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November 14, 2025
Happy Friday. It's been a busy week--you too? We had our monthly Delegate Assembly meeting on Monday evening. One of the things proposed was the formation of an Organizing Committee. If you'd like to find out more information about joining the committee, please click this link: AEA Organizing Committee Interest Form. We honored our Veterans on Tuesday, and Wednesday I had a visit to Abingdon Elementary School. Thursday was our annual meeting with the Superintendent, followed by our monthly Union Power Happy Hour! Today was spent getting things ready for a special visitor! On Monday, NEA President, Becky Pringle will be visiting Barrett ES. President Pringle is helping us kick off National Education Week. Education Support Professional (ESP) Day (November 19). Please be sure to show your appreciation to our amazing support staff and to each other.
*Please note that the Rothy's shopping event has been canceled due to lack of response.
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook!
Do You Know Someone Who Plans To Pursue A Career In Education? The Beblon G. Parks Scholarship Fund, given in honor of Beblon G. Parks, a retired VEA UniServ Director, awards either two $1,000 scholarships to two high school seniors or one $2,000 scholarship to a single high school senior, who plans to pursue a career in the field of Education. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, January 16, 2026. |
SOLIDARITY
Unions across the nation are standing with Starbucks workers. I hope you will, too!
📅 Here are some ways you can take action.
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Upcoming APS Community Engagement Opportunities:
Tue, Nov. 18 School Board Work Sessions on the Advisory Committee Working Group; Non-Traditional Secondary Program; Grace Hopper Center Programming; and High School Schedules. Agendas, background information, and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.
9 am-2:45 pm Watch Work Sessions Live or at Syphax Education Center, School Board Room, 2110 Washington Blvd. 22204
School Board Accepting Applications for Advisory CouncilsThe School Board Advisory Councils and Committees provide valuable input on the APS decision-making process. Click here to learn more.
Arlington Community Opportunities and Events:
Scholarship opportunity for Spanish students 12-18 years of age
The 1st Carlos V Education Spanish Contest encourages language learners to submit their creative works, including short stories, short essays, posters, and podcasts. Winners attend a summer session in Spain, as well as a week of professional development for their teachers. Click here for details. Applications are due Jan. 31, 2026
Thu, Nov. 20 Hiawatha in History, Legend and Poetry, a talk on a famous literary Native American hero! Hosted by Arlington Public Library
6:30-7:30 pm Registration recommended. Columbia Pike Library, 816 South Walter Reed Drive, 22204
More at: Community Engagement Opportunities with automatic translation into: Español Монгол አማርኛ العربية (Other languages)
School Board Updates
Be sure to submit your request before the deadline to secure your spot. |
November Schedule of Board Meetings, Work Sessions, and Advisory Council and Committee Meetings |
Share Your Comments on Draft School Board PoliciesReview and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the APS Engage website. Comments can be provided by November 9 on the following draft policies:
Comments can be provided by November 29 on the following draft policies:
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NEWS FROM VEA
VEA’s Vibe Check on November 19th! Come join the VEA Vibe Check, at our virtual meeting, from 7-8pm on November 19th as we discuss First Amendment Rights Are Your Rights! The VEA Vibe Check is sponsored by the Minority and Women's Concerns Committee and VEA's Department of Human and Civil Rights, which offers an opportunity for member educators to gather in a safe space to have a well-deserved break, allowing members to prioritize joy, wellness, gratitude, and solace in a supportive community. |
SAVE THE DATE: Members of Color Alliance (MOCA) Holiday Party MOCA will be hosting a Holiday Party on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at 6:00 pm. Save the date and stay tuned for more details! |
Award for Teaching Excellence is Now Open! The VEA Award for Teaching Excellence is the highest honor VEA gives for creativity and excellence in teaching, and advocacy for the profession. Just one winner will be chosen to win $750 and recognition at the VEA Delegate Assembly in April 2026. That person will also be Virginia’s nominee for the NEA Foundation Awards for Teaching Excellence. Deadline for submissions is January 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. |
Apply For Three Fitz Turner Commission Awards We are fully in award season as applications are now open for the three awards given by the Fitz Turner Commission for Human Relations & Civil Rights (FTC). Each award includes a plaque, $500, and will be recognized at the 2026 VEA Delegate Assembly. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 16, 2026 by 4:30pm. The FTC commission is responsible for making recommendations to the VEA President and VEA Board of Directors to identify and address disparities in schools and communities, and develop programs, build awareness, engage the community, and take action to address injustices and to ensure equity for all students and educators. Click here to learn more about the Fitz Turner Commission. Submit your electronic nomination here. |
Do You Know Someone Who Plans To Pursue A Career In Education? The Beblon G. Parks Scholarship Fund, given in honor of Beblon G. Parks, a retired VEA UniServ Director, awards either two $1,000 scholarships to two high school seniors or one $2,000 scholarship to a single high school senior, who plans to pursue a career in the field of Education. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, January 16, 2026. |
Are you an NBCT and want to give back to others? As an NBCT-certified educator, you understand the rigor and rewards of the certification process. Your experience and guidance would be extremely helpful to other educators on their National Board journey. VEA is currently seeking members who are certified and are willing to share their experiences and expertise with those who are pursuing National Board Certification or working to maintain their existing certification. If you are interested, please share your information by clicking the button below. To learn more about National Board Certification, visit our website or go to www.nbpts.org. |
SVEA SAVE THE DATE! SVEA-Aspiring Educators Convention will be held on April 11- 12, 2026, in Richmond, VA. Stay tuned for more information! SVEA’s Jessica Bailey Featured in NEA Today! Our very own, SVEA-AE member Jessica Bailey, was highlighted in an NEA Today article, “Why We Choose to Teach.” Jessica reflects on her experiences in school and reimagining schools where all students feel safe, valued and empowered. |
NEA Resources And Updates
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