The primary specialized professional association for Virginia English teachers is The Virginia Association of Teachers of English Language Arts, or VATE. The Association is the official state affiliate for The National Council for Teachers of English. This organization is open to all English teachers within the state of Virginia, as well as any individual who is interested in advancing the English curriculum within Virginia's schools. The organization's doors are open to private and public school teachers, college professors, parents, and any individual who is interested in joining. In this sense, the organization offers a unique opportunity for members to exposes themselves to many different perspectives and resources. Above all, The Virginia Association of Teachers of English Language Arts aims to create a sense of camaraderie and professional spirit among English teachers and other individuals, emphasizing that teaching is a profession that is both highly skilled and very demanding. The association also exists to serve as a pipeline for information and resources to Virginia's teachers by keeping communications lines open that allow members to share lesson ideas, discuss current issues in education, and provide support for members when they need it. Members receive both the Virginia English Bulletin and The Needle's Eye, two publications that provide an overview of current VATE efforts to enhance the English curriculum in Virginia and offer professional writings that are valuable to English educators. VATE's yearly membership dues total $25 ($15 for students). Potential members must download and submit an application to the Executive Secretary of the Organization.
The Virginia Association of Teachers of English Language Arts Website is available here.
Membership forms for The Virginia Association of Teachers of English Language Arts are available here.