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Getting Ready to Retire

More than 30 Richmond-area members learned the ins and outs of filing for retirement at one of the first in a VEA series of workshops.

On Dr. Seuss' Birthday, a Reading Feast

Thirty-six squirming preschoolers, straining to get a better look at the pages of The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham-could there be a better birthday tribute to Theodor Geisel, otherwise known as Dr. Seuss?

Hundreds Urge Lawmakers to Reverse Steep School Cuts

Chants of "we're not going to take it" rang through Capitol Square Saturday as hundreds of VEA members, parents, and others urged Gov. Bob McDonnell and state lawmakers to reverse their steep cuts to K-12 education funding.

The Truth About Virginia's Budget Crisis

VEA President Kitty Boitnott responds to a misleading letter from Virginia Education Secretary Gerard Robinson on K-12 school funding.

On Charter Schools, Constitution Stipulates Local Authority

A day after Governor Bob McDonnell proposed new legislation to promote charter schools, VEA and the organizations representing school boards and superintendents urged him to reconsider provisions that would unconstitutionally wrest authority from local school divisions.

VEA Supports Locke Tax Plan to Counter Cuts to Schools

With Virginia public schools facing the most draconian funding cuts in more than a generation, VEA Monday threw its support behind a $1.3-billion tax package proposed by state Senator Mamie Locke.

Commonwealth Backsliding on Teacher Pay

VEA's newest report on teacher salaries finds that benchmark salaries in the Commonwealth--the average figure school divisions pay to teachers at entry level and after 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years in the profession--declined across the board this year.

Get Ready for NEA's Read Across America Day

Read Across America is the Association's signature initiative supporting reading. Check out our resources and and get ready for Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2.

Resources for Teaching African-American and Women's History

Are you looking for resources to use in February for African-American History Month or March for Women's History Month? Read our suggestions.

Snow No Barrier for VEA Members on Lobby Day

Nearly a foot of snow fell in the Richmond area this weekend, but that didn't stop close to 200 Association members from around the state from attending VEA Lobby Day February 1.

Virginia Schools Facing a 'Freight Train' of Budget Cuts

Virginia's mounting budget hole is a "freight train" aimed straight at public schools, VEA and other education advocates testified yesterday.

Learn What Virginia's Budget Crisis Means for Your Pension and Your School

If you're a VEA member, we'll be calling you at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 28, to participate in an important "Tele-Town Hall" meeting. You'll learn about possible threats to your retirement benefits and budget cuts affecting your school.

Where Does Your School Division Rank in Salary and Benefits?

Find out where your local school division ranks on the salary and select benefits paid to teachers with a BA and 10 years of experience.

Public Schools Hit in Kaine Budget

Larger class sizes. Less instructional support for teachers. Lost jobs. Higher health insurance premiums for employees. Those are among the likely results of a state budget that passes an enormous burden onto local governments.

Shenandoah County EA Weighs in on RIF Policy

The Shenandoah County Education Association (SCEA) is making sure members' voices are heard through its influence on the school division's RIF policy, says SCEA President Stephanie Payne.

Prince William EA Weighs In on Pay Plan

Teacher turnover is often higher at schools serving large proportions of students who live below the poverty line, speak English as a second language, or who have been identified as disabled. Will a system of bonuses for teachers working in such schools increase teacher retention and help raise student achievement?

Stafford Steps Toward Equitable Pay

Hard work by the Stafford Education Association SEA) to fix inequities in the pay system paid off as the school board Tuesday agreed to a rare mid-year step increase.

Innovation, Yes. Charters, Maybe.

Virginia Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell is calling for more charter schools. Learn why we should exercise caution.

Do You Know a Friend of Education?

We're seeking your nominations for the 2010 VEA Friend of Education Award. This prestigious award is intended for an individual or organization whose leadership, acts, or support has significantly benefited education, education employees, or students in Virginia as deemed by the VEA Board of Directors.

Protect our VRS

VEA local Association leaders may use this PowerPoint presentation to conduct 10 minute building meetings on pending VRS changes.

