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Welcome! I am so excited to work with you!

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Top 100 Professions and Top 10 Degree Programs to Support Student Academic and Career Planning

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Top 100 Professions and Top 10 Degree Programs to Support Student Academic and Career Planning

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Pursuant to § 22.1-253.13:1.D.e, the top 100 professions in the Commonwealth by median pay and the education, training, and skills required for each such profession and the top 10 degree programs at institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth by median pay of program graduates have been updated:

Top 100 professions in the Commonwealth by median pay and the education, training, and skills required for each such profession (docx)

Top 10 degree programs at institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth by median pay of program graduates (docx)

Refer to CTE Memo 229-23 for more detail.

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CTE Announcements & News | Virginia Department of Education

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The Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is accepting nominations for the 2024- 2025 CTE curriculum review committees. School divisions may nominate a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher for any of the 39 committees. Approximately 12 applicants will be selected by the Superintendent of Public Instruction to serve on each committee. All nominees who wish to serve on a committee must complete the web-based application using the CTE Application Processing System (CTEAPS). Refer to CTE Memo 244-24 and the CTE Review/Development Committee Schedule for more detail.

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If you are not familiar with Kid Museum, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn about all the great things they do for both educators and students. I highly recommend!

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UVA Learning Community Opportunity!  Free!

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UVA Learning Community Opportunity!  Free!

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Spark+ Experience.

The CTE has selected six courses of particular relevance to new faculty and invites you to take these bite-sized courses and discuss them with colleagues in a series of one-hour Zoom sessions. The sessions start in late September and will be led by a CTE facilitator.

To obtain your free license to OneHE, you simply commit to attending at least three of the six sessions and coming prepared to discuss the OneHE courses and how to apply the teaching practices to your own contexts. Register to get your free one-year license to OneHE and to sign up for the learning community sessions you plan to attend.

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Explore select OneHE courses and discuss them with colleagues in a CTE-facilitated learning community.

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Teaching soft skills? Here is a great video on resume writing.

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Instruction to Industry:  Resume Writing

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The countdown to Winter Break is on! Keeping students engages and energized during these few short weeks can be daunting, but here are 10 ways to help!

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10 Ways to Keep Students Focused Before a Holiday Break

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How to keep students focused before a holiday break

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Try some of these strategies!

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The 7 Best Ways to Avoid Teacher Burnout in 2024

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Do you want to maintain your passion for teaching through the school year? Learn the 7 best tips to avoid burnout this year.

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This may be something you are interested in! VCU program to provide health science curriculum and pedagogical support. There is a registration form for the 2025-2027 cohort

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NIH PATHS Institutes – VCU PATHS Institute for Middle and High School Teachers

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The Virginia ABC Alcohol Education and Prevention Grant Application opened on January 1.  Grant applicants can apply for up to $10,000 in funding for an initiative that must address one or more of the following priorities: underage drinking prevention, prevention or high-risk drinking prevention. Applications are due by 5pm on March 1.

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This free week-long professional development experience is offered by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research in Washington D.C., July 28-August 1. It connects educators with subject matter experts and introduces the basics of basic science research within AFOSR. Applications are accepted from licensed, practicing K-12 educators with educators from Title I schools prioritized in the selection process. Applications are due by February 28.

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Governor Youngkin's proclamation:

https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/proclamations/proclamation-list/career-and-technical-education-month-2.html

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February 16-22, 2025

National Engineers Week, February 16-22, 2025, is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers. It is also an opportunity to engage preK-12 students in career exploration

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This is a time to recognize the critical work of engineers, technicians, and technologists.

1. Join us on social media #Eweek2024

Post photos of your team, engineering projects, and even selfies!

Share a message about engineering's vital role in innovating solutions to global challenges, the value of engineers, or engaging students in engineering.

2. Host an event.

It can be as simple as coffee or lunch with a few colleagues to hosting an organization wide celebration.

Recognize individuals to honor their achievements - in person, online, or by nominating them for an award.

Invite an inspiring speaker to deliver a virtual or live talk.

Post pictures #Eweek2024

3. Advocate for the field.

Ask your mayor, governor, or congressional representative to issue a proclamation recognizing the contributions of engineers.

Work with your corporation, society, or college communications team to post a message from leadership.

4. Tell a friend.
Do your colleagues, friends, and family know about Engineers Week and what your plans are for celebrating? Tell them and let them join in the fun.

Get Inspired. Google Engineers Week 2023 and see what folks did last year!

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Engineers Week is a year-round commitment to making a difference. It is a time to celebrate engineers and engage youth.

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Virginia Tackling Shortage of CTE Teachers

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Virginia Tackling Shortage of CTE Teachers

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RICHMOND - With a growing demand for skilled workers, Virginia lawmakers are tackling a critical issue: the shortage of career and technical education (CTE) teachers. A bipartisan effort to provide an alternative pathway for CTE instructors has cleared both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits review by the governor.

