VDOE'S Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at Virginia Tech

A Network for School Administrators

Improving Outcomes in Special Education

“I want to encourage you to think big. Rethink what you do, rethink how you do it. Rethink when you do it. Rethink where you do it.
Rethink with whom you do it, and maybe most importantly, rethink why you do it.”

Johnny Collett, Assistant Secretary,
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services,
U.S. Department of Education (2019, p. 2)

REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN!

Supporting the Adult Nervous System at All Levels: Resetting Your Baseline

“Students are only as emotionally and cognitively healthy as their teachers, administrators, and the staff who support them." We are so excited to be back together with professor, author, and speaker Dr. Lori Desautels as she dives deep into a new multi-tiered framework designed to support and nourish the adult nervous system, enhance decision-making, and empower personal agency. Learn how to foster a sustainable mindset for emotional and mental health, reduce burnout, build resilience, and create a sense of safety within your learning communities. It’s time to focus on YOU so that you feel empowered to make each day successful, even through the toughest moments.

Join us for Session 1 on Tuesday, September 15th from 11:30 am-1:00 pm via zoom.

We encourage you to attend all sessions!

Find more information and share the flyer here!

Registration Open

An Overview of Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities - Including the Manifestation Determination Review

Presented by VDOE Parent Ombudsman for Special Education, Peter Grabowski

We are so excited to have VDOE Parent Ombudsman for Special Education, Peter Grabowski, back with us in Southwest Virginia to present on discipline procedures for students with disabilities including the manifestation determination review.

Topics covered will include the following:

1.) Review discipline procedures relevant to students with disabilities

2.) Discuss the MDR process and apply this information to given scenarios

3.) Examine issues related to the MDR meeting in efforts to assist IEP/504 teams with navigating this complex topic

Target Audience: Special Educators, Administrators, School Board Office Personnel, School Psychologists, Section 504 Case Managers, Parent Resource Center Personnel, and General Educators.

Dates and Locations:

● October 6, 2026 at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, One Partnership Cir, Abingdon, VA 24210 - REGISTER HERE

● October 7, 2026 at Pulaski County School Board Office, 100 Northwood Dr. Pulaski, Virginia - REGISTER HERE

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Critical Decision Points for Administrators

We are excited to have Tracy Lee, Coordinator of Family Engagement, partnering with us to bring you Critical Decision Points for Administrators, a professional development opportunity provided by the Virginia Department of Education based upon the Critical Decision Points for Families of Children with Disabilities curriculum. The purpose of this training is to assist administrators with the following:

Understanding the role families play in a child's academic success
Understanding the relationship between decisions made by IEP Teams and post-school outcomes for children with disabilities
Obtaining information that will assist you in maintaining solid, collaborative relationships with families of children with disabilities in your LEA
Understanding dispute resolution options available to parents (and to the LEA) when issues arise and cannot be resolved locally
Understanding parental rights within the special education process

Target Audience: Principals, assistant principals, and special education administrators

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 27th from 9:00AM-12:00PM

Location: Wytheville Meeting Center, 333 Community Blvd, Wytheville, VA 24382

Share the flyer here!

Timely Resources & Opportunities

Please share the recorded special edition of VT T/TAC's 504 Fireside Chat yesterday with those that may need a training that actually walks them through using PCG's EdPlan for 504. It was well received and the turnout was amazing!

Watch the recording here!

When Parents Want a More Restrictive Environment Than the Team Recommends

Listen to this and previous episodes here!

Three Freebies for Back to School

23 Ways to Unplug and Prioritize Paper Over Screens

"Looking to reduce screen time without sacrificing engagement? Start with these research-backed, teacher-tested analog activities."

A Rubric for Assessing Your Classroom Management Strengths and Weaknesses

"This detailed rubric enables teachers to methodically reflect on their routines in order to understand the status of their class."

"Para's Choice" Meeting: Menu and Notes

"Time is tight in most classrooms. Therefore, most teacher-para meetings are short and focused on a pressing need. Occasionally, however, it may be possible to a) conduct a meeting that provides opportunities for sharing general information, improving strategies, and assessing progress; and b) allow paraprofessionals to direct the nature of that meeting. Some may want to be observed as they interact with a student and others may want to review a learner’s goals. Still others may want to look at data. Providing some choice can help teachers/supervisors customize the support they provide to these critical members of student teams."

Access the menu here!

Join the growing Region 6 & 7 network of support and professional learning for school administrators in Virginia. Receive weekly updates connected to our AN website, designed specifically for you. As a network, we want you to be able to connect and learn from your colleagues, who understand the depth, challenges, and complexities of your role as an educator. So please share your ideas for future AN sessions and let us know what resources you need. It truly is YOUR network and could not exist without YOU, so thanks for all you do!

Join our ABC ~123 Behavior Change email group . The purpose of ABC~123 is to share three ideas that teachers can use to support students with challenging behavior. These three ideas will be delivered to your email box each week! We hope these ideas help you to more effectively address challenging behaviors. Please join and invite others who may benefit from these weekly helpful strategies. You can email jebaldw3@vt.edu with any suggestions on topics you would like to see more about in the future.

VT T/TACs - NEW Assistant Principals' Network

We recognize that Assistant Principals as well as new Principals play a critical role in shaping school culture, instructional leadership, and inclusive practices.

This new network will begin by sharing targeted professional learning opportunities aligned to their unique leadership needs through Constant Contact. Over time, we aim to grow this into a dynamic community of practice—where they can access support, share ideas, and collaborate with peers facing similar challenges and opportunities.

Please share this interest survey with your APs or with any new (1-2yrs) Principals you may know.

Assistant Principal Interest Survey

Report abuse