Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators

🗓️ Mark your calendars for the next VAABSE monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, June 16th at 6:30 PM! We’re logging onto Zoom to catch up, align our goals, and keep shifting the landscape for our students and educators.

The Zoom link to join will be delivered straight to your email on file. See you in the virtual room!

Please join us in remembering Michael Powell. Services will be held Friday, May 22, at Jerusalem Baptist Church (16210 Short Cut Rd, Doswell, VA). Viewing begins at 10 AM, followed by the funeral at 11 AM.

To share your condolences with the Powell family, please mail correspondence to: P.O. Box 1621, Mechanicsville, VA 23116.

It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of a cornerstone of the VAABSE family, our Chaplain, Mr. Michael Powell.

As a founding member, Michael’s influence has been felt since our inception. Whether through his soul-stirring prayers, his "booming voice" that commanded every room, or his dedicated work with the Instructional Innovation Committee, his impact was profound.

From his award-winning leadership at John B. Cary Elementary (Richmond Public Schools) to his final years of service before retirement at Laburnum Elementary (Henrico County Public Schools), Michael was a champion for students and educators alike. Beyond the classroom, his advocacy with the Hanover NAACP and Hanover Dems showed a man deeply committed to justice and community.

While we mourn this immense loss, we honor his memory by continuing the work he was so passionate about. Rest in peace, Michael Powell.

This week and every day, we honor the architects of our society. Teaching isn't just a job. It is the foundation upon which every other career is built.

To the educators who pour their hearts into their students, thank you. Your commitment to equity, excellence, and empowerment changes the world, one student at a time. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

A leader, a visionary, and now the 2026-2027 Virginia Superintendent of the Year!

Congratulations to our President, Dr. John B. Gordon III, on this well-deserved recognition from the Virginia Association of School Superintendents. Thank you for your tireless dedication to transforming education and leading the way for us all.

Mark your calendars! VAABSE’s monthly membership meeting is happening on Monday, April 13th at 6:30 pm via Zoom.

The Zoom link will be sent to the email address we have on file, so keep an eye on your inbox.

We’re excited to connect, share updates, and see all of you there. Don’t miss it!

🎉 VAABSE Celebrates Educational Leadership in Action! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate the release of a new book from our very own Dr. Stenette Byrd III — Leadership Lessons from a Terrible Golfer!

In this powerful and refreshingly relatable leadership book, Dr. Byrd uses lessons from the golf course to illustrate how mistakes, resilience, and strategy translate into effective leadership. Through humorous and practical stories, he connects common golfing blunders to key leadership skills like strategic planning, learning from failure, and building strong organizational culture.

Dr. Byrd is a seasoned educational leader, CEO of Third Force Educational Solutions, and serves the Suffolk Public Schools community as Chief of Schools while also mentoring future leaders in education.

👏 Join us in congratulating Dr. Byrd on this incredible accomplishment and in supporting the continued work of educators who are shaping the next generation of leaders.

📚 Learn more about the book:
Explore the book here https://thirdforcepublishing.com/terriblegolfer/

VAABSE is proud to recognize Suffolk VA Public Schools! Internationally recognized as a leader in K-12 STEM innovation, SPS shares how collaboration with students, community partners, and 21st CentEd transformed curriculum and instruction across the division.

Through their Learning by Doing model and STEM Century framework, Suffolk developed the first sustainable K-12 STEM model in Virginia.

Watch their inspiring journey here: https://youtu.be/x2AbCp_8FQ4?si=9PljDRT8i7-jX_B8

STEM Century Documentary Our Vision ... Strive for excellence in education, celebrate diversity, and be committed to students, staff, and the school community.The Mission of Suffolk...

The VAABSE Store officially reopens on the 23rd! Explore the exclusive items being offered, and make sure you don’t miss out on an opportunity to purchase VAABSE swag. Get ready to shop and show your VAABSE pride!

Past. Present. Powerful. VAABSE honors the educators, leaders, and communities who have shaped history and continue to move education forward. Happy Black History Month!