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Office of Public Relations and Communications

About Us

The Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Office of Public Relations and Communications exists to heighten the public’s awareness of the Department’s mission to ensure that all students are prepared for college or the career of their choice upon graduation from high school.

In support of the mission, the Public Relations Office provides publicity for events, activities and the many successes of the Department’s schools, students, teachers, employees and leadership through internal and external communication.

The Office of Public Relations and Communication, through an integrated marketing communications approach services the marketing, branding, public, and media relations, advertising and graphic design needs of the Department, districts, and schools.

The Public Relations Office reports directly to the Commissioner of Education.

 

VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DIVISION OF VIRGIN ISLANDS CULTURAL EDUCATION LAUNCHES COLLABORATION WITH AMERICAN ANCESTORS

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education is proud to announce the launch of an exciting collaboration with American Ancestors – A National Center for Family History, Heritage & Culture. The launch will take place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This initiative, supported by the Youth Genealogy Curriculum Coordinator at The Brue Family Learning Center, gives all schools in our territory free access to the American Ancestors platform. The platform is a tool that brings history, heritage, and identity to life through genealogy research.

As the VIDE prepares to honor Black History Month in February and Virgin Islands History Month in March, this partnership offers an opportunity for teachers to guide students on a journey of self-discovery and cultural pride. Through this platform, educators can access a curriculum that helps youth trace their family stories and understand their heritage, dive into historical records like census documents, immigration files, and vital records, and use interactive tools and multimedia to make history engaging and personal.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Started:

1. Connect to Your School Network: To access the platform, make sure you are connected to your school’s secure internet. Access is tied to each school’s network.

2. Visit the American Ancestors Website: Open your browser and go to www.americanancestors.org.

3. Automatic Login: The system will recognize your school’s network and grant access automatically. You’ll see a banner confirming your access.

4. Create a Personal Account (Optional, but Highly Recommended): Click Sign Up or Register. Use your school email to create an account. This allows you to save searches, bookmark resources, and customize your experience.

5. Explore Resources: Check out the Learning Center for guides, tutorials, and lesson plans. Dive into the Youth Genealogy Curriculum to find engaging activities for students.

6. Troubleshooting: If you experience any issues, confirm your connection to the school network. Reach out to your IT team or contact the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education for support.

This year, the National Black History Month theme, "African Americans and Labor," underscores the immense contributions of Black individuals to the labor movement and the progress of society. Nationally, the spotlight shines on Ashley L. Totten, a pioneering labor leader whose work with the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters paved the way for the first African American labor union to receive a charter from the American Federation of Labor. It is vital to highlight that Totten was born on St. Croix, making him not only a national figure but a proud son of the Virgin Islands of the United States.

Our students should take this opportunity to research Totten’s legacy and explore the broader history of labor movements in the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. By engaging with the stories of laborers and their significant contributions, they can gain a deeper appreciation of the resilience and unity that have shaped our collective identity. This exploration connects their heritage to a larger narrative, empowering them to understand the vital role of labor in shaping both the Virgin Islands and the wider world.

For more information or support, please contact the Director of the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education, Stephanie C. Brown via email at stephanie.cbrown@vide.vi or at 340-773-1095 ext. 7032. Together, we’re shaping a future rooted in pride, understanding, and unity.

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0110 25 VIDE DIVISION OF VIRGIN ISLANDS CULTURAL EDUCATION LAUNCHES COLLABORATION WITH AMERICAN ANCESTORS (150 KB)

 

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Virgin Islands Department of Education Congratulates St. Thomas-St. John Teachers on Earning Master’s Degrees in TESL 

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) proudly celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of eleven dedicated educators in the St. Thomas-St. John District who have earned their Master’s degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) from Ana G. Méndez University in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. These remarkable individuals began their academic journey in February 2022 and, through perseverance and hard work, are now officially December 2024 recipients of this prestigious degree.

This milestone underscores their commitment to advancing the education and well-being of students across the Territory. A Master’s in TESL is an internationally recognized terminal degree that equips educators with the skills and expertise to teach English as a second or foreign language to adult learners in schools, colleges, and language institutes.

The distinguished graduates are Meredith V. Carty, Kenneth Christopher, Sandra C. Douglas, Mary Felix, Maureen Fleming, Judith Henley Jn-Charles, Mechele Lett Sewer, Winifred A. Lewis, Renita Rhymer, Ingrid Rogers Nicolas, Lucia V. Smith.

