Teaching & Learning Today: April 2022

April 2022

Welcome to the first edition of Teaching and Learning TODAY. There are many new and exciting opportunities in development for VEA members to continue to grow as professionals and as union members. VEA Teaching and Learning has re-imagined how to meet the needs of today’s educators and will use this platform to keep you apprised of what’s happening and what learning opportunities are available, no matter your position. It is our goal to provide high-quality professional learning for teachers and ESPs. Collaboration with field staff and members is important to assessing needs and developing products and programs in response to those needs, and we have some exciting things in store for you! So, be sure to tune in regularly.

Updates from Teaching and Learning

Aspiring Educators Growth Initiative for States

Teaching & Learning has been invited to participate in the Aspiring Educators Growth Initiative for States in collaboration with NEA to focus on strengthening our program at the state level. Training, coaching, and funding will be provided to us from NEA!

Regional Trauma Workshops are coming to a city near you!

VEA will be holding several regional workshops on the topic of trauma. Members will walk away with a better understanding of how trauma affects the brain of our students as well as learn a few tips on how to better support students in our care. Keep an eye open for registration information in the next newsletter!

Opportunities for NBCTs

We are looking for NBCTs interested in helping us grow our support for National Board Certification in a variety of ways. If you are interested in working with candidates as a mentor or cohort leader, or want to learn more about how you can advocate for National Board Certification support in your area, please click here to apply.

Help for Members’ Student Debt!

After extensive organizing and lobbying by NEA and its members, the U.S. Department of Education has announced a major overhaul of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program! Our members should be checking to see if they’re eligible for help with their student debt. Find the information that you need by clicking here.

VirtualED

Our stack of 6 Micro-credentials for Trauma-informed Pedagogy is now live!

The TPS Micro-credential Stack was developed by Citizen U® in conjunction with the Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Partner Program. The TPS micro-credentials provide educators with job-embedded training in the integration of inquiry learning with primary sources across grades and disciplines using a variety of frameworks and strategies.

Get Started Here

National Board Certification

Jump Start is back! If you are a candidate for National Board Certification seeking your initial certificate, this three-day hands-on workshop is for you! Participants will be guided by experienced NBCTs to unpack their own certificate standards, component instructions, and fundamentals of the NB process, such as the Core Propositions, while having the opportunity to network with fellow candidates. Jump Start registration includes three full days of programming, two meals daily, and lodging as requested. Space is limited, so register now! Jump Start is June 22-24 at Virginia Crossings Resort in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Register Here

SVEA Aspiring Educators

Aspiring Educators (SVEA-AE) to Active Professional Rebate

Former Aspiring Educators (AE) who join VEA/NEA during their first year of eligibility for Active Professional Membership are entitled to a special rebate. The rebate is $20 for each year of membership as an Aspiring Educator (Student Member) for up to 4 years. Someone who joined the AE program for one year can apply for a $20 rebate. And an AE member for 4 years is entitled to apply for an $80-rebate! The rebate application must be submitted no later than May 1^st.

Submit Your VEA Rebate

Special Education

Looking for resources as a Special Educator?

This month, we will highlight the Back-to-Basics series, created in partnership between VDOE and Old Dominion University. As described on the VDOE website, “This professional development initiative is designed to support Virginia school division personnel by providing introductory information on special education compliance. These modules provide information that is valuable for the schools and families who support Virginia’s students with disabilities.”

If you have questions related to Special Education or need to know where to find something on the VDOE website, please email abrown@veanea.org.

During this time of teacher shortages and teachers leaving the field, it is interesting to note that a study in South Carolina found attrition rates among National Board Certified Teachers were significantly lower than the statewide attrition rate over a period of 5 years. While some NBCTs in SC referenced the stipend awarded to NBCTs as an incentive, many NBCTs attest to the certification process as a growth experience that has improved their practice and re-energized their passion for teaching. Numerous studies show the positive impact NBCTs have in their schools, with many students of NBCTs showing learning gains of 2-3 months ahead of their peers with non-NBCT teachers. Virginia currently has almost 4,000 NBCTs, but they are heavily concentrated in just a handful of districts and, as of December, fewer than 45 of Virginia’s 133 school districts had active candidates for certification. The VEA is developing support for our NBCTs and NB candidates to serve both our educators by elevating the teaching profession and our students by improving the quality of teaching and learning through this meaningful professional growth. Want to learn more about National Board Certification? Contact us at akbrown@veanea.org, or use this form to request an informational presentation or webinar.

Who's Who in Teaching and Learning

This month we would like to introduce Donna Hamilton, Administrative Assistant and SVEA-AE Coordinator for Teaching & Learning. Donna has enjoyed a long tenure with VEA and worked in various offices over the years. She has been working with the student program and this office for 13 years. Donna is a vital part of the team as she keeps us on track with events coming up and provides too many support services to try to mention. Her current focus is recruiting and engaging student members and advisors. Donna may be reached at dhamilton@veanea.org

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