Educator Enrichment Express

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Issue 14

Visit us at rvaconnect.org

In this month's issue:

*Educator Spotlight, Featuring Tri-County's Jamie Helmrick

*2026 Virtual Series Offerings

*FREE In-Person Science of Reading Training

*Destress December with Educator Wellbeing Tips

 

We hope you have a wonderful month of December, and a much-needed and well-deserved, relaxing and rejuvenating winter break. 

We'll see you back in 2026!

Epic Learning: Passion, Connection, and the Chemistry of Joy

This month, the RVA District Connect Team is thrilled to announce our December Educator Spotlight: Jamie Helmrick, an incredible Tri-County High School Physical Science and STEAM teacher whose commitment to her students and her craft is making a profound and lasting impact. Nominated by Emily Krystowiak, the Tri-County Middle & High School Counselor, Jamie embodies our theme of Epic Learning by creating classrooms where students are excited to be challenged, supported, and ultimately, succeed.

My visit to her classroom, just before the Thanksgiving break, was an immediate immersion into a vibrant community of learning. Her energy was visibly noticeable, even contagious. As she navigated her AP Chemistry and STEAM courses with ease, she consistently provided a source of encouragement and guidance. With soft music playing in the background, I observed a classroom culture thriving on collaboration, problem-solving, and on-task engagement.

Innovation and Impact

A true champion of innovative teaching, Jamie not only teaches General Science, Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics, but she also grass-rooted the district's popular STEAM course. Its immense success led her to create a STEAM Course 2 this school year, a testament to the meaningful, hands-on experiences she provides. Students are so enthusiastic about her teaching that many have made it a goal to take her classes throughout their four years of high school!

The high expectations she sets are always balanced with genuine support. Her hands-on learning opportunities fully engage and excite students, helping them connect classroom concepts to real-world applications. She fosters an environment where students don't just do science—they become problem-solvers. When groups would ask for help, she guided them toward the answer, letting them know she believed they could figure it out together.

The Power of Rapport and Respect

The strength of her relationships with students is simply amazing. She consistently models respect and is described as "the most understanding and respectful" teacher who "shows respect" toward her students. The environment she creates is both calm and nurturing.

When I announced her award to the class, the room erupted in huge smiles and applause. The students' appreciation was overwhelming and sincere. I repeatedly heard simple, heartfelt thanks: "Thank you for teaching me!" and "Thank you!"

The students I spoke with were unanimous in their praise. I heard the award was "fitting" and that she is the "epitome of a professional educator." One student stated clearly:

"Out of any teacher I’ve ever had—she deserves this award."

Another shared a particularly powerful sentiment about their connection: "I tell her about everything. Personal and school." The students noted her caring nature, saying she is "very caring," that she "reaches out to students," and is "always doing things for other people."

This is the kind of supportive culture that makes learning Epic. The students described her as:

*Relatable, Fun, Funny, High Energy

*Makes class and learning fun

I observed her non-stop movement, checking in with students, encouraging them, and tying the hands-on learning back to the curriculum. This relentless passion was evident, even on the day before a holiday break. The atmosphere was one of continuous encouragement, leading to peer support where students went to other groups to offer help.

Above and Beyond

Her dedication stretches far beyond science. This remarkable educator also organizes the district's annual Day of Caring, serves as the untitled assistant principal, assists with her colleague’s environmental education, and coaches the softball team.

Her unwavering energy, her strong rapport, and her profound commitment to creating a classroom where joy and rigorous learning intersect truly define the spirit of Epic Learning. The RVA District Connect Team congratulates Jamie Helmrick, an outstanding teacher, for inspiring students and colleagues alike!

This year's theme is "Epic Learning". What does that phrase mean to you in the context of your classroom?  

For me, “Epic Learning” happens when students realize the full importance of education, beyond just academics. It’s when they understand how learning impacts their lives both in and out of the classroom.  It’s seeing them set goals, work toward them, and recognize what they’re capable of achieving, not only at school but in the world around them.    

What first inspired you to become an educator?

Originally, becoming an educator wasn’t part of my plans. But life shifted, and I discovered how much I genuinely enjoyed working with students. I had been coaching softball since I was 15, and I always love helping others grow and succeed. Looking back, I realize this path was meant for me all along. I had so many amazing teachers, coaches, and community members along my journey who have truly inspired me to become the teacher that I am today. 

