Teaching & Learning Today: June 2025
June 18, 2025
June 18, 2025
Welcome to Teaching and Learning TODAY. We encourage you to monitor this newsletter regularly and respond to those areas that interest you. We facilitate the development of professional learning by members, for members, and are grateful for the opportunity to do so. Allow us to assist you to learn, grow professionally, and impact others.
We wish you a safe, relaxing, and fun summer!
Teaching Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom
Although Juneteenth is commemorated when most K-12 schools are on summer break, it remains a valuable part of our nation’s history. Educators can include Juneteenth lessons in their classroom with our curated list of background reading, lessons, and recommended book lists.
June Observances/Events
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History: A K-12 Teacher’s Toolkit Released
The toolkit was developed to integrate Asian American contributions, experiences, and histories in K–12 classrooms. The Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage and History: A K-12 Teacher’s Toolkit contains classroom activities and discussion prompts; grade level adaptations; printables; book and media recommendations; and opportunities to connect history to students’ lived experiences. All resources are free to use, adapt, and share. Read more from VDOE today!
To learn more about National Board Certification, visit our website or go to www.nbpts.org.
Resist the Hustle and Grind Culture- How educators can use rest to recharge, cope, and flourish in the profession.
Podcast: Lawyers Explain: Anti-Immigrant Policies and Education
Schools are meant to be safe spaces for all students, but what happens when immigration enforcement reaches the classroom or college campus? Alice O’Brien and Lubna Alam from NEA’s legal team join the show to help educators navigate the complex legal waters of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and remind them of their rights to protect every student, regardless of immigration status.
Anti-Doxxing Resource: In this climate where public attacks against teachers on social media can go viral, members should take measures to secure their online presence and social media. It’s important to be ready before any potential doxxing takes place. Follow these steps to prepare yourself.
NEA-Retired: Once an educator, always an educator and the same goes for your union membership! A new video will introduce current members to NEA-Retired and welcome them into a new chapter in union membership. Members of NEA-Retired can stay connected and informed, advocate for educators and students, and secure lifetime access to NEA member benefits. The video is posted on the NEA-Retired join site and on NEA’s You Tube channel. The video was posted on You Tube on Friday, June 6 and will be accompanied by ads on Facebook and Instagram to reach potential members.
Name: Carlisah Benbow
Local: SVEA-AE at Old Dominion University (ODU)
Role(s) that you have completed with VEA: President, Vice President, & Event Coordinator in ODU’s SVEA. SVEA State Board (25-26) Eastern Region Representative.
# of years in education: Student obtaining a B.S. in Elementary Education
# of years in VEA: 1
How has being a union member helped you? Becoming a member of the SVEA and the VEA has opened more doors than I ever imagined. I first joined SVEA after one of my professors encouraged me to attend a meeting. At the time, I thought it was just a campus club, but once I officially became a state member, I realized how vast and impactful the network truly is. Through conventions, conferences, scholarships, educator journals, advocacy updates, and professional development workshops, I’ve gained access to resources and opportunities that have shaped me as a future educator and aspiring school leader. I’ve connected with fellow students, veteran teachers, administrators, and education advocates who’ve offered insight, support, and inspiration. One moment that truly stood out was attending the Educators of Color Summit. It was incredibly empowering to be in a room full of passionate, like-minded individuals who looked like me and shared similar experiences. I walked away not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose. Being part of SVEA and VEA has helped me feel informed, supported, and seen. It’s given me a meaningful head start on my career in education.
If you could give 1 piece of advice to someone in education, what would it be? Keep exploring. Education is a multifaceted field, and there are so many ways to make an impact. Many of us grow up wanting to be classroom teachers, but there are countless opportunities in education that go beyond the classroom. You can work in administration, policy, curriculum development, leadership, or student support. Stay curious and open to learning about all the different paths available. Being part of VEA has shown me the value of building relationships and hearing from people in different roles. No matter what you choose, make sure it’s something you’re truly passionate about. Education is not always easy, and working with children and communities requires heart, resilience, and dedication. Surround yourself with a supportive network and don’t be afraid to grow and shift as you learn more. The journey is worth it.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, teachers in Virginia earn 67 cents on the dollar compared to other (non-teacher) college-educated workers. Virginia’s teacher wage penalty is the worst in the nation.
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