VEA Members: Teachers

Your Union Provides Help for You in the Classroom

VEA and NEA provide professional support for you no matter what stage of your career you’re in. Be sure to check out these resources:

VEA and NEA Foundation grants to fund your great idea
VEA conferences and workshops to learn and network
The Virginia Journal of Education, filled with tips from your peers

'VEA Helps Me on a Daily Basis'

Tracey Mercier, Bristol

“Being a member helps me on a daily basis. It helps me become more knowledgeable about issues facing public education—and I can teach every day knowing I’m not alone. I have the power, resources and support of my Association behind me.”

'VEA Is a Partner in My Professional Growth'

Kevin Hanna, Covington

“The Association has been a partner in my professional growth. Through VEA publications and meetings, I’ve become a better teacher. I don’t think I’d be the professional I am now without the Association. All education employees should be members.”

'VEA Has Helped Me Gain Courage'

Cathy Smith, Washington County

“The VEA has given me so many opportunities and such great training, not only to develop as a successful teacher but also as a leader in my local union. It’s helped me gain the courage to step outside my comfort zone and take on different roles. As the incoming District A president, I look forward to being a voice for southwest Virginia in promoting our wonderful school systems as well as continuing to advocate for better teacher pay. We educate the leaders of tomorrow and should be paid as such.”

'VEA Gives Me Support and Inspiration'

Ernest Chambers, Sr. , Charlottesville

“Being an Association member has allowed me to meet some amazing teachers throughout Virginia, and those relationships have been a great support and inspiration to me as I strive to be the best I can be for my students.”

VEA’s Award for Teaching Excellence

There is no greater honor the VEA bestows for outstanding work in the classroom than this annual award. Its winner, singled out for an ability to communicate with students and boost their academic achievement and growth, earns $500 and becomes the state’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.

Check back in November for next year’s nomination packet.

The 2019 winner is Joy Kirk, pictured with VEA President Jim Livingston. Joy has spent her entire 24-year career in Frederick County and teaches gifted students at Admiral Byrd Middle School. She’s known by her colleagues for her passion and leadership in classroom practice, advocacy for the profession, attention to diversity, community engagement, and professional development. Kirk says she’s constantly amazed at the willingness of adults to answer the questions of middle school students and has had NASA scientists, doctors, athletes, and writers visit her classroom. Those experts are often first identified and later followed up with by her students.

NEA Student Loan Forgiveness Navigator

Are you exasperated managing your student loans? We can help! As an educator, you may be able to have all or part of your federal student loans forgiven!

Check Eligibility

Association Grants Can Help Fund Your Classroom Projects

VEA Mini-Grants. Members are encouraged to apply for up to $500 to support innovative instructional practices that foster student growth. Proposal projects and activities should be student-centered, developmentally appropriate, and aligned with curriculum. The application process is digital.

NEA Foundation Grants. The NEA Foundation offers competitive grants of up to $5,000 for a range of professional development and instructional improvement endeavors. Application deadlines vary by program. Click here for application forms, examples of projects that have received funding, and much more.

View All Grants

Help a Deserving Future Educator Out!

Beblon G. Parks Scholarship

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior intending to pursue a career in education. Dependents of a VEA or VEA-Retired member are eligible.

VIEW ALL SCHOLARSHIPS

We Can Help You Be Even Better!

VEA offers more than 50 workshops we can bring to your local Association or school division. Pick a topic below and start exploring! Once you find what you need, or if you have questions, call 1-800-552-9554 or email workshops@veanea.org.

View All Workshops

What You Need to Have ‘On File’

It’s important to have all your professional documents readily available. Here are some important ones you should consider keeping in your personal professional file, suggested by the National Education Association:

Your letter of employment.
Your teaching license.
College transcripts.
Your teaching contract and any supplemental contracts.
Records relating to retirement benefits.
Leave records.
Association liability insurance policy.
Copies of your teaching schedule and assignments.

Any correspondence to or from the school administration.
Your school system’s salary schedule and your yearly salary notice.
Any letters of reprimand or praise.
Summaries of any conferences with supervisors.
All professional evaluations.
Documentation of awards, commendations, or honors you receive.
Records of any job-related seminars, workshops, or conferences you attend.
Letters to and from parents.
Brief accounts of parent conferences.
Record of any incidents that may increase your liability, such as disciplinary actions and student accidents.
Proof of your Association membership.
School calendar.

Are You Ready to Learn How VEA Works for You?

LEARN MORE ABOUT MEMBERSHIP

Teachers