5th Annual Lynchburg Regional WELV Forum

WELV LogoThe 5th Annual Lynchburg Regional Women Education Leaders in Virginia (WELV) Forum is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Alice Ashley Jack Room of Smith Hall at Randolph College and will provide a networking and professional development opportunity for educators in our region. Continue reading

Samsung Invites Public Schools to Compete in $2 Million Solve for Tomorrow Contest – Enter by October 31!

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow LogoYour school can win a share of $2 million in technology & prizes! This fall, Samsung is giving public schools nationwide the opportunity to discover the power of technology. Samsung and its partners are asking teachers (grades 6-12) to participate in its annual Solve for Tomorrow Contest to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, a key academic challenge in our country. With Samsung and schools joining together, we can foster student interest in these subjects and illustrate the power of applying that knowledge to practical, real-world issues. Enter by October 31! Continue reading

Making Connections: Call for Proposals – Deadline Is October 16!

Making Connections 2013In order to develop and maintain a high-quality workforce, employees must be supported by a comprehensive approach to professional development that is aligned with the Division’s vision, mission and goals. Making Connections is an opportunity for all Albemarle County Public Schools educators to learn from and with each other on this division-wide professional learning day. Continue reading

Mandated Changes to the Virginia Retirement System

RetirementDear Colleagues:

We want to make you aware of mandated changes to the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) that will take effect on January 1, 2014. This change creates a new type of VRS retirement plan that is a combination of the current system (a defined benefit plan) and an investment account like a 457 or 403b (a defined contribution plan). This will be known as the Hybrid Plan. Continue reading

Virginia Holocaust Museum Announces 2013 Educator Open House

VA Holocaust MuseumThe Virginia Holocaust Museum will be offering free classroom resources and a behind-the-scenes tour of artifacts never before seen by the public. When? Thursday, October 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Be among the first to view the Museum’s newest traveling exhibition, The Women in Ravensbruck: Portraits of Courage. Admission is FREE for elementary, middle and high school teachers and administrators. Reserve your spot before October 18 by contacting Virginia Holocaust Museum Director Megan Ferenczy at mferenczy@va-holocaust.com or (804) 257-5400 ext. 234.

Charlottesville Mini Maker Faire

Cville Mini Maker FaireA Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making and share what they are learning. The Charlottesville Mini Maker Faire is Saturday, October 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Monticello High School. All ACPS teachers and principals can receive recertification points for various levels of participation. View the event flyer.

Get Your Free Kindle Version of “Invent to Learn”

Invent to LearnFrom Wednesday, September 18, through Friday, September 20, the Kindle version of Invent To Learn: Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom will be FREE. (Start and end times are approximately midnight Pacific time.) A Kindle book will run on almost every device—iPad, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, and Kindle using the free Kindle app. Go to http://inventtolearn.com/free to receive your free eBook! Tell your colleagues and friends!

Interested in Pursuing National Board Certification for the 2013-14 School Year?

NBPTS LogoWho should apply? Teachers seeking National Board Certification must have at least three years teaching experience and a valid teaching license. Teachers who seek certification are innovators, leaders in their schools and in their communities, and people who seek new challenges. This is a difficult process requiring much writing, videotaping, reflecting, and finally, an exam. But, it also is a rewarding process—professionally and economically. Continue reading