VACTE Educator Circles:
Conversations that Shape Practice
VACTE Educator Circles are a virtual series designed to bring together stakeholders across Virginia to explore timely and transformative topics in teacher preparation and educational practice. Hosted by the Virginia Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (VACTE), these sessions foster collaborative dialogue, showcase innovative strategies, and spotlight real-world applications that are shaping the future of teaching and learning.
Each Educator Circle features:
Educator-led discussions on emerging trends and challenges
Practical insights from educators at colleges, universities, and preK-12 schools
Interactive sharing among participants to exchange ideas and experiences
Resources and strategies to support educators across settings
Whether you're a faculty member, administrator, or practitioner, Educator Circles offer a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations that elevate practice and inspire innovation. Sessions are open to all, and registration is free.
VACTE Educator Circles are open to any member of your organization who wishes to participate. You are welcome to share the registration information with colleagues who may be interested in attending. Please note that sessions are not recorded.
Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of education—one conversation at a time.
Previous Educator Circles
Materials from previous sessions are available after the session.
Mentoring and Retaining New Teachers
February 2026
How we mentor recent graduates with the goal of supporting retention
How educator preparation programs can and do connect with school divisions around teacher retention
Discussion and sharing:
What challenges do mentors face when supporting new teachers, and how can schools help address these challenges?
How can teacher preparation programs better prepare candidates for the realities of mentorship in their first years of teaching?
How can higher education institutions collaborate with preK-12 schools to create a seamless transition from student teaching to full-time teaching?
How can communication between teacher preparation programs and school divisions be improved to support new teachers?
Supplemental Readings:
Better than a Buddy System: A Framework for New Teacher Mentoring (Learning Forward, 2025)
Investing in New Teacher Orientation and Mentoring Can Produce Long-Term Benefits (NCTQ, 2023)
AI in Teacher Preparation
November 2025
AI and CAEP
AI in Practice at Educator Preparation Programs
Discussion and Sharing:
What are some classroom-ready tools or platforms that use AI and can enhance teaching and learning for preK–12 students?
How can AI be used to support differentiated instruction and personalized learning in preK–12 settings?
How can AI be used by teachers to create efficiencies and streamline their work?
Supplemental Readings: