VSTE

Virginia Society for Technology in Education

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Common Sense Education Resource Share – April & May 2025

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An image of students working on laptops in a classroom. A Common Sense Education text overlay appears in the top right of the graphic."Common Sense is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all kids thrive in a world of media and technology. They support pre-K–12 schools with lesson plans, edtech reviews, family resources, and everything else students need to thrive in a connected world." Below is a custom set of resources pulled from this month's newest updates! Check them out via the links and explore even more at www.commonsense.org/education. VSTE is proud to partner with Common Sense Education.

For Teachers:

For Parents & Caregivers:

 

 

All Resources via Common Sense Education

All VSTE Posts of Common Sense Education Resources

2025 Outstanding Technology Teacher, Coach and Leader of the Year Award

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VSTE will recognize and honor Virginia Educators, Technology Coaches and Leaders who are VSTE members or at least 30 days prior to nomination and who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and leadership in implementing technology to improve education. Award recipients will be selected from a pool of nominations submitted by VSTE members from around Virginia.

Nominations will be accepted from June 1 - September 21, 2025. Nominations will be reviewed by the VSTE Awards Committee and past winners. Select nominators will be contacted in early October to provide additional evidence and documentation. Nominators are encouraged to work with the nominee to gather this additional information.

Decisions will be made prior to the VSTE Annual Conference. Award winners will be recognized during a general session at the annual conference. They are also provided with a complimentary conference registration and three nights of hotel accommodations for the annual conference. This year's conference will be held December 7-5, 2025, in Virginia Beach, VA.

The Awards Committee uses the VSTE certified coach standards developed with ForwardEdge as the basis for judging the Outstanding Technology Coach awards. Please review the appropriate standards when preparing nomination materials. Nominees are rated solely using criteria identified in the rubric.

Please use this form to nominate a technology coach for this award.

More information about the ForwardEdge Core of Coaching,  ISTE Standards for Educators, ISTE Standards for Education Leaders.

Questions should be addressed to awards@vste.org.

New VSTE Conference Lead Named

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The Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE) is proud to announce that Heather Hurley has been named the organization's next Conference Lead, beginning July 1, 2025. Heather currently serves as Assistant Principal of a virtual elementary school and brings deep expertise in instructional technology, professional learning, and large-scale event planning.Heather Hurley headshot

Heather has long been a dedicated member of the VSTE community, having served as a Board Member, Presentations Chair, and Exhibits Lead for the annual conference. Her leadership extends nationally through her work with ISTELive, where she has held multiple roles in conference planning and content development.

"Heather's deep knowledge of instructional technology and her proven leadership in local and national arenas make her an ideal fit to lead the VSTE Annual Conference," said Craig Spraggins, outgoing Conference Lead and incoming Executive Director. "She understands the value of connection, innovation, and meaningful professional learning."

Heather will officially begin her tenure as Conference Lead on July 1, 2025.

VSTE Announces Election Results 2025

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Congratulations to the three candidates who have been elected to the VSTE Board of Directors for the 2025-2028 term! You can learn more about each Board member below.

Region 5:

Rebecca "Erin" Comninaki, Classroom Teacher / Middle School English, Linkhorne Middle School / Lynchburg CityR. Erin Comninaki Schools

Your vision for VSTE in the next three years:

In the next three years, I envision VSTE expanding its role to support smaller and underfunded divisions that are losing access to edtech coaches and resources due to budget cuts. Many educators in remote areas can’t attend the annual conference or don’t have access to regional events. VSTE could serve as an umbrella organization to help connect and support these divisions by amplifying regional efforts and creating equitable access to professional learning. Additionally, a centralized resource hub with shared content would help ensure all educators and learners have access to high-quality tools and training year-round.

Region 2:

Kari Lomanno, Technology Innovation Coach, Chesapeake Public Schools

 Your vision for VSTE in the next three years:Kari Lomanno

In the next three years, VSTE can lead the way for instructional technology in Virginia by continuing to provide relevant and hands-on professional development opportunities. As schools across the state work to develop effective AI policies, VSTE should be at the forefront of this movement by providing sample policies and best practices for districts. With the growing uncertainty about federal funding in our schools, VSTE should be a leading advocate for funding initiatives and equitable access to technology in our schools. VSTE should continue to offer opportunities for educators to earn credentials and collaborate in an online community. Finally, the VSTE Annual Conference is a wonderful event that showcases the most innovative tools and resources available to our schools. We need to keep up this momentum by growing this event each year.

At-Large-Director

Denise Henry-Orndorff,  Instructional Technology Coach,  Frederick County Public Schools

Your vision for VSTE in the next three years:Denise Henry-Orndorff

I have been an active member of VSTE for several years and deeply value the sense of community it fosters among educators. My vision is to continue building on VSTE’s strong foundation by supporting current initiatives and exploring innovative ways to reach and empower educators across the Commonwealth. With experience as both a classroom teacher and instructional technology coach, I understand the challenges educators face and the transformative role technology can play in teaching and learning. I am committed to advancing professional development through high-quality training, hands-on support, and advocacy for equitable access to educational technology. If selected to serve on the VSTE board, I will bring a collaborative spirit, a strong focus on educator support, and a passion for promoting innovation and equity in education.

Virtual Virginia & The ActiVAted Learning Podcast

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Virginia Virtual (VVA) invites all K–12 educators, administrators, and central office personnel in Virginia public schools and divisions to participate in the 2024–2025 weekly VVA Statewide Professional Learning Meetings. These meetings take place every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and serve as a platform to showcase professional learning opportunities provided by VVA and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).

In June, the focus of the Statewide Professional Learning Meetings will be the Activated Learning Podcast series. This series is produced by Blue Ridge PBS in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education and the Virginia Society for Technology in Education (VSTE). Each episode of the podcast features conversations with leading educators who share their insights on what energizes and excites them about teaching. They discuss innovative ways to use technology to enhance student engagement and learning.

To register for the Virtual Virginia Statewide Weekly Meetings register here. 

To listen to the Podcasts click here.