VELS are required under Act 166 Universal Prekindergarten (UPK) and approved for Rule Series 2600 and Education Quality Standards (EQS). Explore the VELS website and resources above. Questions? Please contact AOE.UPK@vermont.gov
The Agency is pleased to announce the launch of the new Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) website, a comprehensive resource highlighting the value of learning standards from birth to grade 3. vels.education.vermont.gov
Building the best education system in America starts with coming together as a state to acknowledge our challenges and tackle them collectively—not by calling each other names. We encourage Vermonters to read the op-ed and consider Secretary Saunders' argument—in her own words.
Last night, VTDigger published an op-ed by Vermont Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders under a headline generated by VTDigger that was misleading, divisive, and insulting to Vermonters. In the interest of informed debate, we appreciate that VTDigger has owned the mistake and retracted the headline.
This includes the Agency of Education, where promoting safe and healthy schools is a core priority. A positive school climate where students feel a sense of belonging is critical to the success and well-being of our students.
Vermonters stand together, and that means we stand with the Somali community in Vermont. As highlighted in Governor Phil Scott's remarks on December 3, Vermont continues to embrace those seeking safety and a new beginning.
Hate has no home in Vermont. In light of disparaging and hateful remarks directed towards the Winooski School District, the AOE reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing inclusion for all who call Vermont home, including New Americans, immigrants, and refugees.
Yesterday the Agency hosted a Strategic Planning Retreat in Killington, Vermont with over 250 education partners from across the state. Thank you to everyone who shared their time and expertise to make it a great day! For more information visit education.vermont.gov/strategic-pl...
Every Day Counts: Using Research to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism in Vermont Schools www.uvm.edu/uvmnews/news...
Linda Alvarez and Secretary Saunders posing for a photo.
The Vermont Agency of Education announced today that Linda Alvarez, of Windham Regional Career Center in Brattleboro, is the 2026 Vermont Teacher of the Year. education.vermont.gov/press-releas...
A new school year is almost here! Vermont Secretary of Education Zoie Saunders sat down with NBC5’s Lauren Granada last week to talk back-to-school and discuss important topics in public education. www.mynbc5.com/article/in-d...
Sculpture of children and adults holding hands at a Vermont school.
For more information: aoa.vermont.gov/school-distr...
The Agency of Education is prepared to provide any necessary data, support, and input to the Task Force as they engage in one of the critical first steps of a three-year runway to building a more equitable, fair, and sustainable education system.
Today, the Task Force met to elect co-chairs, discuss priorities, explore a mapping tool, hear from the public, and chart next steps.
The General Assembly is scheduled to vote on a proposal in 2026, and the new school districts are scheduled to go into operation for the 2028-2029 school year.
Under Act 73, which was signed into law last month, the Task Force was created to propose up to three new school district maps in which districts enroll 4,000-8,000 students (meaning roughly 10-20 school districts statewide).
Earlier today, Vermont took a major step towards education transformation with the inaugural meeting of the School District Redistricting Task Force.
On Monday evening, the U.S. Dept. of Education alerted the VT Agency of Education of a decision by the Trump administration to withhold $26M in congressionally approved funding for VT public schools. The Agency has issued the following statement in response.
The AOE has contracted with SHAPE America to provide 3 trainings to PE educators in VT.
The full-day sessions include:
August 13, at Randolph Union High School
August 14, at Manchester Elementary Middle School
August 15, at Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School
More info at the link.
The AOE will be providing trainings on the new Educator Licensing System, VLSE, on July 15. These sessions will be held over Zoom. There is a training for district users at 1 p.m. and one for general users at 3 p.m. More information and links for attending these Zoom sessions are at the link.
The AOE announces the return of the Summer Food Service Program, providing free meals to Vermont children via a series of meal sites throughout the state this summer.
All sites are open to all children, 18 and under.
Info on where to find sites and more at the link.
As the school year comes to a close, Vermont Secretary of Education, Zoie Saunders, recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of students, educators, and school communities in 2024-2025.
The ABL National Summit is an event that empowers educators w/ strategies to enhance student engagement, boost academic performance, and reduce behavioral challenges. Attendees receive 18 hrs of PD.
The event will be held at Champlain Elementary in Burlington July 15-17. Reg. form at the link.
Help us protect Vermont students from harassment, hazing and bullying. The AOE is seeking public input on some draft policy language. Together, we can provide every student in Vermont with a safe and supportive school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with respect.
Attention Vermont educators! The AOE is getting ready to roll out a new and improved licensing system this summer! See the link for details and a timeline.
VT high school students! UVM is hosting the 20th Stem Cells, Cell Therapies, and Bioengineering in Lung Biology and Diseases Conference in July. Along with the VT Academy of Science & Engineering, UVM is inviting up to 25 VT high school students to participate, at no cost to them!
It's Teacher Appreciation Day! VT Teacher of the Year, Caitlin MacLeod-Bluver, chatted with the AOE about the critical work teachers do in our communities every day and how important it is to acknowledge that work. Thank a teacher today!
Nominate a great teacher for the Vermont Teacher of the Year award! Nominations are open through April 28. Anyone can nominate any active Vermont teacher. Teachers can also self-nominate. Click the link to learn more!
The Governor’s Office is seeking a student rep. for the VT State Board of Education. This appointment will be for a 2-year term (1st year as a non-voting member and the 2nd year as a voting member). Rising sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is Monday, April 28.
