Who: The Special Education Teacher Support Academy (SETSA) is seeking 100 early-career special education teachers (beginning through year 3) and 20 veteran special education teachers (who may apply to serve as coaches). This academy is open to special educators throughout Virginia.

What: The goal of SETSA is to build the capacity and efficacy of early-career special education teachers by improving teacher effectiveness and reducing teacher attrition in K-12 classrooms. The Academy is designed for early-career (beginning year through year 3) special education teachers and experienced special educators interested in serving as coaches. It will enhance your knowledge and ability to meet the needs of students with disabilities successfully.

The focus will be on providing new special education teachers learning opportunities and practical strategies in the areas of professional knowledge, learning environment, instructional planning, instructional delivery, and assessment for and of learning. During the week, those identified as coaches will work alongside new teachers to support their learning and application of implementing specially designed instruction. After the Academy, ongoing support will be available for teachers and coaches through VDOE’s TTACs.

When: June 26-29, 2023 (Check-in on the evening of June 25, 2 to 5 p.m. for on-campus participants. Check-in available for commuters on the morning of June 26 from 7 a.m.)

Where: James Madison University Festival Conference & Student Center, Harrisonburg, VA

How: VDOE Region 5 TTAC will pay for your registration, overnight accommodations on campus, and a campus meal plan. In addition, each participant will receive a $500 stipend for participation.

SETSA is sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) Region 5 Training and Technical Assistance Center at James Madison University, in partnership with James Madison University’s College of Education and Content Teaching Academy.