Unwind and Learn About Your Association at VEA Sparks

If you're an Association member with five or fewer years of experience, VEA Sparks could be your ticket to an enjoyable weekend in Wintergreen or Virginia Beach.

School Funding Faces Uphill Climb in General Assembly

VEA this week kicked off its annual pre-legislative workshops, and, as participants in Norfolk learned, school funding faces an uphill climb in the upcoming session of the General Assembly.

VEA Testifies to Costs of Funding Cuts

In regional hearings around the state Wednesday night, VEA members gave dramatic testimony on the probable costs of a proposed change to the state's school funding formula.

Isle of Wight EA Challenges Outsourcing

When the Isle of Wight schools closed their doors for the summer break, some 40 custodians were among the ranks of school system employees, earning decent wages and benefits for the challenging work they do. After a closed-door school board vote June 25, though, none of them works for the school system any longer.

VEA Airing TV Ads to Promote Education Issues

VEA has launched an aggressive public education and lobbying campaign to ensure that important education issues are addressed during the weeks leading up to the November election.

Spotsylvania Bus Drivers Ask for Change on Physicals

Some 50 bus drivers, members of the Spotsylvania Education Association (SEA), asked the school board to change a new policy that requires them to get their annual physicals from a school division employee.

Educators: Beware of Phishing Scam

Educators are being targeted by a "phishing" scam designed to pry their personal information away. Read on for the Association's guidance on what to do if you receive one.

Positive Signs from State Board on Support Staff Cap Issue

VEA has argued for the last year that Governor Kaine's proposal to cap what the state spends on school support positions amounts to a permanent cut for K-12 education, one that reaches beyond the specific support positions and well into classrooms. Yesterday, the Virginia Board of Education indicated it, too, has concerns about the cap, which limits funding provided by the state to local school divisions under the state's Standards of Quality.

VEA Members: Take a Discount on Online Courses

VEA members can add to their knowledge of topics like differentiated instruction and teaching vocabulary-and enjoy a discounted rate-thanks to a new partnership between VEA and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Walk for Friends of Public Education

On October 17, VEA is coordinating neighborhood walks to support friends of public education. Download our pdf of the flyer to learn more, and contact your UniServ office to sign up.

Weigh in on Support Staff Cap at Regional Hearings

On September 30, the state Board of Education will conduct regional hearings on the proposed cap on state funding of school support staff. No matter what your job is, the cap will affect the ability of your school division to fund staff and programs. Please plan to attend the nearest regional meeting.

VEA Members Urge: No Permanent School Cuts

At a rally in Richmond on the Capitol grounds, more than two hundred VEA members urged members of the state Board of Education and the General Assembly not to do lasting damage to schools by permanently capping funds for school support staff.

Educators Boost Deeds at NoVa Rally

At a Northern Virginia rally featuring President Barack Obama and gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, VEA members discussed why Deeds is the right choice for governor.

State Legislators: Slow Down on Charter Schools

Over the past two decades, states have experimented with "charter schools" in a bid to offer more educational options and, in the best-case scenario, raise student achievement. A new policy statement from the National Conference of State Legislatures, though, criticizes federal efforts to rate states--and award or deny funding to them--based on how many charter schools a state has.

VEA Trains Association Activists

Local Associations around the state are coordinating "Association Activist" training to strengthen skills and build membership.

VEA-PAC Gives Deeds the Nod for His Support of Public Schools

On a sweltering afternoon in Richmond, supporters of gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds were all smiles after the Virginia Education Association's Fund for Children and Public Education announced it is recommending the Bath County legislator for governor.

Educators Seeks Ways to Boost Compensation

Members gathered in Charlottesville to talk about their paychecks at the 2009 VEA Compensation Conference.

VEA Delegates Tackle National Issues

Virginia educators traveled to San Diego to participate in the National Education Association's 2009 Representative Assembly.

VEA Members Head for NEA Annual Meeting

A delegation of your colleagues from around the commonwealth will join 10,000 Association members at the NEA convention in San Diego.

VEA 'Cyber Town Hall' Shows Mixed Sentiments on Third Grade Test

While testing companies and interest groups argued for keeping the third grade social studies SOL test, VEA asked members to give their opinion to eliminate the test.

