Instruction & Professional Development Conference

Instructional Conference Highlighted by Expertise from Members

One of the beauties of the VEA’s annual Instruction and Professional Development Conference is the opportunity for educators to learn from the real experts—each other—and the 2020 installment, while digital for the first time, was a spectacular example. Here are just a few highlights of member-to-member expertise:

• Franklin County member Anthony Swann, Virginia’s 2021 Teacher of the Year, inspired attendees to stay strong as we continue to lead during times of great uncertainty;
• Allen Watkins, a Stafford Education Association member and winner of VEA’s 2020 Award for Teaching Excellence, advised young educators to keep their lives in balance and to take advantage of Union membership.
• Prince William Education Association member Renee Roccato, a preschool special education teacher, shared stories about how the most challenging situations educators can face may also be their most beautiful.
• Christine McBee (right), a fourth grade teacher and Williamsburg-James City County Education Association member, spoke about how connecting with colleagues around the state through VEA has changed her professional life.
• VEA-Retired President Dennis Pfennig described how educators can still contribute to public education in retirement and discussed the advantages of joining VEA-R prior to retirement.

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