Businesses across the state have struggled to fill workforce gaps, a challenge that has been a major focus of Gov. Glenn Youngkin's administration. While CTE programs are seen as a vital pipeline for future workers, they face the same staffing shortages as public schools.

"The shortage is expected to worsen over the next five years, and the demand for these programs is increasing," said Sen. Adam Ebbin, D-Alexandria, who sponsored Senate Bill 879, during a Senate subcommittee hearing last month.

Virginia recorded more than 708,800 students enrolled in at least one CTE course during the 2022-23 school year, Ebbin noted. Yet, filling teaching positions remains a major hurdle - especially for career switchers facing what he called "unrealistic coursework" requirements before they can teach in their specialized fields.

Ebbin's legislation and House Bill 2018 aim to address this challenge by allowing CTE teacher candidates to receive a provisional license for up to three years. To qualify, candidates must have completed high school or hold an equivalent certificate, along with a special certificate or license in their subject area.

The programs impacted include construction, manufacturing, public safety, and transportation. But unlike traditional teacher licensure, candidates would not have to fulfill all Virginia Board of Education requirements for a full teaching license.

Del. Bonita Anthony, D-Norfolk, who carried the legislation in the House and transitioned from engineering to teaching, emphasized the legislation's broader impact. "By addressing teacher shortages and supporting CTE programs, this bill strengthens Virginia's workforce and classrooms," she said.

Her bill was modified to align with the Senate version, which was more "narrowly focused," according to House Education Committee Chair Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke.

A key addition to the House version of the bill was the equivalency assessment framework, designed to ensure licensure keeps pace with evolving industry standards. The legislation has drawn backing from some Northern Virginia school divisions, the Virginia Manufacturers Association, SkillsUSA Virginia Foundation, and the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education.

While education advocates generally support giving candidates time to earn industry credentials, some worry about cutting essential coursework. Virginia Education Association Policy Analyst Chad Stewart told a Senate subcommittee last month that skipping key teaching courses - such as classroom management - could hurt new instructors.

"We think these teachers are going to be more likely to stay in the classroom if they have these skills," Stewart said. "They're also three-hour courses that you can take over the course of three years while you're on your provisional license. We don't see this as overbearing. We see these as essential courses that should be taken by all teachers to be effective and serve all students well."

Despite the debate, the legislation is moving forward. On Thursday, the Senate Education and Health Committee advanced HB 2018 to the full Senate for consideration.

Meanwhile, Ebbin's version of the bill sailed through the Senate with a unanimous 40-0 vote on Monday and now heads to the House for consideration.
Virginia Mercury is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Virginia Mercury maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Samantha Willis for questions: info@virginiamercury.com.

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Virginia House, Senate Move to Fast-Track CTE Teachers | Williamsburg Yorktown Daily

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RICHMOND - With a growing demand for skilled workers, Virginia lawmakers are tackling a critical issue: the shortage of career and technical education (CTE) teachers. A bipartisan effort to provide an alternative pathway for CTE instructors has cleared both chambers of the General Assembly and now awaits review by the governor.

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Virginia ACTE: Invest in Me, Invest in CTE

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Virginia ACTE: Invest in Me, Invest in CTE

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The 2024 AAFCS Annual Report is now available for review! It’s been an exciting and productive year, with the AAFCS team working tirelessly to advance our mission and support the FCS community. This year, we’ve focused on key pillars: Elevate, Invest, Commit, and Think. Through these initiatives, we’ve strived to elevate our programs, commit to fostering growth, think strategically about the future, and invest in the development of our members and the field. We’re thrilled to share all the accomplishments, progress, and initiatives that have taken place. From innovative programs to dedicated efforts from our board of directors, there’s so much to celebrate. We can’t wait for you to explore the report and see all the incredible work that’s been done. It’s a testament to the passion and commitment of the AAFCS team!

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A deficit of skilled workers is looming: Career Tech Education could be lucrative path for students

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Career Technical Education (CTE) programs offer students access to a wide range of career paths. If high school students were once advised to focus primarily on traditional four-year universities as their next step after graduation, more and more of today’s students are considering CTE programs as they seek to find rewarding, lucrative career paths.

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Virtual Virginia’s Statewide Professional Learning Webinars 

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Virtual Virginia’s Statewide Professional Learning Webinars 

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The free webinars will take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM, featuring expert educators discussing key topics in literacy, computer science integration, accessibility, and digital learning environments. For more details and to sign up, visit Virtual Virginia’s official website.   Webinar Schedule:
May 6 – Supporting Comprehension Using Quad Text Sets for Grades 4-12 with Dr. Sarah Lupo, JMU May 13 – Introduction to Computer Science Integration with Michelle Pealo, CodeVA
May 20 – Accessibility in Action: Building Inclusive Digital Learning Environments-Brandy Sidlo, ODU
May 27 – Division Strategies for CS Standards Rollout with Nick Grzeda, Loudoun County PS
June 3, 10, 17 – ActiVAtED Learning Podcast Series:This three-part series will highlight conversations with educators sharing what inspires them about using technology to enhance student engagement.

