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Welcome to our Padlet! Please share one resource or tip that you will use to get your school year started.

Magic School AI is one that I use. The free version has so many time saving resources to use on a daily basis in your classroom.

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MagicSchool.ai - AI for teachers - lesson planning and more!

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Join over a million teachers saving hours of time using the #1 AI Platform for Education, MagicSchool, to help lesson plan, differentiate, write assessments, write IEPs, communicate clearly, and more!

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Guidance

for Cell Phone-Free Education

Pursuant to Executive Order 33

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This newsletter will come to your inbox every Wednesday from VDOE. I enjoy reading it weekly as it provides a variety of information and opportunities for educators.

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Virginia Department of Education - Subscribe to TeacherDirect

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We only use cookies that are necessary for this site to function to provide you with the best experience. The controller of this site may choose to place supplementary cookies to support additional functionality such as support analytics, and has an obligation to disclose these cookies. Learn more in our Cookie Statement.

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PAEMST Nominations
Nominate an outstanding STEM teacher for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)! Anyone can nominate a teacher, and self-nominations are welcome. This year, the award is open to teachers in grades 7-12, with K-6 teachers eligible to apply next year. National awardees receive a $10,000 prize, recognition events, and professional development.

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The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) are the highest national mentoring award bestowed by the White House.

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Headspace is now free for all teens in the US. If you’re between the ages of 13–18 years old in the US.

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Our goal at Headspace is to improve the health and happiness of the world. A big part of that is helping the next generation be kind to their minds with free access to a Headspace membership.

We're excited to collaborate with more leaders and organizations who share the same passion to support the mental health of teens in underserved communities by expanding our mission globally.

If you're a youth-focused nonprofit interested in joining us, please fill out our partnerships form:

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Our goal at Headspace is to improve the health and happiness of the world. A big part of that is helping the next generation be kind to their minds with free access to a Headspace membership.

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Virginia Council on Economic Education

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VAST 2024 Annual Professional Development Institute 

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VAST 2024 Annual Professional Development Institute 

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The Virginia Association of Science Teachers Institute will be held in Williamsburg, November 14- 16. See the VAST website for more information.

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Virginia Association of Science Teachers - 2024 PDI

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“Global CSI: Curiosity. Science. Inspiration.”

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Welcome to Headspace for Educators

Headspace offers free access to K-12 (primary-secondary) teachers and supporting staff in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Whether you’re feeling inspired to connect more with your students or you’re looking for a new way to bring calm to your classroom, Headspace can help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Better focus, less stress, and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away.

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Improving the health and happiness of the world, one educator at a time.

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The American Revolution Institute announces their inaugural Virginia Society Teacher award. This award will recognize excellence in teaching the American Revolution and Virginia’s role in it. Any K-12 teacher in Virginia is welcome to apply. The successful applicant will receive $2,500. Applications are due by December 15.

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Virginia Teacher of the Year Application - The American Revolution Institute

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Registration

This event is free and open to the community.

Applications for the next fiscal year open in December! Join the VCA for this virtual workshop to learn which grant is the best fit for your organization. This session will offer valuable guidance on navigating the application process, what to include, when to submit, and how to enhance your overall grant proposal.

Tuesday, December 10
10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Hosted virtually via Zoom

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Which VCA Grant is Right For You? Workshop

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Please click the link to complete this form.

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VDOE Multilingual Learner Resource Review Committee

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VDOE Multilingual Learner Resource Review Committee

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VDOE Multilingual Learner Resource Review Committee
The Virginia Department of Education is seeking applications from individuals who are qualified and available to serve on the VDOE Multilingual Learner Resource Review Committee. Applicants should be teachers, content specialists, or other educators who are knowledgeable about the instructional practices for multilingual learners.  All individuals who wish to serve on this committee must submit an online application. Approximately seven - nine members will be selected. The application will require a professional reference and supervisor approval.

