Carfang Padlet by Jamie Carfang

Happy Summer Break!!

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-07-18 19:07:51 UTC

I hope all of you are having a great summer and have been able to relax, recharge and have some fun!!!

New Web-Based Opportunities for AI and Career Advancement

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-08-08 16:50:25 UTC

The Virginia Has Jobs AI Career Launch Pad is a web-based platform, developed in partnership with Google, to help Virginians explore and train for high-demand careers in AI and technology. The platform offers a curated selection of free and low-cost courses and degree programs. Teachers are encouraged to take advantage of these resources—not only to upskill professionally, but also to bring AI literacy into their classrooms. Educators can apply for scholarships. Learn more from VDOE

Presidential AI Challenge

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-08-14 12:27:38 UTC

The Presidential AI Challenge invites K–12 student teams to design and build AI technologies that solve real-world problems. This national initiative calls on students and educators to lead with innovation, creativity, and purpose—no prior AI experience required. Students may enter by submitting a proposal, building a working AI solution, or, if you're an educator, creating new ways to teach or apply AI in the classroom. All submissions are due January 20, 2026. Read more from VDOE.

Career and Technical Education at a Crossroads: Opportunity or Exploitation?

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-04 20:37:43 UTC

CTE Teaching resources

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-04 20:46:00 UTC

Why Principals Are Essential in Connecting Classrooms to Careers

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-12 18:20:41 UTC

How One School Turned Career Training Into a Turnaround Strategy

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-12 18:21:42 UTC

Future-Proof CTE Programs

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-12 18:23:45 UTC

Fast Facts about Virginia CTE

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-12 18:26:07 UTC

Educator Night Out!

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-15 11:49:59 UTC

Protect the "And": CTE Policies that Promote College AND Career Readiness

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-15 11:51:24 UTC

Student AI Bootcamp

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-17 16:52:54 UTC

Richmond will host the Mark Cuban Foundation’s free, competitive AI Bootcamp, offering high school students hands-on experiences, mentorship from industry professionals, and exposure to real-world tech applications in a university setting. Coordinated by AI Ready RVA and sponsored by Dominion Energy, the program runs on Nov. 1, 8, and 15. Apply by September 30.

DOAV Aviation Education Resources and Grants

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-25 11:38:50 UTC

The Virginia Department of Aviation offers a wide range of educational programs and funding opportunities to inspire students and support teachers. The Virginia Aviation Teacher’s Grant provides up to $500 for K–12 educators in any subject area to design and implement an aviation-themed lesson. Additional opportunities include scholarships, student contests, and the ICON A5 Introduction to Flight Program, which brings an aircraft to schools at no cost. Learn more today!

Durable by Design: Why Skills for the Future Start Now

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-09-29 11:41:46 UTC

STEM Fall Professional Learning Series

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-03 16:40:02 UTC

Join the VDOE Office of STEM for the third session in our fall webinar series, supporting the 2023 Mathematics, 2024 Computer Science, and 2018 Science Standards of Learning through integrated instruction. The one-hour webinar will be held on October 8 at 4:00 p.m. The topic is Applying the Data Cycle as an Integral Part of STEM Learning. In this session, participants learn more about the data cycle in the 2023 Mathematics SOL and apply it to the discipline practices in Computer Science and Science. Registration is now open!

Virginia Council on Economic Education Opportunities & Awards

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-03 16:42:26 UTC

VCEE offers free, standards-aligned professional development for educators, available both in-person across Virginia and online. From one-day workshops to certification programs, these opportunities equip teachers to confidently teach economics and personal finance. Explore the current fall workshops. Nominations are also open for the VCEE Economic Educator Awards in two categories: Outstanding Economic Educator Awards or Lesson, Unit, or Performance-Based Assessment. Submit your nominations by October 1!

Expanding Access to AP: Elevating Student Success in Virginia’s 3E Readiness Framework

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-03 16:43:29 UTC

Advanced Placement helps students prepare for life after high school while saving families on college costs. Under Virginia’s 3E Readiness Framework, AP scores of 3 or higher count toward Enrollment outcomes. In May 2025, Virginia students excelled—92% of AP Precalculus, 90% of AP Seminar, and 85% of AP African American Studies exams earned qualifying scores. Teachers, leaders, and counselors are invited to join College Board on October 9 at 4:00 p.m. to learn how expanding AP access can benefit students and school divisions statewide.

micro:bit Live 2025 Conference- Oct. 24-25

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-03 16:45:29 UTC

Join CodeVA and the micro:bit Educational Foundation at JMU for two days of computer science hands-on learning! This unique conference will ignite creativity and innovation, showcasing computer science teaching strategies and real-world applications. Educators will discover new ways to bring CS education to life with micro:bit and other educational technologies and build lasting professional connections through community-driven networking, with 16 recertification hours awarded. Registration is $100 and includes lunches and snacks.

