The Virginia Middle School Association welcomed Dr. Chris Jones from the Virginia Association of Teaching, Learning, and Leading (VATLL) to give an overview of the organization’s mission and programs, including professional learning experiences and advocacy efforts.
Due to a Zoom recording issue, a recording is unfortunately not available. Below is an AI-generated overview of the meeting and we hope to have Chris back soon for another webinar opportunity!
Questions for Dr. Jones? Contact him at [email protected]
VATLL’s Mission and Educational Initiatives
Chris Jones, Executive Director of VATLL, presented an overview of the organization’s mission to advance excellence in teaching, learning, and leading across Virginia. He highlighted their programs, including professional learning experiences, consulting services, and upcoming events such as a webinar series on coaching, virtual workshops on AI in education, and the annual Blue Chip conference.
Chris also discussed VATLL’s advocacy efforts and their goal to provide educators with the autonomy and resources needed to meet the changing needs of students.
VMSA Event Planning Strategies
Chris explained VMSA’s approach to event planning, combining annual events scheduled years in advance with quarterly program adjustments based on regional needs and market research. He detailed their marketing strategies, which include newsletters, email blasts, and in-person promotions, and expressed appreciation for opportunities to amplify their message.
Balancing Pressure and Student Needs
Chris discussed the challenges of engaging middle school students, highlighting how the pressure to perform well on tests under the Virginia Literacy Act and new standards is leading to a departure from small group instruction.
He emphasized the need to balance student performance with teacher and administrator pressure, advocating for a tiered approach that addresses varying readiness levels among students. Sheila agreed with Chris’s observations and suggested potential collaborations to support middle-level educators, while also raising concerns about staffing and funding for schools with specific subgroups.
Middle School Teacher Workload Challenges
The group discussed challenges in middle school education, particularly around teacher workload and differentiation. Chris emphasized the importance of formative assessment strategies that allow teachers to gather and use data in real-time, rather than relying on time-consuming grading after school hours.
Mychael highlighted the difficulties faced by middle school teachers in managing multiple classes and implementing fluid grouping strategies. The discussion also covered advocacy efforts for funding schools that are not meeting standards under the new accountability model, while emphasizing the need to build teacher capacity alongside providing additional resources.
VATLL Programs and Advocacy Overview
Sheila provided an overview of VATLL’s programs, services, and advocacy efforts. She explained their professional learning offerings, including annual awards ceremonies and potential future Teacher in Action Grants. Chris detailed their advocacy work with policymakers and legislators to shape education systems. Mychael emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between VATLL and other organizations to support educators, students, and parents.
Enhancing Tier 1 Instructional Practices
The meeting focused on the importance of Tier 1 instruction and collaboration between educators. Chris presented on a high-quality instructional framework based on five key questions for teachers: Who do I teach? What do I teach? How do I teach? How do I assess? And how do I respond?
Jennifer highlighted the challenge of finding time for teachers to focus on Tier 1 instruction, given their current workload. The group discussed the benefits of micro-credentials as a job-embedded learning tool. Chris shared a lesson plan template incorporating the five questions to help teachers improve their instruction and address student needs more effectively.