Deeds, McDonnell Discuss Views with VEA-PAC

November elections may seem far away, but representatives of the VEA Fund for Children and Public Education (formerly VEA-PAC) are hard at work preparing to make recommendations on critical fall races. This week, they interviewed gubernatorial candidates Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds, after last week posing questions to Steve Shannon, who is vying for a job as the Commonwealth's attorney general.

Sign Up for Course on Harper's Ferry

American Public University (APU) is partnering with the Harper's Ferry National Historic Park to offer teachers of grades 4 through 12 a 3-credit, online graduate history course in connection with an onsite, free summer workshop offered by the National Park Service.

Are You Ready for Primary?

Information to assist you prior to the Virginia Democratic Primary election June 9. The VEA Fund for Children and Education (formerly VEA-PAC) has made no recommendation in the primary election.

Weigh in on proposed change to SOL testing program

The VEA wants to know what you think about the proposal to drop the third grade social studies SOL test.

Brunswick Members Help Reverse Pay Cut

The Brunswick Education Association (BEA) confirmed recently that getting active and speaking up can pay dividends.

'Schoolhouse Talk,' Internet Radio Show, Debuts

"Schoolhouse Talk" is a new Internet radio show that connects and engages people of all walks of life who care about public education. Find out how to tune in.

VEA Convention Wrap-Up

More than 800 delegates attended the 2009 VEA convention at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, held April 23-25. Highlights from the Delegate Assembly.

VEA Adds Member Discounts

VEA announces three new discount opportunities for Association members.

VEA Committee Wants to Hear from You on Testing

Statewide tests have increased in number and intensity. The VEA's ad-hoc Committee on Statewide Testing wants to hear from you about how these tests affect teaching and learning.

Delegates Pass New Business Items at VEA Convention in Hampton

During the VEA Delegate Assembly in Hampton, April 23-25, 2009, delegates passed a slew of New Business Items. The listing appears below.

You've Got Clout! Gubernatorial Forum Showcases VEA Political Activism

In a year in which Virginians will elect a new governor and 100 members of the House of Delegates, VEA flexed its political muscle at the annual Delegate Assembly, hosting a first-of-its-kind gubernatorial forum and raising more than $84,000 for the Association's political action committee. Members attending the Delegate Assembly also passed a slew of new business items (NBIs), sent more than 500 postcards to members of Congress, and adopted the Association's budget for 2009-2010.

VEA Delegates Wind Up Business in Hampton

In a packed final day of the VEA convention, the 845 delegates in Hampton passed a slew of new business items (NBIs), approved the Association's budget and changes to the VEA resolutions, and kicked off VEA's first-ever online voting effort.

Delegates Call on Congress, Kaine to Correct Stimulus Oversight

VEA delegates wrote postcards to their members of Congress and to Governor Kaine today after hearing how some localities are failing to use economic stimulus funds as intended.

Four Gubernatorial Candidates Welcomed at VEA Convention

As the race for the Virginia governor's mansion heats up, all four candidates for governor-three Democrats and one Republican-aired their views to delegates at the VEA convention in Hampton.

Danville EA Wins RIF Challenge

The economy is bad enough, but Danville teachers this year also had to contend with a proposal that would have severely weakened their job security. Find out how the Danville Education Association helped ensure a sensible policy on layoffs.

Prince William EA Boosts Reading Program

This year, students in grades K-2 at Belmont Elementary School in Woodbridge have read nearly 27,000 books as part of a program supported by the Prince William Education Association PWEA).

One-Third of Veteran Teachers May Retire in Next Four Years

Baby Boomers teaching in the nation's schools are nearing retirement, and a new report says cross-generational 'learning teams' are needed to overcome a massive exodus of our most accomplished educators.

Forum for Gubernatorial Candidates Headline Events at VEA Convention

VEA's Delegate Assembly in Hampton, April 23-25, will feature a forum for gubernatorial candidates, a first-ever art auction, and a new awards dinner.

Boitnott Urges State Board Not to Shortchange Schools

Appearing before the state Board of Education, VEA President Kitty Boitnott urged board members to reject budget changes that would shortchange schools.