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Multilingual Learner Resource Review Committee - Application

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The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

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Engineer Girl-Innovating Smarter 2025 Writing Contest

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Engineer Girl-Innovating Smarter 2025 Writing Contest

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2025 Writing Contest Rules and Regulations

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Download a PDF copy of the complete rules and regulations. Participants will create and submit an original piece of writing that responds to the…

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GWLA Selection Committee- Call for Applications

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GWLA Selection Committee- Call for Applications

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VDOE is seeking applications to serve on the Governor's World Language Academies Student Selection Committee for the French, German, Spanish, Latin, and Japanese Academies. Proficiency in the target language is preferred but not required. Applicants should be teachers, content specialists, or other educators who are knowledgeable about the Academies. Committee meetings will be held March 12-14 in the Williamsburg or Richmond area. This is a volunteer committee, and selected members will be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state travel policy and guidelines.  Applications are due to the VDOE by January 25.

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Governor’s World Language Academies Selection Committee application.

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2025 VITAL Conference- Feb. 6 & 8
Registration is now open for Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership Conference, Virtual Virginia’s free, online annual professional learning conference. The event highlights Virginia educators and leaders who support educational innovations in classrooms, schools, and divisions.

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Virginia Innovative Teaching & Leadership (VITAL) Conference - Virtual Virginia

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Teamwork Is VITAL 2025 VITAL Conference February 6 & 8, 2025 Virtual Virginia’s annual professional learning conference is now the Virginia Innovative Teaching and Leadership Conference (VITAL). The event highlights Virginia educators and leaders who support educational innovations in classrooms, schools, and divisions. Since 2020, VVA has annually supported Virginia’s teachers and leaders through its […]

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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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STEM Teacher Leadership Academy — AFOSR STEM

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As an educator, you're constantly navigating changes and challenges. From dealing with sudden schedule shifts to managing student behavior, you have a lot to juggle each day. On top of it all, you're trying to keep up with the needs of your students and your own life.

It's understandable if you feel overwhelmed. You may be looking for ideas on how to practice self-care - or how to find time to practice self-care. To help with this, we asked our Understood Teacher Fellows to share ways they take care of themselves.

Here are five ideas for practicing self-care as a teacher.

1. Set and maintain boundaries.

From planning lessons to calling families, teachers often take their work home with them. But it's important to schedule your day to include an actual end time, as well as time for breaks and self-care practices.

Students often use graphic organizers and visual schedules to organize information. Those same tools can help you process your thoughts and prioritize tasks - whether in the classroom or at home.

For example, when-then sentences can help you set and maintain boundaries. You might write, " When I finish writing the class newsletter, then I take a short walk." Post your when-then sentences near your work station as a visual reminder of your self-care commitments.

Shira Moskovitz, a fifth-grade special education inclusion teacher in Sunnyside, New York, has a suggestion for setting boundaries: "Schedule time for meals, and actually turn off the computer during that time."

2. Acknowledge moments of gratitude or joy.

Look for moments of joy and connection and hold on to them. Try writing down humorous moments, something that made you smile, or something you're thankful for.

You can write these moments in a journal or jot them down on a note on your desk. You can also share these moments with your students and ask them to share their own.

3. Reflect on your feelings and needs.

It's important to recognize and name your emotions. When you're aware of a new feeling, take a moment to reflect:

Name the feeling and why you may be feeling that way.

Think about what you might need at that moment and in the future.

For example, you might say, "I'm feeling overwhelmed because there's a lot of information about new technology my school is using. I need a five-minute break. Then, I need to write down my questions and identify a person on my team to problem-solve with."

You also may want to schedule a time in your day to reflect on your emotions and needs. Journaling, art, music, and other creative outlets can help you process how you're feeling.

"Take time for yourself each day to do something that is not technology-related," says Stephanie Doyle, a third-grade language arts teacher in Roanoke, Virginia. "Take a walk, sit outside, read your favorite book, go on a hike, exercise, or just hang out with your family doing something enjoyable."

4. Recognize what is and isn't in your control.

With a rapidly changing world, it can seem like there are more questions than answers. This can cause worry and anxiety. One way to gain perspective is to recognize what is within your control and what isn't.

