ECSE Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST)- June 22-25, 2026

Description:

ECSE BEST is a four-day academy designed for early-career (0-3 years) Early Childhood Special Education Teachers and/or ECSE teachers with a CLASS average score of 4.99 or below. Participants will learn about components of the special education process as well as essentials of teaching preschool aged children with disabilities. Academy sessions will outline evidence-based practices focused on delivering high-quality teacher child interactions, assessment, instruction, and implementation of the Division for Early Childhood (DEC) Recommended Practices.  This academy is part of the James Madison Content Teaching Academy (CTA) and is offered only to selected teachers.

Please consider whether your division has ECSE teachers who are eligible and would like to participate.  If so, they are to complete the ECSE BEST application with administrator approval by April 24, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and selected teachers notified by May 1. They will be given a code to enter when completing CTA registration.

In addition, we are also looking for 5 experienced teachers who can act as mentors at the CTA. These should be teachers with at least 5 years of experience and using high-quality practices with children with IEPs. They will partner with a group of the beginning teachers to promote discussion and share experiences. They are to also complete the application. In the past, we have had success when beginning teachers are supported by a mentor in their own division. Consider this as you reach out to teachers.

Both participating beginning and mentor teachers will receive a stipend for participation. Continued support opportunities may be available to participants through the school year. Please see the Application Link to apply. 

Academy Details:

• Dates: June 22-25, 2026
• Time: 8:30-4 PM Monday-Wednesday, and 8:30-12 PM Thursday
• Location: James Madison University Content Teaching Academy
• Lodging and meals: Lodging, breakfast and lunch provided at no cost on the JMU campus
• Stipend: $400 for full attendance

Eligibility Requirements for Beginning Teachers:

• 0-3 years of experience providing ECSE services to young children or a CLASS rating of 4.99 or below.
• Hold a Virginia teaching license in Special Education Early Childhood or hold a provisional license and be actively enrolled in coursework to satisfy licensure requirements.
• Have a contract with a school division for the 2026-27 SY.

Academy Topics:

• ECSE Teacher’s role and responsibilities in the special education process and collaboration with families.
• CLASS with a focus on teacher-child interactions.
• The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) recommended practices in assessing young children, setting up the environment, and designing systematic instruction to promote positive outcomes.
• Professional expectations outlined in the DEC Professional Preparation Standards.

What To Expect: 

• Participants should prepare for a hands-on learning experience. A laptop or device will be necessary for some activities. Progress will be evaluated through a combination of collaborative activities and the completion of self-assessments.
• Participants are grouped with a mentor teacher who helps facilitate activities and acts as a peer coach.
• A virtual 4 session Community of Learning will be offered after the academy. This is optional for participants who want in-depth information on relevant topics.