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Happy Friday! Happy Diwali to all who celebrate. May everyone enjoy the long weekend!
Our admin, Vi will be out on extended leave until at least December 1. Thank you to those of you who have called and left messages. Please be sure that someone will be at the office before stopping by--we often have off-site meetings where we are helping members--we don't want anyone to waste a trip!
Congratulations to member Laura Partridge of Swanson MS for being named an APS All-Star for September!
As you may recall, our Support Unit Bargaining team is renegotiating contracts this year---we are trying to collect quick data from ALL educators about personal property damage or injury due to student behavior. Please take a moment to complete this quick survey:
Comment on APS Policy
APS is seeking feedback on the polices below.
Number | Policy Title and link to Draft Policy | Anticipated SB Action | Comment Period Opens | Comment Period Closes | Policy questionnaires |
I-11.6.1 | Jan 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 | ||
J-5.3.31 | Jan 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 | ||
J-8.7 | Jan 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 | ||
K-2.3.30 | Jan 2025 | Oct 10, 2025 | Nov 9, 2025 |
Participate in a Research Study
As a former Virginia public school teacher, my research interests center the teacher workforce, workplace conditions, and the narratives told about teachers and teaching.
For my current study, News Media Impact on Teachers and Their Work During Times of Education Crisis, I am looking to interview current and former K-12 Virginia teachers who were actively teaching at some point between the 2019-20 and 2024-25 school years. Participating in the study would require sitting for a one hour Zoom interview and completing two optional Google forms. Participants will have the opportunity to be entered up to two times to a drawing for Amazon gift cards.
I am attaching my recruitment flyer as well as the optional Participant Interest Form. Alternatively, interested participants may email me at hewkoa@vcu.edu.
Participant Interest Form: link
Upcoming Events
NEWS FROM VEA
VEA Members Stepping Up Across the Commonwealth!Across Virginia, members have been stepping up in meaningful ways, from writing election postcards in Virginia Beach to showing up in their communities and I’ve been happy to be a part of it all. Above: Dr. Jones and I chatted with Senator Warner about the importance of this November’s election. During NEA Superweek, VEA Directors carried that momentum all the way to Washington, D.C., where we lobbied for stronger SNAP benefits, restoring special education funding cuts, and vital protections for immigrant students and families. I also got to visit AEA member Basma Joseph's middle schoolers at Patrick Henry School in Alexandria, which was full of energy, too. Wear Purple Today for Domestic Violence AwarenessOctober is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and today the Minority and Women's Concerns Committee invites you to show solidarity by wearing purple, the color of strength and survival. By wearing purple, we demonstrate our commitment to ending domestic violence and supporting survivors on their paths to healing. Domestic violence affects far too many people, in every community. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, over 12 million women and men experience domestic violence each year. These are not just statistics; these are our neighbors, colleagues, and even some of the members we support daily. Let us also take this month to educate ourselves and others about the resources available to those in need. From shelters and hotlines to legal assistance and counseling, numerous organizations provide life-saving support. (Find out more at the National Domestic Violence Hotline – https://www.thehotline.org) Thank you for your continued commitment to create a safe, supportive, and aware community. Together, we can make a difference in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and empowering survivors to reclaim their lives. Commuter Registration for VEA's EPIC Event is Still Open!If you’ve been debating attending this year’s EPIC conference, as a commuter you still have time to join us! Registration for commuters is open until November 2nd,but don’t wait too long as you won’t want to miss out on this exciting event! Open to members and non-members, we’ll have interactive sessions where we develop the skills and relationships necessary to create truly inclusive educational environments where every student’s identity is respected, and their full potential is fully realized. Our keynote speaker is award-winning bestselling writer and executive producer George M. Johnson, author of the young adult memoir “All Boys Aren’t Blue.” See you there! REA Fights Back!I want to express my deep gratitude for the statewide solidarity with Richmond Education Association last week. Your energy and commitment made a difference, and the School Board heard you! In response to massive push back from REA, community partners, members and staff, the school board voted to delay implementing any changes to the collective bargaining resolution and reaffirmed their dedication to working with the staff union on any changes that are made. Richmond holds the first collective bargaining resolution in the Commonwealth and standards that are set there can ripple across our locals, impacting all levels of the process. But the fight isn’t over yet, on November 11th the school board plans to vote on proposed changes to the resolution, so stay tuned for more actions and solidarity ahead. Click here to read more. |
RSVP for VEA's Virtual Pre-Legislative Workshops & Budget and Resolution HearingsIn order to make sure we are all prepared for the 2026 General Assembly, VEA’s Office of Government Relations and Research will conduct four virtual Pre-Legislative workshops during November. The purpose of these workshops is to provide local leaders with training and information on VEA's Legislative Agenda, Messaging, and Lobby Day Logistics. Make sure to save the date and secure your spot today. |
Save the Date for an Important PEA Townhall in Virginia Beach!We need to take bold action to push back against sweeping federal funding cuts that threaten our ability to do our jobs as public educators and risk students falling through the cracks. On Thursday, October 23rd , alongside the Public Education Alliance, we have the chance to defend public schools from those who wish to destroy it, by calling for restoring of funding and protecting the future of public education in our state. Come out and make your voice heard! Make Your Lobby Day Plans!Although February might seem like a long way off, it will be here before you know it! Now you can RSVP to let us know you’ll be here in Richmond on February 16th to lobby lawmakers on our legislative agenda! On February 15th we’ll host an in-person briefing and legislative reception, so you’ll be ready to go the next day. Lawmakers need to hear from you about the importance of public schools and the work we do for kids every day! Let’s turn out and show them the strength of the VEA! You can RSVP and find out more below. Do You Have a Plan to Vote?This year’s elections are critical for the future of public education, so make sure you have a plan to vote for the candidates who really support public schools. The Virginia Voter Guide has all the information you need to make informed voter decisions, see a personalized ballot, and check your voter registration. Early voting ends November 1st, but you can request a mail-in ballot until October 24th, and of course in person voting is November 4th! Remember, if you have an issue with casting your ballot, you can contact Virginia Election Protection immediately at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or at their website. See the Virginia Voter Guide Here We need YOU to be Part of VEA’s Next Budget ProcessThe Budget Committee, led by VEA Vice President Dr. Jessica Jones, needs your input on the upcoming VEA budget! We’ve created a budget survey open to all members, which helps to guide the priorities for much of our union’s work, and the heart of those priorities is you! Take the survey here to weigh in on how to make the upcoming budget efficient and effective!  |