Free PD for STEM Teachers: Generative AI for Secondary STEM Classrooms

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-09 11:40:44 UTC

UVA’s Center for the Liberal Arts will offer this free program for middle and high school STEM teachers on November 15 at 10 a.m. at the Student Health and Wellness Building. Participants will build a clear, classroom-ready understanding of how modern AI works and what that means for secondary classrooms. They will engage in an extended Q&A to problem-solve real scenarios and leave with next-step plans. Visit the CLA website for more details and online registration.

FCCLA: Safe Roads Challenge

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-14 11:56:50 UTC

Built from Scratch

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-10-21 17:50:23 UTC

What a great opportunity for students!!!

Be Part of National Research on Student Cell Phone Use

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-06 16:57:56 UTC

Researcher Dr. Angela Duckworth (author of "Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance") invites you to keep the momentum going in the national study examining school cell phone policies and their effects on student learning and well-being. Why join? Virginia is leading the way with these efforts and wants to increase our participation from last year’s survey. Thousands of your fellow educators have already contributed their insights, including many of you right here in the Commonwealth! Your perspective will directly shape smarter, evidence-based policies and best practices for classrooms nationwide.

Quick Facts:
-Just 5 minutes of your time
-Completely confidential
-No cost to participate
-Instant snapshot of current results at end of survey

Make your voice heard today!
Go to: www.phonesinfocus.org

Applications for Scholarship and Tuition Assistance for Teachers Interested in Teaching High Demand Industry Credentials and Dual Enrollment

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-07 15:54:35 UTC

VDOE continues to accept applications for the Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Program supporting teachers who wish to become qualified to teach dual enrollment and high-demand industry credential course which was announced on July 17, 2025 via the VA Education Updated Newsletter.

School divisions are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March 13, 2026. School divisions should refer to the grant application for additional details including the specific grant application process, guidelines around eligibility, and payment processes.

Application packet is also linked as a fillable PDF. Link:

Dual Enrollment and Industrial Credentials RFP

Career and Technical Education Meets AI. What happens next?

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-17 17:42:00 UTC

High Schooler Found Direction in Trades

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-17 17:43:57 UTC

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-17 17:46:06 UTC

Learning Bytes PD for Teachers

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-20 12:48:04 UTC

CodeVA’s free Fall Learning Bytes series offers four one-hour virtual sessions for Virginia public school educators, each earning 1 recertification hour. The next topics include: Backward Design for CS Integration (11/19), and Coaching with Feedback (12/3). All sessions run from 6–7 p.m. and are presented in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education. Sign up today!

Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-20 12:50:15 UTC

Apply now to join a 2026–2027 VCC cohort and become a VSTE Certified Coach! Take your coaching to the next level with a professional credential designed for instructional coaches. The VSTE Certified Coach Program provides practical, research-based training on how to be an effective coach, building the skills, strategies, and confidence to make a lasting impact. Applications close December 12. Visit VSTE and tap “Apply Now!”

Reminder: Applications for Scholarship and Tuition Assistance for Teachers Interested in Teaching High Demand Industry Credentials and Dual Enrollment

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-11-20 12:51:17 UTC

The Department continues to accept applications for the Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Program supporting teachers who wish to become qualified to teach dual enrollment and high-demand industry credential course which was announced on July 17, 2025 via the VA Education Updated Newsletter. School divisions are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity throughout the 2025-2026 school year. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March 13, 2026. School divisions should refer to the grant application for additional details including the specific grant application process, guidelines around eligibility, and payment processes. Read more from VDOE.

Teachers on Winter Break: 9 Ways to Unwind and Rejuvenate

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-12-01 19:01:29 UTC

Seven Tips for the Transition Back to School From Winter Break

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-12-01 19:03:47 UTC

Computer Science Summit

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-12-04 14:00:46 UTC

Join CodeVA’s free virtual summit for Virginia public educators, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education. Earn 5 recertification points while celebrating Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 8-12) with daily emails featuring short video tutorials, resources, networking opportunities, and giveaways. Whether you’re new to CS or an experienced educator, this event offers practical tools and a community to support your teaching. Register or learn more today!

Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-12-04 14:03:02 UTC

Parents Want Schools to Prioritize Durable Skills

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-12-05 18:20:45 UTC

Pilot Testing: Baking Science Examination (Professional)

jamiecarfang1 — 2025-12-12 14:01:17 UTC

The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with the Home Baking Association (HBA) to develop national assessments and corresponding certifications to validate the baking knowledge, skills, and abilities of youth (students) and educators. Together, we are working to elevate baking knowledge and skills to a community of certified baking educators and establish a school-to-industry pipeline to meet the growing demand for skilled bakers in the industry.

This exciting collaboration will provide baking educators and aspiring bakers with the education, resources, and hands-on experience they need to succeed. By nurturing the next generation of bakers we aim to elevate the future of the baking industry.

Stay tuned for further updates as we work together to validate baking knowledge, skills, and abilities. More details about the certification process, training programs, and other exciting opportunities will be revealed!

Register here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=40g9sUUidUqKfvHKG0EQv4oOvB03eLJNj3QDCaCOzc5UREMzRElVWkxPOEcySUNPT1kwTlJDU05JRCQlQCN0PWcu

VSTE's AI in Action: Practical Tools, Real Classrooms, Connected Educators

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-01-08 20:24:09 UTC

Practical tools, real classrooms, and connected educators engage in a summit built for teachers who want hands-on, immediately usable AI strategies and meaningful collaboration with peers. Through small group conversations and collaborative activities, participants will explore high-value tools and learn the essentials of data privacy. They will leave with new skills, ready to use resources, and a connected network of educators. Learn more about the upcoming sessions including:
• January 27 at Richard Bland College
• February 26 at Spotsylvania County Public Schools Office
• March 31 at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
• October 8 at Chesterfield County Public Schools Recovery Academy

VSTE Education Committee’s Three-part Demo Slam Series

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-01-08 20:27:38 UTC

Each event features fast-paced, three-minute demos where educators share favorite tools, strategies, and ideas you can use right away. Attend one or all three—participants vote for the top slam, and winners earn prizes and bragging rights. Attendees will walk away with new resources, practical tips, and connections with other educators who are passionate about making good happen in their schools and communities. Never presented before? No problem! Demo Slams are a fun, low-pressure way to share something amazing. Join in for Demo #1 on January 22 at 6:30 p.m.

Virtual AI in Education Series

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-01-08 20:28:51 UTC

What if AI could give you back hours in your week and help you personalize learning without doubling your workload? Learn about AI with GMU TTAC & experts while earning certificates of attendance for PD hours during one-hour virtual professional learning sessions on zoom! These synchronous sessions will explore how educators can effectively leverage AI in their practice. Every session is built on a demonstration-to-application model, ensuring you leave with new skills already at work in your teaching. Register today!

Teacher Innovator Institute

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-01-12 12:42:31 UTC

Happy CTE Month!!

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-02-03 17:55:31 UTC

CTSO celebration!

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-02-03 17:56:58 UTC

Virginia Council on Economic Education Opportunities

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-02-04 14:26:49 UTC

The VCEE offers a range of opportunities for educators and students across the Commonwealth.
The Stock Market Game: Teachers may register students in grades 4–12 by February 16. Teams manage a virtual portfolio to build financial literacy, math, and decision‑making skills aligned with Virginia’s Economics and Personal Finance SOLs.
Professional Development for Educators: VCEE provides free, high‑quality, standards‑aligned professional development for educators, available in person and online.
Virginia Economics Challenge and Personal Finance: Teams complete an online proctored exam at their school, with top regional teams earning recognition and the opportunity to advance to the state championship.

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-02-20 12:35:24 UTC

Presidential Message on Career & Technical Education Month

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-02-24 14:31:38 UTC

AI in Education Microcredential Pilot

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-03-05 16:58:53 UTC

Recruitment is open for the AI in Education Microcredential Pilot, a free professional learning opportunity from Old Dominion University’s Center for Educational Innovation and Opportunity, funded through SCHEV’s COVAConnectAI initiative. PK–12 educators will complete 10–15 hours of asynchronous learning between March 10 and May 10, across three modules, earning an ODU‑issued microcredentials. Participants will explore AI‑supported instruction, ethical AI use, and preparing students for an AI‑driven future. Space is limited to 90 participants. Recruitment closes February 28 or when capacity is reached. Register today.

