Teaching & Learning Today: May 2024
May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024
Welcome to Teaching and Learning TODAY. You have made it to May, and the end of this school year is in plain sight. While you are busy with end-of-year duties, responsibilities, and activities, be sure to check out the opportunities for continued growth and development brought to you by your union. We are here for you and look forward to hearing from you about how we might support your needs as an educator.
Please share our newsletter far and wide!
If you are even considering National Board Certification, plan to attend Jump Start this summer.
NEA Jump Start for Initial Candidates is an in-depth three-day workshop for educators pursuing their initial National Board Certification. Led by NBCT facilitators, participants dig into their certificate requirements and spend time unpacking the foundational elements of the certification process. Participants gain tips and strategies as they begin their own journey toward becoming an NBCT.
Thursday-Saturday, June 27-29 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond, 2925 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA. Registration cost varies based on lodging needs and VEA membership. A full hot breakfast, snacks, and lunch are included each day. Click here to learn more and register. Registration will close June 6; do it by May 15 for a 20% discount.
MOC Jump Start is a one-day workshop for current NBCTs ready to embark on their Maintenance of Certification process. NBCT facilitators guide participants through a review of National Board fundamentals and a deep exploration of the MOC requirements and expectations. Participants gain strategies for success and begin developing their individual plan for completing the one-year MOC process.
Friday, June 28 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond, 2925 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA. Registration cost varies based on lodging needs and VEA membership. A full hot breakfast, snacks, and lunch is included. Click here to learn more and register. Registration will close on June 6, and there is a $10 discount if you sign up by May 15th.
To learn more about National Board Certification, visit our website or go to www.nbpts.org.
From our friends at VDOE
In an effort to improve our customer service, the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of Licensure is pleased to announce a new telephone answering service that will provide callers with options to direct calls to a licensure representative, reliable voicemail service, and a hold queue that answers calls in the order in which it was received with regular wait time updates. We hope the addition of this new phone service improves the customer experience for all our stakeholders and provides you with the personal connection and information that you require. The Office of Licensure phone number is 804-786-2302.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters for Educators
How educators understand and manage emotions can positively impact an entire school community. Learn about how to improve emotional intelligence and school culture. Listen to the Harvard EdCast.
Did you know that Edutopia had over 70 pages of collected resources and strategies dedicated to your and your students’ success, and they update them all the time! Click HERE to check them out!
The work of the Department of Teaching and Learning extends out of headquarters and works directly with members. This month, we will be featuring our Award for Teaching Excellence recipient:
Name: Andrea Eisenberger
Local: Virginia Beach Education Association
Role(s) that you have completed with VEA: Current Award for Teaching Excellence winner, Virginia Beach Education Association Vice President-Elect, Virginia Beach Education Association Board of Directors
# of years in education: 13
# of years in VEA: 7
How has being a union member helped you? Being a union member has opened a world of opportunity for me that did not exist before I joined. I initially became a member solely to apply for the NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellowship (’18). This led to involvement in my local as a building rep and then taking a position on the board. During my time with VBEA, I have attended the NEA Leadership Summit, Organizing School, Memberpalooza training, NEA Representative Assembly, VEA Delegate Assembly, and more. All these opportunities provided leadership training and gave me the confidence (and an outlet) to fight for the respect and professional working conditions educators deserve. It has also connected me to a network of like-minded educators from all over the country which has been invaluable in shaping me as a professional.
If you could give 1 piece of advice to someone in education, what would it be? Find your people. Being an educator can be lonely and overwhelming at times. Creating a network of positive, wise, and like-minded colleagues that extends beyond your building is a critical part of professional growth.
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) History month
Check out this reading list for educators focused on understanding and supporting APPI students in the classroom: Reading List for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (tcpress.com)
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! Students and educators deserve access to the mental health support and resources they need. NEA shares these resources that promote solution-oriented advocacy for much-needed mental health support for students and educators.
Teacher shortages are a serious issue across the country. Here in Virginia, there are currently over 3,648 unfilled teaching positions. (FY23)
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