Teaching & Learning Today: March 2024
March 15, 2024
March 15, 2024
Welcome to Teaching and Learning TODAY. We encourage you to monitor this newsletter regularly and respond to those areas that interest you. We facilitate the development of professional learning by members, for members and are grateful for the opportunity to do so. Allow us to assist you to learn, grow professionally, and impact others.
Please share our newsletter far and wide!
Are you currently pursuing National Board Certification or working to maintain your existing certification? The VEA now has experienced NBCTs trained to serve as Professional Learning Facilitators (PLFs) to support you. VEA members pursuing certification can now receive one-on-one coaching as a benefit of membership. If you are a current candidate seeking support, apply here.
If you are even considering National Board Certification, plan to attend Jump Start this summer. Save the dates: June 27-29!
From one of our partner networks – registration open till March 16.
To learn more about National Board Certification, visit our website or go to www.nbpts.org.
NEA’s Read Across America
This week marks the start of NEA’s year-long literacy program. NEA’s Read Across America is the biggest celebration of reading around the country, with more than 45 million people participating. Our 2024 Read Across America HOT Resources include updated message guidance, a public service announcement, and useful digital resources such as sample social media posts, shareable bookmarks, and the 2023-2024 calendar.
Women’s History Month
NEA has updated classroom resources to teach about the challenges and accomplishments of women throughout history, including our Women in Labor History timeline highlighting how NEA members have raised their voices to make workplaces more supportive of women.
The work of the Department of Teaching and Learning extends out of headquarters and works directly with members. This month, we will be featuring one of our member partners:
Name: Elizabeth Wait
Local: Richmond Education Association
Role(s) that you have completed with VEA: Early Leadership Institute Coach
# of years in education: 9
# of years in VEA: 9
How has being a union member helped you?
Being a union member gives me a sense of security and support. I know I can always turn to my fellow union members and union leaders when I’m having a problem and they will encourage me and help me determine the best path to resolve it. The union has also given me opportunities to develop my own leadership skills, such as my current role as an Early Leadership Institute Coach.
If you could give 1 piece of advice to someone in education, what would it be?
Find your own friends and mentors in your role or building, and help each other. Even though most people in education work independently, such as having their own classroom or bus to manage, that does not mean we should isolate ourselves from one another. Education is an extremely stressful profession and people need a solid support system to survive in it. If there are no systems in place for sharing feelings, resources, or collaborating, then you should make them yourself. Something as simple as setting up a shared coffee pot in order to facilitate communication and camaraderie can make a huge difference in both your morale and school culture. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your colleagues for support, because they probably need it too!
Teacher shortages are a serious issue across the country. Here in Virginia, there are currently over 1,000 unfilled teaching positions.
Take Action Now
