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Virginia Society for Technology in Education

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Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!

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Header image that says :Become a VSTE Certified Coach"

Applications are Now Open for the VSTE Certified Coach Program!

Join the fastest growing network of certified coaches in Virginia! The VSTE Certified Coach program (#VCC) is now accepting applications for its 2025-2026 cohorts. This program was created by VSTE to provide a custom professional learning experience for instructional coaches that allows them to collaborate in cohorts while learning the art of coaching. The VCC curriculum is aligned with the ISTE standards for coaching and has been developed in partnership with Forward Edge, an Ohio based company that specializes in instructional coaching. Although originally developed with EdTech Coaches in mind, the VCC program is open to all instructional coaches in Virginia.

All coaches who complete the VCC program will:

  • Have a clear understanding of their role as an educational technology coach.
  • Think systematically about the role their coaching program plays in larger district goals and initiatives.
  • Be prepared to incorporate formal coaching cycles into their coaching program.
  • Create and market professional learning experiences founded in andragogical best practices that are personalized, memorable, and lead to classroom implementation.
  • Possess a strong skill set for building relationships and deepening coaching conversations with educators.
  • Utilize data to make informed decisions about their work as a coach and the needs of educators they support.
  • Approach technology integration from a learning objective first mindset.

 

VSTE Certified Coach LogoOver the past year, hundreds of Virginia coaches have joined the VCC and VSTE is developing the VCC Professional Learning Network to provide continued support, professional collaboration, and opportunities for growth to all VSTE Certified Coaches. You can become a part of this amazing PLN by applying for one of the 2025-2026 VCC cohorts. Act fast - applications close on April 11th, 2025.

Application Link: Go to https://vste.org/vcc/ and tap “Apply Now!”

 

 

The VCC Application Details

Interested coaches will need to determine which cohort they wish to register for based on their experience and availability. There are three VCC cohort options for the 2025-2026 VCC Application: spring semester, fall semester, and full year. The spring semester cohorts will run from January through May and will meet twice each month. The fall semester cohorts will run from August through December and will meet twice each month. The full year cohorts will run from August or September through May and will meet once every month. Newer coaches are recommended to register for the full year cohorts in order to allow more time between learning experience to grow their practice, but all applicants can indicate their preference within the registration form.

Interested coaches will need to fully understand the expectations of the VCC program and must obtain approval from a direct supervisor.  There will be meeting times that will occur during regular working hours, and there is an expectation that participating coaches will commit to the meeting times and participate during those sessions.  In order for candidates to be successful, supervisors will need to be supportive of a coach’s participation and made aware that there is a cost of $350.00 per participant associated with the VCC program.

The 2025-2026 VCC Application Deadline is December 20th, and all applicants will be notified on or before January 10th of their acceptance.  The first meeting of each cohort will be announced in advance, and subsequent meeting times will be determined by a cohort poll.  Arrangements for the payment of $350.00 must be made prior to the first cohort meeting.  Divisions interested in hosting a division-wide cohort should contact the VSTE Certified Coaching Coordinator at VCC@vste.org.

 

 

Learning and Growing Alongside the VSTE Community

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Dear VSTE Community,

As many of you know, my connection with VSTE spans over two decades, beginning with my first VSTE conference in 2001. What started as a valuable learning experience led to my election to the Board of Directors in 2015, and ultimately, my appointment as Executive Director in July 2022. It's been an incredible journey of growth and collaboration with my VSTE colleagues.

Following my “retirement” from Frederick County Public Schools in 2020, I briefly returned to work with VSTE and other organizations to support teachers at the onset of COVID-19 closures navigating the complexities of virtual, hybrid, and ultimately, a new normal in education. This experience, while rewarding, was a prelude to my second "retirement," which was then followed by my current role at VSTE.

These past two and a half years as Executive Director have been a period of significant progress and exciting developments for VSTE. With the support of the Board of Directors, we have refined our strategic direction, culminating in the development and release of the VSTE Strategic Plan for 2024-2027. I am particularly proud of the growth of the VSTE Certified Coaching Program, a collaboration with Forward Edge, which has seen over 300 coaches complete the program. We have also strengthened our partnerships, including the Power of Coaching Conference with VASCD/VATLL, an upcoming collaboration with GRAETC for EdTechRVA, and continued support for SVETC in the Shenandoah Valley.

However, at the top of the list is the VSTE Annual Conference. The Annual Conference Team has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with while Anchored in Innovation we have worked towards Illuminating the Future. Other notable achievements include VSTE's contributions to the ActiVAtED Learning Podcast, our popular Demo Slam Webinar Series, and our collaboration with Virtual Virginia on the Blended Learning Virtual Conference now evolving into the VITAL Conference, which is supported by our newly formed VSTE Professional Services Team.

As my third year with VSTE draws to a close, I am announcing my intention to retire as Executive Director and will not renew my contract. My last day as Executive Director will be June 30th. Over the next five months, I will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to a new leader and to continue preparations for our 40th Annual Conference in December.

I am deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie I have experienced within the VSTE community. I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months to share VSTE stories and revisit many VSTE memories.

Be well, make good happen, and keep in touch

Sincerely,

Rod Carnill, Executive Director

For inquiries about the position or to express interest in receiving updates on the application process, please email the VSTE Search Task Force at VSTE_Search@vste.org.

Common Sense Education Resource Share – January 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

Common Sense Education Resource Share – December 2024

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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

Thank a Teacher Contest from the VA Lottery

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Thank a Teacher started in 2016 with one goal: to thank as many K-12 public school teachers in Virginia as possible during National Teacher Appreciation Week in May. With thank-you notes designed by students and distributed by the Virginia Lottery, Virginia’s residents can thank their favorite public school teachers and help them win a cash prize and supplies for their schools from Supply Room.

We’re currently looking for three students to have their artwork featured on the thousands of thank-you notes distributed across the state. The contest is open to K-12 students enrolled in one of Virginia’s public schools, and one top-prize winner will be selected from each level: elementary school, middle school and high school. The three winners will not only get to see their artwork featured on the 2025 thank-you notes, but they’ll also receive a $200 gift card and win $2,000 for their school’s art department.

We’re asking all our partners to help us get the word out! If you’re interested in helping, attached are some social media posts that you can share on your social networks, as well as some fun images to go along with them. We’ve also included a flyer that you could distribute to your email lists or post on your website.

Submissions will be accepted until February 3, 2025. For more information about the Thank a Teacher Art Contest including official rules, eligibility and entry requirements, visit www.ThankaTeacherVA.com.