As we take a moment for a much-needed rest, we may not be thinking much about instructional plans for those inclement weather days that now seemed to be called “virtual learning days” in some areas. Don’t worry! Your VSTE friends have got you! The VSTE Regional Advisory Council, best known as the VSTE Coaching Crew is a new statewide council aimed at building capacity for … [Read more...]
Elementary Students are Too Young for Virtual Learning! Or Are They?
During our TSIP (Technology Standards for Instructional Personnel) evaluations, I make it a habit to ask all of my teachers, “How's it going?” “Do you need help or assistance with anything?” Mrs. Candice Nurney, a second-grade teacher at Sussex Central Elementary School, answered “No, I’m fine and my students are doing well!” Given that her portfolio evidence is always … [Read more...]
Webinar: Concurrent Instruction With Dr. Catlin Tucker
VSTE Welcomes Dr. Catlin Tucker Webinar: Using Blended Learning Models to Design and Facilitate Learning for a Concurrent Classroom December 8, 2020, 7 - 8:30 PM Thanks to Zoom and McGraw Hill for their support! Virginia educators are implementing a variety of virtual learning models from hybrid to hyflex. VSTE, with support from our partners Zoom and McGraw Hill … [Read more...]
Being Culturally Responsive With Technology
My husband and I are the self-proclaimed spades champions in our family. At past family gatherings, we are often met with, “Hey, how have you been? Did you bring your deck of cards?” The thing about spades is that you just can’t “throw in your hand”. You have to play your hand. You have to play the cards that you’ve been dealt. As with the current quarantine situation, many … [Read more...]
Global Collaboration in Rural Virginia
The words ‘global collaboration’ seem like a distant attainment for most of us educators. We think that concept is something someone else could do, but certainly not someone like ourselves. But, I’m here to tell you it is not an impossible task. Last week’s news story is proof positive! So, how did a teacher like me, a middle-aged teacher in rural Virginia, wind up … [Read more...]
