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)

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

Timely Resources & Opportunities

Registration is now open for the very first School-Based Mental Health Institutes!

To register, please complete the School-Based Mental Health Institute Registration Form by February 3, 2026.

This free, two-day event designed for SBMH Teams and Division Leaders. Participants will learn about the drafted Comprehensive SBMH Implementation Playbook for Virginia Public Schools, explore overviews of all six components: Resource Mapping, Data-Informed Decision Making, Teaming, Tier 1, Tier 2/3, and Screening.

Attendees will have opportunities to provide feedback on the drafted guide to VDOE and also begin thinking about how each component could be implemented or strengthened within their school or division. We strongly encourage you to attend and invite colleagues to join you!

We do anticipate both events reaching capacity in the new year- so grab your spots as soon as you are able! If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to either Sarah Bazemore (Sarah.Bazemore@doe.virginia.gov) or Alex Javna (Alexandra.Javna@doe.virginia.gov).

There are two dates/locations to choose from:

The Barns at Mattaponi Springs in Caroline County: February 19–20, 2026
Wytheville Meeting Center in Wythe County: February 26–27, 2026

For start and stop times for each day please review our Drafted Agenda.

For lodging options please visit our SBMH Institute Webpage.

Accommodations for ADHD are Access, Not Excuses

Accommodations for ADHD are not excuses, loopholes, or ways out of expectations.

They are not unfair.
They do not lower standards.
They do not exist to make school easier.

The Misconceptions about Student Behavior

"In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the top 5 misconceptions about student behavior and shows you how to respond in ways that actually work. You’ll learn why kids aren’t “just seeking attention,” why it’s not defiance, and why punishment alone won’t stop behavior."

Listen Here

Supporting Mental Health for Autistic Learners

"Mental health matters, and for autistic learners, clear and consistent supports can make a world of difference. Emotional wellness impacts learning, social relationships, and overall quality of life. By embracing and teaching strategies for recognizing and managing emotions, educators and families can help students thrive both in and out of the classroom."

Read More 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.

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