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The free AI Teacher Workshop is hosted by and for teachers on July 23 and 24 starting at 10a.m.. Participants will engage in topics such as responsible use, maintaining rigor, and successfully facilitating student AI tool use. Tools covered include like Brisk, Magic School, Khanmigo, NotebookLM, and advanced ChatGPT functions. Register or learn more today!

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Share Your Voice: Phones in Focus Educator Survey

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Share Your Voice: Phones in Focus Educator Survey

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Educators across the Commonwealth are encouraged to share their thoughts in this national survey from Phones in Focus. This non-partisan research is led by the psychologist Angela Duckworth (University of Pennsylvania) and the economists Hunt Allcott and Matt Gentzkow (Stanford University) and is focused on providing evidence-based recommendations for school phone policies that optimally support academic learning, healthy social relationships, and emotional well-being. The Phones In Focus survey asks educators about their current and prior cell phone policies and enforcement. This data allows state and school division decision makers get a better understanding of school cell phone policies and their implementation across the Commonwealth.

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These grants are available to AP teachers who are teaching one of the following courses in the 2025-2026 school year: AP African American Studies, AP Precalculus, AP Computer Science Principles, and AP Seminar.  Participant grants support the tuition cost of an in-person or virtual Advanced Placement Summer Institute in June, July, or August. Additional information on how to apply is available in this flyer.

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Virginia Food for Virginia Kids Training Series - Virtual Virginia Professional Learning Program

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The Virginia Food for Virginia Kids (VFVK) Training Series provides detailed information related to transitioning to scratch cooking, increasing local food procurement, and developing student inspired meals.

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National Air and Space Museum -- Udvar-Hazy Fly-in and Family Day

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National Air and Space Museum -- Udvar-Hazy Fly-in and Family Day

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The National Air and Space Museum is flying into summer! Join on June 14 for a big summer celebration at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly VA.

Explore the Innovations in Flight fly-in and take part in the Soar Together Family Day.

Tickets are required for Innovations in Flight outside events. Tickets are not required for indoor Soar Together at Air and Space Family Day activities.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Time: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

More information and additional NASM activities can be found on their Events Page: https://airandspace.si.edu/whats-on/events

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During this three-day program, educators will work hands-on with programming languages, complete coding projects, and study lesson plans and curricular resources as they plan for providing high-quality coding instruction in their schools. CodeVA is offering two versions of the Programming Institute: either virtually June 23-25 and in-person in Roanoke July 21-23. Learn more about the Institute and costs or register now!

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Virginia Children's Engineering Convention will be held on September 19-20 in Henrico at Reynolds Community College. VCEC is seeking K-8 hands-on activities and problem-based workshop proposals focused on the conference theme: STEM Recharged: Reviving Science and Math; Engineering Virginia’s Future? This theme emphasizes restoring focus on science and math while acknowledging the continued importance of technology and engineering. Deadline for proposals is June 30.

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for School Personnel 

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for School Personnel 

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The VDOE Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety is offering free Youth Mental Health First Aid training for school staff, sponsored by the Virginia Cooperative Extension/Virginia Tech Opioid Abatement Authority Project Services (VCE-COPE). This virtual training follows a blended format: participants first complete a two-hour, self-paced online course, followed by a 4.5 to 5.5-hour instructor-led video session. Register by July 3. Contact Jennifer Fichthorn, VCE-COPE Project Coordinator and Evaluator, with questions.

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VCEE Summer Professional Development for Educators

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VCEE Summer Professional Development for Educators

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The Virginia Council on Economic Education (VCEE) offers high-quality, standards-aligned workshops both in-person and online to support economics and personal finance instruction. Learn more or register for one of the upcoming opportunities:
-Personal Finance Bootcamps June 24 –Northern VA | June 26 – Southeast VA: One-day workshops with real-world applications.
-Online Economics Institute July 6 – August 17: Self-paced, 45-hour PD for high school teachers.
-Online Personal Finance Institute July 6 – August 17: Covers credit, insurance, taxes, and more. Certification eligible.
-Mini-Economy Institute July 29–30: Interactive Grades 3–8 workshop on classroom economies.
-Silk Roads and Sunken Cities: Economics in World History Institute August 5–6: Offered by VCU and GMU, this institute explores how economics shaped global history using inquiry-based lessons.

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The University of Virginia's School of Education and Human Development will be hosting a free webinar on K-12 Leadership and AI featuring Jose Bowen, Author of "Teaching Change" and the co-author of "Teaching With AI" on Tuesday, July 22 from 9 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m. This seminar is designed for school and division leaders and teacher leaders. To register for the event, use this link.