For example, you might worry about how being exposed to stressful or bad news affects your students' learning. Consider making a simple T-Chart to write down what is and isn't in your control: One thing in your control is the ability to provide your students with a sense of security through classroom routines. One thing outside of your control is how much news kids are exposed to outside of school.

5. Use self-care routines throughout your day.

Starting and ending your day with self-care practices can be very helpful. Consider starting your day with a guided meditation and ending your day with gentle stretches.

And throughout the day, aim for small moments of self-care: Stop to reflect on your feelings when you're upset. Pay attention to self-talk. Can you talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend? Remind yourself what is in your control when you're anxious.

Looking for more self-care strategies to get started?

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Practicing self-care: 5 tips for teachers

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Learn five self-care routines for teachers. Get tips for how to practice self-care during busy teaching days.

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TED-Ed is an online educational platform, part of the TED organization, that provides a library of short, animated video lessons covering a wide range of subjects, designed to spark curiosity and learning for students and educators, allowing users to discover and create custom lessons around any online video, including TED Talks, with interactive features like questions and discussion prompts; essentially, it's a platform for sharing "lessons worth sharing" through engaging video content. 

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TED-Ed is an online educational platform, part of the TED organization, that provides a library of short, animated video lessons covering a wide range of subjects, designed to spark curiosity and learning for students and educators, allowing users to discover and create custom lessons around any online video, including TED Talks, with interactive features like questions and discussion prompts; essentially, it's a platform for sharing "lessons worth sharing" through engaging video content. 

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TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and share your big ideas.

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VCEE SPRING 2025 PD_1 Virginia Council on Economic Education

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Virutal VA Statewide Professional Learning 

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Virutal VA Statewide Professional Learning 

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Virtual Virginia’s Statewide Professional Learning Webinars
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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PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Virtual Virginia offers online professional learning opportunities for all Virginia public school educators at no cost. VVA's fully online professional learning opportunities include webinars, courses, certifications, workshops, conferences, and the VVA Professional Learning Network.

Blue Skies Blended Learning Workshop Series

Free Professional Learning Workshops

Virtual Virginia invites educators throughout the state this spring to the Blue Skies Blended Learning Workshop Series, where they can learn best practices in blended learning by utilizing the VVA Statewide Learning Management System (LMS) and other educational technology for in-person learning.

Partnership: Virginia Cyber Range + VVA

Free Cybersecurity Basics Course for Educators

Educators in the Commonwealth can gain a foundational understanding of cybersecurity through a new professional learning course from Virtual Virginia and the Virginia Cyber Range.

Partnership: VHSL + VVA

Free "Coaching Life Skills" Course for High School Coaches

Athletics coaches at Virginia public high schools can now jump into free, online professional learning from Virtual Virginia and the Virginia High School League (VHSL).

Level Up Your Digital Instruction Skills

Level up your skills in using the Statewide LMS for online and blended education! This program provides structured, role-specific pathways to learn about and master the Canvas LMS.

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Professional Learning - Virtual Virginia

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Achieve more-at your own pace! PROFESSIONAL LEARNING Virtual Virginia offers online professional learning opportunities for all Virginia public school educators at no cost. VVA's fully online professional learning opportunities include webinars, courses, certifications, workshops, conferences, and the VVA Professional Learning Network. Blue Skies Blended Learning Workshop Series Free Professional Learning Workshops Virtual Virginia invites educators [...]

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Teacher Programs & Workshops - Programs | Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

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Attend VMFA teacher workshops and seminars to gain innovative ideas and activities for interdisciplinary learning. All teacher programs are aligned with Virginia SOLs and model strategies for integrating works of art across the K-12 curriculum.

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Ways to Stay Organized as a Teacher — everything just so

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The Best Six Tricks to Keep You Organized for Good | Feel like you’re drowning in paperwork and classroom materials? Can’t find important resources when you need them? Utilize these simple steps to organize your teaching resources and keep your classroom organized for good. | everythingjus