Their achievement reflects VIDE’s steadfast commitment to fostering academic excellence and professional development within its workforce. By pursuing higher education, these teachers have set a powerful example of lifelong learning and dedication to meeting the needs of English Learner (EL) students.

“We commend Ana G. Méndez University for its invaluable role in shaping these outstanding educators through its rigorous and transformative TESL program. The University’s dedication to academic excellence continues to elevate the quality of education within the VIDE,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington.

This accomplishment is especially significant given the evolving approach to supporting EL students in regular classroom settings. By transitioning from self-contained classes to inclusive ESL models, students gain greater opportunities to learn and acquire the English language while engaging with core content. The contributions of these graduates will be instrumental in providing language support to the approximately 1,352 EL students currently enrolled in the St. Thomas-St. John Public School District.

VIDE acknowledges the Rural and Low-Income Schools (RLIS) Consolidated Grant Funds and Education Stabilization Funds for supporting this program, which has empowered these educators to transform lives through innovative and inclusive teaching practices.

As we celebrate this tremendous achievement, we honor the dedication of these teachers, whose efforts highlight the boundless potential of education to inspire and uplift. Together, they represent the future of educational excellence in the Virgin Islands.

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0106 25 VIDE Congratulates St Thomas St John Teachers on Earning Master’s Degrees in TESL (173 KB)

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Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington to Host Ceremonial Signing and Launch of Teacher Apprenticeship Program

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, is proud to announce the ceremonial signing and official launch of the Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This momentous occasion will take place on January 14, 2025, at Government House, St. Thomas, USVI, and will be led by Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and VIDE Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.

This groundbreaking initiative is designed to develop and retain highly qualified educators for the Territory’s K-12 educational system. By addressing critical workforce needs, the Teacher Apprenticeship Program aims to provide paraprofessionals with the tools, resources, and support needed to transition into certified educators prepared to inspire and lead in classrooms across the Territory. This marks a significant milestone in the Virgin Islands’ commitment to fostering a robust and well-qualified teaching workforce.

Through this initiative, apprentices will benefit from a comprehensive range of support services, including mentorship, academic and career counseling, skills gap training, childcare services, tutoring, individualized work plans, and preparatory practice for PRAXIS 2 exams.

Structured for success, the program incorporates monthly progress reports, mid-semester and annual apprentice feedback surveys, and semester performance reviews to ensure participants stay on track and achieve their goals. Expected outcomes include 100% placement in K-12 teaching positions, teacher certifications, and the development of subject area chairpersons, strengthening the Virgin Islands’ educational infrastructure for years to come.

The application process involves submitting an application, transcripts, and an essay, followed by a panel review. Applications are due by March 28, 2025, with interviews and selections beginning in April 2025. The first cohort is set to launch in May 2025.

Cohort 1 will include paraprofessionals who will complete 6,000 hours of on-the-job training, 121 college credit hours, evening and summer classes, and collaborative learning opportunities facilitated by VIDE and professors from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) School of Education. This unique blend of practical and academic training will prepare participants to excel as educators and leaders in our Territory’s schools.

The Teacher Apprenticeship Program is made possible through the collaborative efforts of key partners, including the Office of the Governor, Virgin Islands Department of Education, Virgin Islands Department of Labor, Virgin Islands Board of Education, University of the Virgin Islands School of Education, Workforce Development Board, American Job Center, and Equus Workforce Solutions.

The Virgin Islands Department of Education extends heartfelt gratitude to all the agencies, partners, and individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this program a reality. Together, we are building a brighter future for our Territory by investing in the professional development of our educators.

For paraprofessionals seeking to advance their careers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, this is an unparalleled opportunity. Take the first step toward becoming a certified educator by applying to the Teacher Apprenticeship Program. Applications are due by March 28, 2025.

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Download press release here:  pdf Press Release 0104 25 Ceremonial Signing and Launch of Teacher Apprenticeship Program (136 KB)

 

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St. Thomas

1834 Kongens Gade, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Phone: 340-774-0100

Curriculum Center:
340-775-2250
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

          

St. Croix

2133 Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Phone: 340-773-1095

Curriculum Center:
340-778-1600
Mon – Fri:  8AM – 5PM

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