June 2022

Welcome to Teaching and Learning TODAY! It is our goal to provide high-quality professional learning for teachers and ESPs as a value of membership in your Union. As the school year comes to a close across the Commonwealth, we hope you find time to reflect on it. What brought joy to your heart? What accomplishments are you proud of? What do you wish you had done differently? How will you recharge over the summer months? How have you grown as an educator and as a Union member?

Allow us to assist you as you learn, grow professionally, and impact others!

Updates from Teaching & Learning

VEA's EPIC Conference Coming this Fall!

Be on the lookout for more information about VEA’s EPIC (Education Professionals in Collaboration) Conference coming this fall! Save the date: October 7-8. An exciting keynote speaker has been secured and proposals are being reviewed very soon for presentations to round out the event. Registration will open August 1. Stay tuned!

Special Education

Calling all educators who teach students with autism! Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Inclusive Practices for All Is a FREE course provided by VDOE’s Training and Technical Assistance Center at Old Dominion University. This virtual course provides an overview of the characteristics of ASD as well as classroom strategies to support inclusion. This course can be completed at your own pace and will include a certificate for 3 hours upon completion. Participants will be able to:
1. identify common characteristics of ASD and how they may impact learning.
2. explain how traits in learners blend to create unique learner profiles.
3. identify and implement classroom strategies that support ALL learners, including those with ASD.

Click here to find out more!

National Board Certification

The National Board Academy hosted by NBPTS will take place virtually this summer June 28-30. All educators are welcome to attend this free event—you don’t have to be an NBCT or NB Candidate to participate and engage in the discourse around this year’s strands: Engage & Lead for Equity-Focused Change, Advocacy & Teacher Leadership, and Navigating Your National Board Journey. Keynote conversation topics include The Power of Community & Connection, The Reflective Practitioner, and Reimagining the Future of Teaching & Learning. Visit National Board Academy 2022 to learn more & register for this event.

SVEA Aspiring Educators

Early enrollment is open for first-time Aspiring Educators to join for the 2022-2023 membership year. Your membership will start September 1, but you’ll have liability coverage and access to NEA Member Benefits the day they join. This is a great opportunity for students who will begin their student teaching assignments prior to September 1^st. Click here to join and choose the “Next Membership Year” option.

Current Aspiring Educators may renew their membership for the upcoming year, too.

VirtualED

Why not take advantage of VEA’s Micro-Credentials to earn some re-licensure points? About 200 offerings can be found here. Topics and schedules are flexible!

Upcoming Opportunities

Regional Trauma Workshops

Become a National Board Certified Teacher

Want to Know More About National Board?

Summer break has arrived! Edutopia shares an article dealing with Teacher Wellness, “4 Ways to Take a Real Break This Summer.” Although written from a May 2021 standpoint, these points are still true for 2022.

Who's Who in Teaching and Learning

Dr. Amy Brown, who recently earned a Doctor of Education, Curriculum & Instruction degree from Liberty University, serves as Professional Practice and Policy Teaching Fellow for the VEA. Amy taught English, drama, and public speaking in York County for 19 years, and served as a lead mentor, lead clinical faculty, and assistant theater director. She first accomplished National Board Certification in 2006 and is building a system of support for VEA members interested in National Board. Her experience and passion for improving the quality of the teacher force is unrelenting, and we are fortunate to have her expertise as part of our team!

The Latest from VEA

Teaching & Learning Today: June 2022