Teaching & Learning Today: July 2025
July 24, 2025
July 24, 2025
As summer continues and we begin to turn our thoughts toward the year ahead, the Teaching and Learning department is pleased to introduce Taisha C. Steele as interim director of Teaching and Learning. She also leads VEA’s Human and Civil Rights work, and at VEA, we believe that it’s every child’s human and civil right to have a quality educational experience.
This summer’s reflection time is precious. It’s when we remember why we chose this work and reconnect with our purpose. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, bus driver, cafeteria worker, custodian, media specialist, school counselor, or any of the countless professionals who make our schools meaningful places, you are part of something profound.
As we prepare for August, we want to remind you that you are guardians of possibility. The connections you make, the support you provide, the learning you inspire, are the building blocks of transformation, not just for students, but for communities and our collective future.
While many challenges exist in education, our strength lies in our shared commitment to every child’s success. Together, we create environments where learning thrives, where students feel valued, and where human dignity is honored in every interaction.
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 help you learn, grow professionally, and positively impact others.
We are excited to partner with you in this critical work. Thank you for all you do to make Virginia’s schools places where every child can flourish.
LAST CALL: EDUCATOR INPUT NEEDED
Educators across the Commonwealth are encouraged to share their thoughts in this national survey from Phones in Focus. This non-partisan research is focused on providing school division superintendents and principals with evidence-based recommendations for school phone policies that optimally support academic learning, healthy social relationships, and emotional well-being. The Phones In Focus survey asks educators about their cell phone policies and enforcement. This data allows state and school division decision makers get a better understanding of school cell phone policies and their implementation across the Commonwealth.
To learn more about National Board Certification, visit our website or go to www.nbpts.org.
Taisha C. Steele has been the Director of Human and Civil Rights at the Virginia Education Association (VEA) since 2021 and assumed the role of Interim Director of Teaching and Learning in July 2025.
Before joining the Virginia Education Association (VEA), Taisha’s 20+ year career was rooted in Virginia’s K-12 schools. She holds an Education Specialist degree from Virginia Tech, along with licensure in both school counseling and administration. Beginning her career as a school counselor, she later held the position of Executive Director of Counseling and Equity. Here, she led the academic course program of study, mental health initiatives, college and career planning, the McKinney-Vento program, and pioneered trauma-informed practices, equity, and family and community engagement. Taisha also contributed to several committees of the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) under the Northam/Lane administration. During this era, she was recognized as the 2020 Virginia School Counselor of the Year, which highlighted her wellness initiatives, care, and support for educators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Taisha has served as an adjunct professor, applying adult learning theory to design and teach courses on Trauma-Informed Leadership and Intersectionality. She led a committee with Pearson Global Assessments that included weekly calls with Peggy Brookins, President and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, to address inequities in recruiting National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) and develop a national strategy to address funding gaps for NBCT certification.
As Director of Human and Civil Rights at VEA, she champions equity and social justice in education, partnering with educators to ensure all students have access to quality educational experiences and supporting them in creating inclusive learning environments. Her work focuses on embedding human and civil rights principles throughout educational policy and practice. She serves as staff liaison to the Minority and Women’s Concerns Committee, LGBTQIA+ Committee, Members of Color Alliance (MOCA), and the Fitz Turner Commission for Human Relations and Civil Rights. In this role, she supports extensive member-led, member-driven programming for leadership development and professional growth, including coordinating VEA’s Summit on Educators of Color — all grounded in the belief that educators know what works best for their students and communities.
She believes the most rewarding aspect of being VEA staff is advocating for our dedicated members and contributing to a collective mission that strengthens educator voices and advances the profession. Taisha is honored to join the experienced Teaching and Learning department, working collaboratively to support the expertise of VEA members and deliver services that empower them in their educational practice. Outside of her professional work, Taisha enjoys spending time with her two adult sons, reading, traveling, discovering new culinary experiences, gardening, practicing yoga, and engaging in Pilates.
The Idaho Teacher Who Refused to Back Down
The poster said, “Everyone is Welcome Here.” School officials told Idaho teacher Sarah Inama that her inclusive poster violated district policy and state law. At first, she took it down. But then she thought, “Why am I doing this? What message does this send to my kids? Is everyone NOT welcome here?” So, she put it back up. Read how one NEA member took a stand for her students HERE.
According to a American Library Association survey, 67% of voters oppose banning books from school libraries?
Learn More
