The Virginia Center for Excellence in Teaching which was announced as part of the governor’s 2013 All Students K-12 legislation agenda will open at George Mason University in June, 2014. This program will provide professional development opportunities in instruction, education policy and leadership for 100 teachers annually.
“By establishing the Virginia Center for Excellence in Teaching, we continue to elevate the teaching profession and send a message that there is no higher calling than inspiring, mentoring and preparing young people for the future,” said Governor McDonnell. “The center will set a new standard for excellence in classroom instruction and prepare teachers for leadership within their fields and beyond.”
The program will consist of four five-day academies in the summer of 2014 with 25 teachers each. The June Academies will focus on STEM subjects and the humanities and language arts. The July Academies will focus on the fine arts and interdisciplanary studies.
“Public education is dynamic and rapidly changing field,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said. “The Virginia Center for Excellence in Teaching will equip teachers to be leaders in local, state and national conversations about policy and practice.”
Qualified participants must hold a five-year renewable Virginia license, been employed by a Virginia school division, have a minumun of five years of successful teaching experience and have a consistent record of effective instruction and demonstrated leadership ability.
If you need further information, please go to: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2013/oct21_gov.shtml
To learn more about the Virginia Center for Excellence in Teaching, email cehd@gmu.edu to be added to the interest list.
