Zoie Saunders, Secretary | Vermont Agency of Education
The Vermont Agency of Education has released its latest weekly field memo, highlighting several educational initiatives and opportunities across the state.
The Agency, working with the Vermont 250th Commission, is inviting K-12 and adult learners to participate in the Vermont 250th Art Exhibition. The exhibition, themed "Unfinished Revolutions in Vermont," will showcase selected student artworks at the Vermont State House in March 2026 and at Vermont State Historic Sites during the summer of the same year. Up to three student artworks may be added permanently to Vermont’s curated art collection through the Vermont State Curator’s Office. Submissions are due by February 20, 2026.
The Agency is also requesting profiles from non-profit organizations with at least five years of experience in before and afterschool programming in Vermont. This effort, required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Title IV, Part B, Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers, aims to create a list of pre-screened organizations for public reference. Eligible organizations must submit their profiles by December 1, 2025.
In support of technology planning, the Agency has published updated digital learning plan resources on its website. The new materials include a development guide and a planning template designed to help supervisory unions and school districts address digital access, design, and implementation. While the creation of digital learning plans is not mandatory, the Agency recommends a three-year planning cycle to support local priorities and equitable digital learning access.
A professional development opportunity focused on Holocaust literature will be available for educators in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This program offers evidence-based literacy practices aligned with the science of reading and aims to deepen historical understanding. Supported by Read Vermont, the series begins December 5 in Montpelier and includes virtual office hours and a concluding session in late spring. Registration closes November 24.
Work-based learning coordinators are being asked to complete an annual survey to help the Agency better understand how work-based learning is delivered across Vermont. The survey is intended for those directly supporting students in planning or implementing these experiences. Responses are requested by November 14, 2025.
The Vermont Alliance for the Social Studies (VASS) will hold its annual conference on November 20, 2025, at Capitol Plaza in Montpelier. The conference theme is “Recognizing the 250th and Envisioning What’s Next.” The event features keynote speakers, breakout sessions on social studies and the arts, museum passes, and recognition of the Vermont Social Studies Teacher of the Year. Registration is open until November 13.
Additionally, the Agency is hosting a collaborative professional learning opportunity for multilingual learner and K-12 science educators. The session will focus on integrating Next Generation Science Standards and WIDA standards through co-planned lessons and hands-on activities. The training will take place on December 3 at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science in Quechee, and registration includes lunch.
For more information on these initiatives, educators and organizations are encouraged to contact the relevant staff members at the Vermont Agency of Education.
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