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Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition
VMSC is accepting nominations for effective student and teacher education programs for its annual “Programs That Work” Awards. The VMSC recognizes exemplary science, integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs for which there is evidence of a positive impact on student or teacher learning. Applications must be received no later than April 18.
Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission Opportunity-Extended Deadline
Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera, VDOE, and VA250 invite students to help make history come alive and enter the Expressions of Freedom competition. This is an opportunity for grade 3-12 students to share their ideas and perspectives through artwork, videos, audio recordings, poetry or essays in response to the question, “What does Freedom mean to you?” Selected student work will be placed in a time capsule in the restored pedestal of the statue of George Washington located in historic Trafalgar Square, London, England. Submissions are now due by April 18.
History and Social Science Instructional Update
On March 26, 2025, VDOE staff provided an update on the History and Social Science Instructional Guides to the Board of Education. The Standards implementation remains on track and underway. Check out the roll out plan and calendar and the release of the History and Social Science instructional guides.
Virginia Volunteerism Summit
Governor Youngkin has officially proclaimed April 20–26 as Virginia Volunteer Week, recognizing the vital contributions of volunteers across the Commonwealth. The 2025 Virginia Volunteerism Summit will take place virtually May 14-15, offering community members, volunteer engagement professionals, nonprofit leaders, and students invaluable opportunities to get inspired by nationally-known keynotes, learn best practices for service and volunteerism through hands-on workshops, meet others across the state, and share resources. Learn more today!
National Volunteer Week & Global Youth Service Day
National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 20–26 as part of Global Volunteer Month, highlights the impact of service and encourages volunteers of all ages to get involved. Coinciding with Global Youth Service Day (April 25–27), it’s a great time to engage students in meaningful community projects. Get inspired and get involved! Check out the free resources and partner toolkit from Serve Virginia.
National STEM Excellence Scholarship
Awardees will receive a one-time $10,000 scholarship to support their continuing studies. Applicants must be high school seniors who plan to enroll in a full-time undergraduate study in a STEM related area of study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire 2025-26 academic year. Applications are due by April 28.
NSELA Webinar-April 30
The National Science Education Leadership Association is offering a free virtual webinar, Empowering Educators in SEPs: Maximizing Student Engagement While Minimizing Teacher Prep. The webinar will demonstrate how scaffolds ranging from graphing and data analysis tools to evidence organizers and claim-evidence-reasoning frameworks can facilitate student-driven investigations. Register today.
VDOE Fine Arts Summer Professional Learning
The VDOE Fine Arts summer webinar sessions will provide relevant and accessible professional learning for Virginia’s fine arts educators related to implementation of the Standards and content of the newly released Instructional Guides resource. Sessions are intended to support both new and returning fine arts educators and leaders in preparing for the 2025-2026 school year.
James River Leadership Expedition
JRLE is seeking rising 9th to rising 12th grade students to join them for a free yearlong program that takes students on an immersive journey down the James River. Participants gain hands-on environmental science experience, develop leadership skills, and connect with peers. The program includes a multi-day river expedition, community-based projects, and leadership development. Applications are due by April 30.
Tips for Working with Families of MLS with Disabilities
Engaging with families of multilingual learners with disabilities is a vital step in creating a supportive classroom environment. Educator Brighid Finley shares her advice for working with MLs with disabilities and their families. Read more today!
School Library Month
A school library is an essential component in supporting each school's instructional program by providing a variety of learning and teaching resources supporting academic standards and information literacy skills. Governor Youngkin issued a Proclamation recognizing the importance that they play in tackling unprecedented learning loss in reading. The full potential of school libraries is dependent upon trained professional Virginia School Librarians whose skills assist teachers and students in effectively using a wide range of information resources. VDOE encourages all Virginians to recognize and appreciate the contributions of school libraries and librarians in their communities. Thank you School Librarians!
Arab American Heritage Month
The Virginia General Assembly issued House Joint Resolution No. 82 designating April as Arab American Heritage Month. This month honors the contributions of Arab Americans who have played an important role in enriching the Commonwealth with contributions to all areas of life. Governor Youngkin issued a Proclamation in recognition of this month. Resources are available from Smithsonian museums and its affiliates, like the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Asian Pacific Center, Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives, and Arab American National Museum.
VAST 2025 Professional Development Institute Registration Now Open
The Virginia Association of Science Teachers is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Professional Development Institute, taking place November 13–15, in Alexandria. The event will kick off with a preconference session led by Dr. John Almarode, focusing on Leveraging High-Impact Strategies and Science Practices to Empower Learners. Educators interested in presenting at the conference are encouraged to submit a proposal by June 15. Learn more today.
Virginia Data Science Institute
This free Virginia High School Data Science Professional Learning Institute will be held at the Katherine G. Johnson Hall at the GMU Science and Technology Campus in Manassas on June 24-25. Suggested participants include grade 8 - 12 math teachers, coaches, and specialist who support high schools, or teach the Virginia Data Science High School course. Register or learn more today.
PD for Spanish Teachers: Seeing in Spanish
The University of Virginia’s Center for the Liberal Arts will offer this free program on April 26 at 10 a.m. at the Piedmont Virginia Community College. This program will be conducted 100% in Spanish for K-12 Spanish teachers and will focus on visual culture, specifically film, visual arts, and comic books. Attendees will explore and take away ways to bring film, visual arts, and graphic novels into the classroom to enhance language acquisition while helping students engage critically with the Spanish-speaking world. Visit CLA for details and registration.
VIRGINIA COLLEGE & UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Reading Specialist Programs
William & Mary offers a MAED program and a post-professional online certificate for teachers who would like to add a reading specialist endorsement. Both programs are fully online, offered in 7-week terms during fall and spring semesters and 5-week terms over summers. New cohorts start in July! Join the info webinar on April 16, at 5 p.m. or email questions to denise.johnson@wm.edu.
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