VDOE TeacherDirect December 13, 2023

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Virginia Department of Education

TeacherDirect
December 13, 2023

VDOE Full Color Logo

Did You Know? 
To honor Virginia teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth and across the nation, all public and accredited nonpublic schools are invited to participate in the 2025 Mary V. Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year Program. The program is open to all exceptionally skilled and dedicated teachers in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 who hold a current renewable Virginia teaching license in the assigned teaching area. Additional educators and criteria apply. See the Educator Recognition webpage for complete details and to download the division application. Completed division applications packet are due by Feb. 8, 2024 at 4 p.m. to TeacheroftheYear@doe.virginia.gov.  For more information, see #2023-18 Virginia Education Update 2 November 2023.


HEADLINES

Virginia Licensure Online System
VDOE has launched its Virginia Licensure Online system (VALO) to help modernize the teacher licensure process and make the application and renewal experience more user-friendly for perspective and current teachers. The system is designed to assist applicants as they move through the licensure process. VALO will make it easier for prospective teachers to submit complete and accurate applications, keep track of their application status, and timely correct any needed information. Read more from VDOE!

Lexia Learning Kick-Off Sessions
Explore the upcoming Lexia Learning Kick-Off sessions tailored for division leaders and educators interested in integrating Lexia's evidence-based programs into their All In Tutoring plan. By registering, you'll gain valuable insights into the features of Lexia Core5®Reading and Lexia PowerUp Literacy®, and how it can elevate literacy acceleration as well as the benefits of partnering with Lexia for your ALL In Tutoring. For more information visit Lexia Learnings All In Tutoring page. See #2023-23 Virginia Education Update 7 December 2023 for session dates. 

Canvas's Training Services Portal Weekly Sessions
Educators can participate in training sessions each week via Canvas's Training Services Portal. To find any of the sessions listed below, first make sure you are logged into your Canvas account for your local school division. Click the Help button and select Training Services Portal. Select the Live Training Calendar to register. Upcoming 4 p.m. sessions include:
12/14: Course Communication Tools
12/18: Home Pages
12/19: Integrating Canvas and Google
12/20: Templates and Blueprints for Canvas Admins

VSTE Certified Coach Program
Join the fastest growing network of certified coaches in Virginia!  The VSTE Certified Coach program (#VCC) is now accepting applications for its 2024-2025 cohorts.  This program is open to all instructional coaches in Virginia and was created to provide a custom professional learning experience that allows participants to collaborate in cohorts while learning the art of coaching.  The VCC curriculum is aligned with the ISTE standards for coaching and has been developed in partnership with Forward Edge. Act fast- applications for one of the 2024-2025 VCC cohorts close on December 15!      

Virginia Literacy Act Cycle III Instructional Program Review Application Window: Jan. 2-16, 2024
VDOE is seeking applications from providers of K-8 supplemental literacy programsand K-8 literacy intervention programs. The Virginia Literacy Act requires recommended literacy instructional programs – including core (K-5), supplemental (K-8), and intervention (K-8) materials – that provideevidence-based literacy instruction aligned with science-based reading research for approval by the Virginia Board of Education. In partnership with Virginia Literacy   Partnerships at the University of Virginia, the VDOE is now opening the third cycle. The application window will open on January 2, 2024, and will close on January 16, 2024.   See #2023-23 Virginia Education Update 7 December 2023 for details and deadlines. 

Effective Early Literacy-January 9  
Join Virginia School Consortium for Learning to explore the relationships between language comprehension and word recognition to develop reading comprehension with our youngest learners. Participants will explore effective, evidence-based strategies grounded in research for engaging in intentional teaching and learning across the curriculum. Find out more information today!

Live Training to Get Started with Zearn Math
School divisions that have opted into Zearn Math for Virginia ALL In Tutoring are invited to join live trainings. These sessions, led by the Zearn team, will provide an orientation to Zearn Math’s platform and resources and explore how to successfully implement Zearn Math for tutoring. Register online today.

Foster Care in Virginia
There are over 5,000 children in foster care in Virginia. Many of the dedicated and licensed foster care parents have connections to education and commit to caring for children who need a warm, welcoming home until they are reunited with their family. To find out more information, consider attending an upcoming information session to learn more. 

Blueprints for Better Blending Conference-February 17  
Virtual Virginia and VSTE are gearing up for our fourth annual free, one-day Blended Learning Conference for public school educators nationwide. With topics in both synchronous and asynchronous instruction, “Blueprints for Better Blending” will highlight some of the amazing things teachers and leaders are doing to improve instruction.  Presentation proposals are currently being accepted for the conference. Visit the website for more details about the conference and to submit a presentation proposal.           

Virginia Statewide LMS Credentials for Educators & Technology/Infrastructure Personnel
Four credential opportunities are available, with two tracks for teachers and other education personnel and two tracks for technology/infrastructure personnel. Each will include a series of webinars and a brief online course. Participants who successfully complete a track will earn a certificate and digital badge worth five hours of professional learning. Register for the webinar series from February-March. 

Summer Language Institute
The Summer Language Institute at the University of Virginia offers a wide range of options for learners. Students can choose from Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Latin, Spanish, and Russian. The program is open to rising high school juniors and seniors, college/graduate students, and non-traditional students. During the last part of the program, students in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish will take the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPIc) to assess their language proficiency. Students learning Latin will be evaluated through the Avant (1 skill-reading). The deadline for applications is March 28. For more information, please visit the website.        

Share TeacherDirect with Your Peers!
TeacherDirect is designed to establish a direct line of communication with classroom teachers and educators. The goal of TeacherDirect is to provide a way to share news, instructional resources, and other information of special interest to teachers. Share this email and encourage your peers to sign up for weekly email notifications today! TeacherDirect will return in 2024 with more exciting news and updates! 


VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS


Education Administration and Professional Studies Certificate Opportunities
Shenandoah University now offers a synchronous Master of Science in Education Administration and Professional Studies Certificate in Administration & Supervision program. Take the next step in your educational career and register now for a virtual information session! Next session is January 25 at 6 p.m.

Online Licensure and Professional Development Courses 
Provisionally licensed teachers and teachers seeking recertification points – Longwood offers a variety of online courses for licensure requirements and professional development. Available courses include Foundations of Education, Classroom and Behavior Management, Reading and Writing Instruction in the Content Areas, Human Growth and Development, and more!  

Spanish Language and Culture for Educators
The Dual Master’s Degree is an accelerated 18-month program where students earn a M.Ed. from James Madison University and a European Master’s degree from the University of Salamanca, while working full-time. Visit the program website for schedule, locations, details, or email Dr. Diana Meza for more information.           

Special Education Certificate program
Marymount University's School of Education online Special Education Certificate program is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with students with disabilities and want to gain the skills to succeed. As a Program graduate, you will be well-prepared to work with students with disabilities in various settings. For more information contact Dr. Nicci T. Dowd.

Summer 2024 Online Literacy M.Ed. Cohort 
James Madison University is accepting applications for a fully online M.Ed. in Literacy Education that leads to Reading Specialist Endorsement. Apply or visit the Literacy Program website for more information. Contact Dr. Mark Lewis with questions.

M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision
Marymount University announces its fully online and asynchronous M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision. The program was designed for working professionals blending real-world applicability with real-time flexibility. Contact Dr. Marcia Baldanza for more information.

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