Virginia Tech’s Southwest Center reported to the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center board that it partnered with the center and the Virginia Department of Education to deliver virtual professional development for K–12 teachers across Region 7, enrolling more than 400 teachers in live workshops and an additional number accessing recorded sessions.

Penny McCallum of Virginia Tech described how a survey of local superintendents shaped the programming and how the Higher Education Center supplied funding and IT support while Virginia Tech supplied faculty and content. McCallum said the first programs focused on K–3 reading and that 125 K–3 teachers signed up for weekly sessions; 45 parents participated in a parallel program.

McCallum said the partnership used a separate Department of Education STEM grant together with center funds to expand offerings, then moved to grades 4–7 reading, technology training for teachers (including Zoom and Google Classroom), special-needs supports, science labs and physical-education safety. She said recorded sessions and supplemental materials are posted to the Virginia Tech Southwest Center and the Higher Education Center websites for later access.

McCallum credited local teachers who delivered peer-led sessions, naming Elizabeth Delp, Laura Nunley, Rachel Van Dyke, Jane Carter and Amy Compton, and said Jane Carter established an online site for science teachers to share practices. Board members and the chair praised the partnership and the reach to all 17 school divisions in the region.

The report noted the work was supported by Virginia Tech faculty from the School of Education and other colleges, as well as presenters from University of Pikeville and the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. McCallum said additional follow-up sessions for reading and math are planned and that the center’s financial and IT support were essential.

Board members thanked McCallum and David Matlock, the center’s executive director, for the partnership and program delivery.