VDOE announces multi-million dollar grant for professional development program for STEM teachers

A Southwest Virginia superintendent was on hand Wednesday for a major education announcement for a multi-million dollar professional development program for STEM teachers in Virginia.

Bristol, VA Schools Superintendent Dr. Keith Perrigan, along with Gov. Ralph Northam and VDOE Superintendent James Lane were apart of unveiling the creation of a development program for increasing teacher effectiveness in science, computer science, and math, thanks to a five year, $10 million grant from the US Department of Education.

“Of the 138 proposals submitted nationwide during the last fiscal year, the U.S. Department of Education only awarded 20 grants,” said Northam. “I am proud that Virginia Ed Strategies brought one of these grants home to Virginia to support students and teachers at a time when they need it most. The CHOICE project will equip educators in our rural school divisions with increased capacity for teaching STEM disciplines in a variety of learning environments and better prepare young Virginians to thrive in a rapidly changing, technologically-advanced, global society.”

The Professional Learning by Choice Community, or simply CHOICE, plans to develop an online dashboard which will include a self-assessment tool allowing teachers to identify their professional development needs. After teachers complete the assessment, they will use the dashboard to select and register for courses and professional development programs aligned with their specific needs.

I’m very excited that our Coalition is a partner with @VaEdStrategies and @VDOE_News on the important $10.8 million PD grant that was announced today!

— Keith Perrigan (@BristolSuper) February 10, 2021

CHOICE is slated to start this fall with a pilot program involving 100 selected teachers by VA Education Strategies, with plans to expand to more than 2,000 teachers involved.