Women's History at Kids Museum

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-03-05 20:18:16 UTC

Celebrate Agriculture Literacy Week March 23–27

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-03-11 18:24:42 UTC

Visit the Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom 2026 Agriculture Literacy Week webpage for celebration materials and to purchase their 2026 Book of the Year, Farm Boots, by Lisl Detlefsen. Books ordered through VA AITC will come with an “Explore Virginia Agriculture” poster that contains QR codes to videos featuring Virginia producers. For more nutrition and agriculture education resources, visit the VDOE Farm to School webpage.

Applications are Now Open for the 2026-27 VSTE Certified Coach Program

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-03-11 18:26:28 UTC

Take your coaching to the next level with a professional credential designed for both current and aspiring coaches that provides practical, research-based training on how to be an effective leader. In addition to our traditional cohorts, VSTE is offering a new after-hours cohort designed specifically for aspiring coaches and educators in non-coaching roles. Applications are due by April 17. Visit VSTE and select “Apply Now!”

Coding for Good Workshop

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-03-26 13:48:02 UTC

This summer, Forward Education is partnering with CodeJoy and Infosys Foundation USA to offer a free virtual PD course featuring a new Coding for Good Kit for micro:bit. In this hands-on, educators will explore real-world coding and AI projects that help students build solutions around health, safety, accessibility, and conservation. Participants receive free Coding for Good Kit, access to 65+ projects on the Forward Education Learning Platform, and more. For more information and to register for this training session which will be held on July 21-30, visit Summer Institute Pathfinders

Bring micro:bit Kits to your classroom 🍎

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-03-26 13:59:28 UTC

Virginia Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-06 16:40:15 UTC

Registration is now open for the Virginia Economics Challenge and Personal Finance Challenge, a academic competition for teams of three to four students. Teams complete an online, proctored exam at their school, with top regional teams earning recognition and the opportunity to advance to the state championship. Register today and give your students the chance to showcase their economics and personal finance knowledge. Learn more from VCEE about this competition today!

Virtual Entrepreneurship Lean Pitch Challenge

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-06 16:41:24 UTC

High school teachers are invited to nominate a student or team of students to participate in the Virginia Council on Economic Education’s (VCEE) second virtual Entrepreneurship Lean Pitch Challenge. The VCEE statewide competition awards real seed money to assist student-entrepreneurs in starting a business. The goal is to practice the entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem-solving skills required by employers and self-employment opportunities in Virginia’s Innovation and Gig Economy. Learn more today from VCEE!

Financial Foundations Conference

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-06 16:42:34 UTC

Virginia educators are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Financial Foundations Conference hosted by the VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union and the Virginia Council on Economic Education. This free, multi-day professional learning experience will explore essential personal finance topics along with ready-to-use classroom resources. The Conference will be held at the Richmond Marriott Short Pump, June 21-25, and space is limited to 50 participants.

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-14 13:34:19 UTC

10 Questions with Jared Ebersole, 2026 NLC Keynote Speaker

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-14 13:40:22 UTC

April is Financial Literacy Month: Join the Movement with DECA

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-14 13:44:07 UTC

5 Takeaways from the IBM "Teaching AI With Confidence" Webinar

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-14 13:44:57 UTC

AI Teacher Summit 2026

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-04-23 13:05:37 UTC

AI Ready RVA is partnering with Virginia Society for Technology in Education to bring Virginia educators a full day of practical, educator-led professional development focused on AI in the classroom at Brightpoint Community College on June 24. Whether you're brand new to AI or already experimenting, this summit is designed to help you build real skills, learn from fellow teachers. Sessions will cover hands-on applications like lesson planning, grading, and teaching students to use AI responsibly. Learn more about this summit from AI ReadyRVA.

Virginia Department of Education Announces $600,000 in Grants to Upgrade CTE Equipment

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-05-13 11:47:07 UTC

Investing in career-ready experiences that strengthen post-secondary skills and knowledge.

Biotech in a Box

jamiecarfang1 — 2026-05-13 19:25:23 UTC

Biotech in a Box continues its commitment to hands-on STEM education by providing biotechnology themed experiment kits aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning. Each kit includes all equipment, supplies, and solutions needed for hands-on laboratory investigations in the classroom. In addition to the kits, four thermal cyclers are available for teachers who would like to explore polymerase chain reactions with their students.