Skip to main content

Weekly Field Memo - Volume 17, Issue 29

August 23, 2023

The Agency of Education created the weekly field memo to keep subscribers up-to-date with current education policy, state-wide education initiatives, and official messages from the AOE. The field memo may also include education-related items from other state agencies. The field memo is not intended to serve as a newsletter.


Agency of Education, State of Vermont and Federal Updates

This section of the Weekly Field Memo contains posts from the Agency of Education (AOE), other State of Vermont agencies, federal agencies or Vermont's congressional delegation.

Arts Learning Target Banks

Audience: Music, Theatre, Dance Educators
Learning targets provide a framework for arts educators to guide their instructional decisions and help students achieve desired learning outcomes. By establishing clear and meaningful learning targets, educators can enhance their teaching practice and promote student growth. In completing the professional development, educators will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to develop and implement effective learning targets. Please join for this full-day, in-person PD at the Vermont College of Fine Arts Campus located in Montpelier:

  • Tuesday, October 10, 8:00-3:30 – Dance
  • Tuesday, October 18, 8:00-3:30 – Music (General, Band, Choral, Orchestra)
  • Tuesday, November 7, 8:00-3:00 – Theatre

Contact: Lisa Bresler at lisa.bresler@vermont.gov 

Vermont School Safety Center

The Vermont School Safety Center is pleased to announce three new resources for your planning purposes. These and other resources can be found under “Latest News” on the VT School Safety Center’s homepage.

Three more offerings of the state’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management training are scheduled for September 21, October 26 and November 1, 2023. This virtual training introduces the concept of threat assessment and includes guidance and resources for forming and implementing a team in your school or district. This one-day (awareness level) course also teaches participants how to assess threats and other disturbing behavior and take steps to reduce risk and prevent harm. Registration forms for these training resources can now be found on the VT School Safety Center’s website. 
Contact: Robert L. Evans, VT School Safety Liaison Officer, revans@cosecure.com or (802) 839-0448.

Peer Review Panelists Wanted

Audience: Currently Licensed Vermont Educators
The Agency of Education’s Peer Review program needs licensed educators to serve as Panelists. Panelists receive $175.00 per interview. The work of a panelist involves evaluating a candidate’s portfolio (approximately 2-4 hours) and participating in the interview process (approximately 1-2 hours). Interviews are online and scheduled based on your convenience. If you are interested, complete the online Small Scale Education Contract Survey by September 15, 2023. All endorsement areas are welcome to submit if interested.  
Contact: Ryan McCormick at Ryan.McCormick@vermont.gov.

Vermont Holocaust Education Week 2024

Audience: 7-12 educators, Superintendents, Curriculum Directors
Save the Date: April 1-5, 2024, Vermont Holocaust Memorial will host the second annual Holocaust Education Week in collaboration with the Agency of Education, Echoes and Reflections and other Holocaust educational organizations. A variety of resources including lesson plans and virtual speakers will be offered daily. Registration will be required for participation in any of the live speaker sessions. Access 2023 Holocaust Education Week info and lesson plans online. Presentation recordings are available on the Vermont Holocaust Memorial YouTube channel. For more information, to book a speaker or to subscribe for updates contact VTHM.
Contact: Martha Deiss at 
Martha.Deiss@vermont.gov


Subscribe Online

The field memo has time-sensitive and relevant information designed for students, teachers, and staff. The agency encourages principals, headmasters, and superintendents to share the memo with their education community. Additionally, individuals can subscribe or unsubscribe online.

Questions? Email aoe.edinfo@vermont.gov.