VEA and NEA Support Employee Free Choice

VEA and NEA support the Employee Free Choice Act. Find out why, and send a message to your Congressional representatives urging support for the Act.

RIF: How to Respond to the Pink Slip

If you've received a RIF (Reduction in Force) notice, you're not alone. The downturn in the economy has local school divisions slashing their budgets, and some positions are being trimmed. Some tips on what to do if you get a RIF notice.

GASB: Acronym May Spell Trouble for Health Benefits

Employers have been shifting more costs for health care onto employees for the past decade. That trend is unlikely to abate, due in part to the fallout from recently revised accounting standards from the Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB).

Obama Stimulus Plan: This Rescue Makes Sense

For weeks, Virginia school divisions have planned drastic budget cuts, salary freezes, and layoffs of instructional and support staff in response to the devastating downturn in the local economy and huge anticipated cuts in state support. The $787-billion economic stimulus plan signed into law Feb. 17 by President Barack Obama, which includes an historic increase in federal education aid, should turn the tide.

Economic Stimulus Package Boosts School Funding

The $789-billion economic stimulus package spearheaded by President Barack Obama (officially called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) includes more than $130 billion in funding for education aid-including huge increases in funding for disadvantaged and special education students.

Cuts Will Have 'Devastating Effect,' Coalition Warns

Cuts being proposed as state lawmakers wrangle over the Commonwealth's budget "will have a devastating effect on our schools and on the children they serve," the Virginia Education Coalition (VEC) said today.

Holding Lawmakers Accountable

Does Lobby Day make a difference? Angela Clevinger explains how this year's Lobby Day increased her resolve.

VEA Member-Lobbyists Flood Capitol

More than 300 VEA members carry the message, 'No Permanent Cuts' to school funding. Check out our Lobby Day story, photos, and video.

Mathews Advocates Oppose Budget Cuts in Visit to General Assembly

With the blessing of their superintendent and school board, two bus loads of Mathews County teachers, school support professionals, parents, grandparents, and students lobbied their representatives in the General Assembly for school funding on January 26.

Leadership Skills Training Offered March 13-15

VEA will provide training in leadership skills for up to 20 members in Portsmouth on March 13-15, 2009. Interested? Act now; the signup deadline is Feb.11.

Fairfax ESPs: A Vital Part of the Team

Throughout a day-long Education Support Professional (ESP) workshop held Monday by the Fairfax Education Association, one point was underscored again and again. ESPs serve a vital role in public education, deserving of respect, job rights, and fair pay and benefits.

No Permanent School Cuts, Boitnott Urges General Assembly

In testimony delivered in Richmond at a state budget hearing, VEA President Kitty Boitnott urged members of the General Assembly to reject budget cuts that will do lasting harm to the state's school funding mechanism. Local governments -- and school children -- will bear the brunt, she warned

Public Willing to Pay More in Taxes to Avoid School Cuts

A new Commonwealth Education Poll released Jan. 7 by Virginia Commonwealth University finds that a solid 68 percent of Virginia citizens are willing to pay more in taxes rather than see school budgets cut.

Budget Amendments Cut Deep into K-12 Education

Budget amendments for 2008-10 proposed last month by Gov. Kaine would cut deep into K-12 funding and straight into your classroom, a VEA analysis shows.

Sign of the Times? Teacher Sells Ad Space on Tests

It's either an ingenious solution to an all-too-common problem or an uncomfortable statement about our country's priorities. A San Diego teacher last month made headlines by selling ad space on his quizzes and tests.

For Two VEA Teachers, A Chance to Make History

VEA members James Harold Boyd and Edgar Childress helped make history Monday, casting their votes in Virginia's Electoral College to make Barack Obama and Joseph Biden the next president and vice-president of the United States.

VEA, Waynesboro Make Lakota Connection

"Hau kola, tuni tuka hwo?" (Hello friend, how are you?) With those words in the language of the Lakota Indians, VEA Executive Director Bob Whitehead began a lesson simulcast to two classrooms of students at William Perry Elementary School in Waynesboro.

