Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators

🚨 Conference Update! 🚨

Fresh off the press: Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual VAABSE Conference! Join the Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators from January 15–17, 2027, at Hilton The Main in Norfolk, VA.

We are thrilled to introduce our featured keynote speakers:
Dr. LaTanya McDade – Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools
Dr. Melvin Brown – President & CEO of Soulvision LLC and Executive Talent Officer of Jefferson County Public Schools

Registration opens September 2026. Stay tuned for more details!

Our August monthly membership meeting is right around the corner. Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30 PM as we discuss upcoming initiatives, share key updates, and foster meaningful connection within our educational community.

The Zoom access link will be emailed to all current members. Please check your inbox to grab your link ahead of time!

We look forward to an engaging and productive session!

VAABSE members, are you ready to elevate your professional learning?

We are excited to announce an upcoming Executive Coaching session facilitated by our very own VAABSE President, Dr. John B. Gordon III.

Mark your calendars forTuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6 PM.

This exclusive session is for VAABSE members only. The Zoom link will be sent directly to members via email next week. Make sure your membership is up to date and prepare your questions for an impactful session!

Happy Juneteenth from the Virginia Alliance of Black School Educators! ✊🏾❤️🖤💚

Today, we commemorate the enduring spirit of Black excellence. For VAABSE, Juneteenth is a reminder that education is one of our most powerful tools for liberation.

We stand on the shoulders of giants, and we continue the work to ensure equity, justice, and truth in our classrooms and communities.

🗓️ 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.