Vermont Agency of Education announces new learning opportunities and frameworks

The Vermont Agency of Education has announced several updates and opportunities for educators and administrators across the state.

A new professional learning opportunity is available for those interested in the Vermont 250th Art Exhibition. The agency is offering a streamlined 1.5-hour remote session after school, which will provide practical strategies for bringing the exhibition to students. There is also a six-hour in-person session that includes artmaking and collaborative planning, scheduled at the River Gallery School of Art in Brattleboro. As of now, there are 23 slots remaining for this in-person event. Both K-12/CTE students and adult education learners are invited to participate in the exhibition. For more information or to register, educators can contact Eric Howard at Eric.Howard@vermont.gov.

In addition, the Vermont Agency of Education has developed a new framework aimed at supporting curriculum leaders as they write or revise social studies curricula for grades K-8. The Vermont Framework for K-8 Social Studies draws from national standards and aligns with current equity initiatives within the state. The agency is seeking implementation partners who are interested in applying this framework locally during an ongoing school year. An information session webinar about this initiative will be held on December 15 from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, where participants can ask questions and request a recording of the session by registering ahead of time. Interested parties should contact Martha Deiss at Martha.Deiss@vermont.gov.

Finally, details have been released regarding regional Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) trainings scheduled for 2026. Sessions will take place across New Hampshire and Maine on various dates between February and June. Initial training requires attendance over three days for new trainers, while renewing trainers need only attend on the final day; both groups must complete online pre-work beforehand. Those needing certification or renewal options not covered by these sessions may arrange onsite training if they have more than four trainers needing certification or renewal. Scheduling can be done directly through CPI or by booking a meeting with Kevin Grace at KGrace@crisisprevention.com.