Save the Date

March 9 and 10, 2026

George Mason Science and Technology Campus

Manassas, Virginia

Conference Theme: Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline: Focusing on Issues Related to Teacher Retention

Conference Information

We look forward to seeing you at our spring conference. This event fosters collaboration among stakeholders in teacher education and preK-12 practice, offering a platform to share innovative ideas, research, and strategies for strengthening teacher recruitment and retention in Virginia.

Workshops, presentations, and facilitated discussions will explore the following themes:

  • Induction & Transition from Teacher Ed to Teaching: Explore effective strategies for connecting pre-service teacher preparation with induction programs to ensure a smooth and supportive transition into the classroom.

  • Teacher Experiences & Early-Career Supports: Highlight the lived experiences of early-career teachers and the supports that foster professional growth, resilience, and long-term retention.

  • Policy & Systems Perspectives: Examine the role of district, state, and institutional policies in shaping teacher recruitment, induction practices, and retention outcomes.

  • EPP Policies & Pathways: Discuss the pathways created by educator preparation programs and policies that facilitate teacher readiness and align with induction and retention goals.

  • Pre-Service Teacher Support to Thrive as Early-Career Educators: Identify practical approaches to equip pre-service teachers with the skills, mentoring, and resources necessary to thrive during their early years in the profession.

 
 

Conference Registration

Registration includes the conference fee, 3 meals (breakfast and lunch Monday, breakfast Tuesday), and a Monday evening reception.

Rates through March 2:

  • College and University Faculty and Staff

  • January 5 - 31 | Early Bird | $200

  • February 1 - March 2 | Regular | $225

  • Graduate Students | $50

  • P-12 Educators | $100

  • VPEC Members | $100

Late registration March 3 - 8: $250 for all participants

Registration is limited and will close once all seats have been filled.

Local Accommodations

  • Tempo by Hilton Manassas | 9849 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109

  • Tru by Hilton - Manassas | 10550 Gateway Blvd, Manassas, VA 20110

  • Comfort Suites Manassas Battlefield Park | 7350 Williamson Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109

  • Courtyard by Marriott Manassas Battlefield Park | 10701 Battleview Pkwy, Manassas, VA 20109

 

Fall 2025 Conference

Pathways Forward: Advancing Teacher Education through Research and Innovation

Conference topics addressed Addressing Current Challenges in the Field, Preparation through Evidence-Based Practices, and Strategic Partnerships.

 
 

 

Spring 2025 Conference

Empowering Educators and Enhancing Collaboration

Conference topics addressed Advancing Accreditation and Program Quality, Transforming Literacy Education, and Fostering Collaboration through Special Interest Groups.

 
 

 

Fall 2024 Conference

Bridging Theory and Practice: Insights from Educator Preparation Research

The conference theme showcased the latest findings and innovations in the field of educator preparation. Conference topics addressed how our teacher education programs, structures, and pedagogies (e.g., clinical experience structures, teaching methods, school-university partnerships, course designs, etc.) are valuable and have an impact on P-12 schools, universities, and community partners.