This Competition is accepting registration from teams of students across the country to solve orbit determination, satellite component planning, and launch vehicle selection scenarios presented in a series of online rounds. These are real-world space design challenges. All training, mentoring, and software needed for success are provided. Each team requires an adult leader (typically a teacher) and 2-6 students. A fee of $200 is waived for Title I schools and JROTC teams. Deadline to register is October 17.

VDOE Presentations for Teachers
Recorded presentations for teachers are available on the Growth Assessments page on the VDOE website. The recordings currently posted on this webpage describe a method for using Standards of Learning assessment data to inform instruction, assist in using the Student Detail by Question data extract file, and provide an overview of the Grades 3-8 Reading and Mathematics Growth Assessments for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond. Check them out today!

These Webinars are opportunities for Virginia science educators to hear directly from the VDOE Science Team and will be held the third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. starting September 21. The topic of the September Teacher Webinar is Safety and the Science and Engineering Practices. Future topics include Supporting English Learners in Science (October), Using the Common Rubric with Science Performance Assessments (November), and Developing Science Literacy (January). Consider registering for any or all of the VDOE Science Teacher Webinars today!

A live virtual professional development opportunity for High-Quality Work-Based Learning stakeholders, “Experience Works—Trailblazing Together for High-Quality Work-Based Learning,” was conducted virtually on June 22-23, 2022. Work-Based Learning coordinators, Career and Technical Education teachers, administrators, school counselors, career coaches, and business and industry leaders attended this informative event. If you missed it, view the recorded sessions and exhibitor videos, which could be a valuable resources. For more information, visit the High-Quality Work-Based Learning webpage.  

The 8th Annual Write-to-Learn Conference will be held on September 17 on the campus of Shenandoah University from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. The Keynote will feature Social Emotional Learning and Literacy with Deidre Farmbry, a CASEL Senior District Advisor, career educator, and board member of the National Writing Project. Breakout sessions will be led by SVWP Teacher Consultants. Find out more information or register today!

The Virginia Council for Mathematics Supervision will host its Fall Conference October 13-14, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Richmond-Midlothian. Kevin Dykema, NCTM’s President-Elect, will serve as the featured speaker. Dykema is the co-author of Productive Math Struggle: A 6-Point Action Plan For Fostering Perseverance.  To register and view the full agenda for the Conference, please visit the VCMS website.     

Virginia Ed Strategies is currently seeking high school math, science, computer science, and CTE teachers to join CHOICE, an exciting program that empowers teachers, provides them with $1500 per year to self-select professional learning aligned to their goals, and feel support from an online community of peers and resources statewide. There is no cost to teachers or schools to participate, and teachers have autonomy relative to engagement in program activities to fit their unique needs. Complete an interest form and learn more today.

On September 28 from 3:30-4:15 p.m, the VDOE Fine Arts Coordinator will share numerous resources and strategies for incorporating career awareness and workplace readiness into curricula for dance, music, theatre, and visual arts education. A certificate of participation will be issued to those who attend the live session and complete the exit survey and reflection. The session will be recorded. Register to attend.      

This is a yearlong professional development initiative for teachers completing their second year of teaching at the end of the 2021-2022 school year and entering their third year of teaching during the 2022-2023 SY as a provisionally licensed special education teacher. The Academy provides teacher support beyond mentorship in an effort to enhance the retention, as well as the overall performance of provisionally licensed special education teachers. Completed applications and recommendations are due to the VDOE by September 23. See Superintendent’s Memo 163-22 for details.

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. This video can show how to use the TSP. The upcoming hour-long sessions are appropriate for Division and School Leaders, Statewide LMS Admin, K-12 Instructors, and Support:
-9/8 at 10:30 a.m.: Set Up for Graded Content
-9/9 at noon: Course Design Considerations
-9/12 at 9 a.m.: Assessment Tools for Admins 
-9/13 at 3:30 p.m.: Canvas for Performanced-Based Teaching
-9/14 at 2 p.m. (Registration required for this VV offering only):Building Better PD: School & Division Leaders 

In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, 2022 resources and materials are available from the U.S. Department of Education for school divisions to consider when developing an instructional program for their students. Congress passed legislation that requires the implementation of an educational program pertaining to the United States Constitution, on a date designated by statute officially as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. 

As the anniversary of September 11, 2001 approaches, some informational resources that may be useful in planning educational activities in remembrance of September 11. Resources that may be useful are listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s 9/11 Materials for Teachers.  School divisions may consider these as they determine what kind of instructional programs are appropriate for their students. 

The full-time literacy faculty from the Virginia Tech School of Education are hosting webinars to support teachers moving reading sciences into practice  on Tuesdays in Sept.-Nov. at 5 p.m. Register for the September 20 webinar, A Place for Enrichment: Building on the Promise of Place-Based Learning with Talented Readers and Writers in Rural Schools- Rachelle Kuehl or learn more from VT about the webinars and costs. Contact Dr. Heidi Anne Mesmer with questions