VEA Congratulates Newly Certified Teachers

One-hundred fifty six VEA members just got word that they had achieved certification by the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

Preserve Virginia's Standards of Quality, Boitnott Urges Gov. Kaine

Virginia faces tough economic times. But children should not be forced to bear the brunt. In a letter to Gov. Tim Kaine, VEA President Kitty Boitnott urged him to protect school Standards of Quality.

Loudoun Members Receive $5,000 Grant from NEA Foundation

Michele Rzweski-Copeland and Laura Snow of Potowmack Elementary School in Sterling, VA have received a $5,000 Student Achievement Grant from the NEA Foundation to fund "Living Loudoun County History," a project in which a local children's author will help students write their own historical narratives.

Local Associations Head to Richmond for VEA Web Training

Web editors for six Local Associations gathered in Richmond November 15 for training in a software program that will allow them to publish their own web site.

Dropout Prevention Programs Paying for Themselves

The VEA has made increasing Virginia's high school graduation rate one of its top priorities, and a new study by The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis underscores why: The lifetime benefits to the state for each additional high school graduate add up to three times the cost of the investment.

Apply Now for Every Member Leadership Training

Leadership training is open to you at VEA's Every Member Leadership Training, to be held March 12-13, 2010, in Richmond. Act now: the deadline for receipt of applications is Jan. 15, 2010.

Augusta Member Signs Up and Wins

Ed Lovell, a member of the Augusta County Education Association (ACEA), was selected as the winner of a free Bose Sound Dock system.

Math Teachers Take Note: Free Resources from NCTM

Are you interested in raising the achievement of math-challenged students? Looking for math resources to help students with special needs? Your membership in the Virginia Education Association entitles you to free resources from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics through December 31, 2008.

Make Parents Your Partners With VEA Resources

Browse VEA's resources on how to work more effectively with parents.

VEA Sparks Will Light Your Fire

Are you a teacher or other school employee with five or fewer years of experience on the job? If so, consider taking part in our unique VEA SPARKS weekend, to be held February 27 to March 1, 2009, at Wintergreen Resort.

Show Us Your Creative Side

VEA's Fitz Turner Commission for Human Relations and Civil Rights has launched a contest for artwork that can be used on a lapel pin. The winning entry will earn the artist a cool $500-and will be displayed at the 2009 VEA Delegate Assembly.

Register for Members-Only Access and Enter our Bose Drawing

Explore the new VEA web site. If you sign up for members-only access by Oct. 31, we'll enter you into the drawing for a new Bose Sound Dock system!

Becoming a MODEL Teacher

Got three hours? The VEA's new workshop can change the way you go about your teaching.

VEA Seeks Leadership Trainers

VEA is expanding its Leadership Training Cadres. Read on if you may be interested in becoming a trainer. Note: Deadline for receipt of your application is October 3, 2008.

Welcome to the new veanea.org

Come experience your new web site. We'll walk you through the new sections and features.

VEA Summer Seminars Build Skills

Who says educators take the summer off? At two summer conferences, VEA members untapped their "inner organizer" and tackled the nuts and bolts of compensation and benefits.

Extreme Makeover, NEA-Style

"Call it Extreme Makeover, School Edition," joked Student VEA President Sarah Danielsen. "I keep waiting for Ty to show up."

Hampton honored with Saturn award

As a career switcher who entered the classroom eight years ago, Hampton Education Association (HEA) President Trina Francis now admits "I might not have lasted past my second year without this program."

Culpeper Teachers March Against Pay Snub

Facing no pay increase but rising health insurance costs this year, members of the Culpeper County Education Association (CCEA) are fighting back.

Meg Gruber, Vice President, Virginia Education Association

Since August 1, 2008, she has served as vice president of the Virginia Education Association.

A Woman of Letters

In an interview with the VEA News, she discussed her views on membership growth, the upcoming presidential election, and all those abbreviations that come after her name.

Candidates vie for NEA Director slot

VEA members to vote on candidates for NEA Director position.

Meet Kitty Boitnott

Kitty Boitnott is your new VEA President. Learn more about the school library information specialist from Henrico