creativity and artistic achievement in our schools. 

These moments are more than symbolic celebrations. They represent real investments in how Virginia prepares students for the future, through expanded academic opportunities, stronger graduation pathways, and greater recognition of students' diverse talents and interests. 

As more than 95,000 students prepare to graduate from Virginia public schools in the coming weeks, I'm proud to be part of this work. Congratulations to Virginia's graduating class — cheers to your success, and to those who will follow in your footsteps. 

VDOE is pleased to announce the availability of funds through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program. These competitive grant funds will be awarded to school divisions and eligible partner organizations to support the development and implementation of high-quality community learning centers that enhance student learning, promote youth development, and provide enriching educational opportunities beyond the regular school day. 

Eligible applicants include school divisions, community-based organizations, nonprofit agencies, city or county government agencies, faith-based organizations, institutions of higher education, and for-profit corporations. Non-school division applicants must partner with a school division and include the division as a co-applicant in the proposal. All applicants are encouraged to design programs that address identified student needs, foster strong school-community partnerships, and support academic and social-emotional growth. 

Applications for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) competitive grant funds must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, September 3. The grant application, along with the accompanying Guidelines and Instructions, is available on VDOE’s website Title IV, Part B, Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC Community Learning Centers.

Information regarding technical assistance workshops, including session dates, formats, and the registration form, can also be found on the 21st CCLC webpage. These workshops are designed to support applicants in understanding program requirements and preparing high-quality proposals.

Applications must be emailed to 21stCCLC@doe.virginia.gov by the submission deadline. Late or incomplete submissions cannot be considered. 

The History and Social Science program will be offering several upcoming professional development opportunities for educators and division leaders. Please register in advance using the Zoom links.

Office Hours:

• Tuesday, June 9 Office Hours
  • Time: 10-11 a.m. 
  • Audience: History and Social Science Educators and Division Leaders   

• Tuesday, July 7 Office Hours
  • Time: 10-11 a.m.
  • Audience: History and Social Science Educators and Division Leaders

Spotlighting Virginia Educators Virtual Meetings:   

• Title: The Student-Led Museum Exhibition: Taking Informed Action Through Public History
  • Presenters: Beau Dickenson and Owen Longacre, Rockingham County Public Schools
  • Date: Thursday, June 16
  • Time: 10-11 a.m. 

• Title: From CER to Historical Argumentation: A Discipline-Specific Scaffold for Teaching Writing in Social Studies
  • Presenters: Abe Mikell with Augusta County Public Schools
  • Date: Monday, July 20
  • Time: 10-11 a.m. 

For instructional support and information, please contact the History and Social Science Program at vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov.   

In partnership with WIDA, VDOE will be offering two summer professional learning opportunities. 

• Writing with Multilingual Learners in the Secondary Grades: This in-person workshop is designed for secondary History and Social Science Teachers, English Language Development Teachers and Instructional Coaches. It will take place at 1180 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22901, 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., June 24-25.  
  • This two-day workshop will focus on writing instruction that supports the use of the Teaching and Learning Cycle as a way to empower multilingual writers, not only to produce successful academic writing but also, more importantly, to communicate effectively for a variety of purposes and audiences.  
  • Interested educators must register for Writing with Multilingual Learners in the Secondary Grades in advance.  

• Expanding Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners: This webinar series is designed for all K-12 classroom teachers, English Language Development teachers, and Instructional Coaches. It will take place August 5 and 12, 1-2:30 p.m. 
  • This series of two webinars and online resources provides ideas for expanding reading instruction to make it more effective for multilingual learners. Participants will learn ways to build on and expand current approaches to teaching reading and to engage multilingual learners in the interactions that support reading development. 
  • Interested educators must register for Expanding Reading Instruction with Multilingual Learners in advance.  

Christopher Newport University’s (CNU) Center of American Studies announces two free course offerings for K-12 U.S. History, Political Science and Civics Educators. These courses are tuition free on a first come, first serve basis (class size is limited to 15 teachers each) to be offered in the Summer of 2026. They are intended for educators currently teaching U.S History or Civics in a K-12 setting.   

To apply, go to CNU Graduate Admissions Application. Click on the “new applicant” link and fill out the information for the application. Select “Teacher Continuing Education” which designates this as a non-degree program. CNU is part of the Graduate Consortium, a partnership of universities that offer affordable and accessible graduate degrees, certificates, and courses uniquely designed for K-12 civics and history educators. More information can be obtained from Dr. Elizabeth Kaufer Busch. Due to course scheduling, selected applicants will be allowed to register for one of the two classes offered. 

These courses are predominantly asynchronous, with occasional synchronous interaction, held between July 6 - August 6. 

AMST 595A – Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1789, Instructor: Dr. Frank Garmon: This five-week intensive seminar investigates the intellectual foundation of the American Revolution and the Constitution - natural rights, liberty, virtue, equality, and self-government. 

AMST 595B – Encounters with the Constitution, Instructor: Dr. Jeffrey Morrison: This five-week intensive seminar explores foundational and contemporary interpretations of the U.S. Constitution through landmark Supreme Court cases, with a special emphasis on the First Amendment. 

Season 3 of the ActiVAtED Learning podcast brings fresh stories from Virginia schools, amplifies student voices, and delivers concise, practical episodes tailored for busy educators seeking strategies they can apply immediately. All new episodes—along with past seasons and additional resources—are available on major podcast platforms. 

Interested in discussing the podcast or learning more? Join Virtual Virginia’s Professional Development (PD) Summer Series beginning on June 2 to explore featured episodes and connect with several of the podcast’s guests. 

For those looking to earn professional development points and dive deeper, the ActiVAtED Learning Canvas Course is now open for enrollment. Participants who complete the course will receive 16 hours of professional development. This new season continues the series’ mission to spotlight innovative teaching practices across the Commonwealth, offering a window into classrooms where educators are activating student engagement through creativity, curiosity, and hands‑on learning. 

The Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia is offering free virtual workshops in Counseling on Access to Lethal Means (CALM). These workshops prepare participants to have collaborative and effective conversations about reducing access to lethal means during times of heightened suicide risk.  

Two options will be offered:  

• CALM Clinical (4 hours of training) for mental health professionals and behavioral/threat assessment team members 
• CALM Conversations (90 minutes of training) for other school personnel, parents, and community members connected to Virginia’s education communities.  

Please register for only one workshop. Sessions are interactive, and space is limited. Certificates of completion are provided for CALM Clinical participants. Register at CALM Training - The Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia. 

New training dates will be posted on the Campus Suicide Prevention Center’s website on an ongoing basis. School divisions are encouraged to share this opportunity with colleagues and check back for new workshop dates if the current dates do not align with their schedules.