What brings you the most joy and passion in your work?

I’ve come to realize just how much I truly love my job as a teacher. Seeing a student who typically struggles to find success, watching another gain the confidence they’ve been missing just by understanding a new concept, and observing kids support one another, even outside their usual friend groups, fills me with so much joy. Moments like these remind me why I appreciate what I do every day.

What is the most important lesson you hope students take away from their year with you, beyond the curriculum? 

Beyond the curriculum, I want my students to grow into amazing humans outside of school. I want them to understand that getting an A on every assignment means little if they aren’t treating others with respect, kindness, and gratitude.  Character matters just as much, if not more, than any grade.

Looking back, what are you most proud of in your teaching career so far?

My proudest moments come when former students tell me they felt prepared for the outside world because of what they learned in my class. It means even more when they feel comfortable coming back years after graduation to seek advice, support, or simply to share where life has taken them.

Transform Your Teaching. Ignite Student Engagement.  Did you enjoy Trevor Muir's inspiring session, or did you miss your chance to experience his transformative philosophy? Now is your opportunity to dive deeper into his work with our 5-week collaborative book study based on The Epic Classroom Reading Guide.

This study is designed to move beyond theory and provide practical, immediately implementable strategies for creating an "Epic Classroom" through story, authenticity, and student-driven learning.

Format: A collaborative 5-week study focusing on the book's core concepts and practical application.

Schedule: Meets weekly on Mondays from January 26th through February 23rd.

Key Themes We'll Explore:

Week 1: Rethinking the Purpose of School and integrating Story into your curriculum.

Week 2: The value of Authenticity, finding themes in content standards, and generating Epic Project-Based Learning ideas.

Week 3: The importance of the project launch ("Inciting Incident"), Conflict, and Inquiry.

Week 4: Making your classroom Setting fit the story, managing Collaborative Projects, and tips for Differentiation.

Week 5: Turning lectures into Stories, the power of teacher Vulnerability, and making a commitment to making your classroom Epic.

Why You Should Sign Up: Move past the traditional "factory model," discuss concrete challenges like administrative resistance, and walk away with a tangible commitment for immediate impact in your classroom.

For more information and registration, click below.

Ready to design learner-centered experiences that truly impact a lifetime? Join this dynamic 7-week virtual book study featuring Thomas C. Murray's essential book, Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime.

This study is your chance to deepen your understanding of personalized learning and gain practical strategies to empower student voice and agency in your classroom.

Format: Seven concise 30-minute sessions designed for maximum professional growth in a manageable format.

Schedule: Meets weekly on Mondays from 3:45–4:15 PM.

Key Outcomes & Frameworks:

Deepen Relationships: Learn how to build a culture that respects the "hidden stories" within every child.

Unlock Student Agency: Gain methods for granting appropriate flexibility in pace and path, empowering student ownership.

Design High-Impact Experiences: Dive into creating learning moments driven by authenticity and supported by meaningful feedback.

Actionable Resources: Explore the author's free companion resources, including the Personal & Authentic Framework and Stop & Reflect Study Guide, for immediate application.

Commit just 30 minutes a week to professional learning and transform your practice for the rest of the year!

For more information and registration, click below.

Your Co-Pilot to Reclaim Planning Time.  Are you ready to radically transform your lesson planning, differentiation, and student engagement? Join this dynamic 8-part virtual series and move from AI-curious to AI-confident! You'll master the cutting-edge world of Artificial Intelligence—not as a replacement, but as your most powerful co-pilot.

Format: Eight 30-minute, fast-paced, and hands-on sessions designed specifically for busy educators.

Schedule: Offered on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month from 3:45–4:15 PM CST, running January 13th through April 28th.

The High-Impact Takeaways:

Efficiency: Learn how to create a week's worth of planning in an hour and reclaim your evenings.

Equity: Instantly differentiate materials for every single learner in your classroom.

Expertise: Master specific tools and techniques to become the AI leader in your school or district.

Featured Tools & Topics:

January/February: Deep dive into The Gemini Advantage (Google's AI) for lesson creation, personalized feedback, and advanced prompting.

March: Practical demonstrations of educator-specific tools like Magic School AI (instant lesson plans/quizzes) and Brisk Teaching (web content transformation/differentiation).

April: Explore Diffit (instantly leveled reading materials) and a curated AI Toolkit for grading, visuals, and unique classroom needs.

You'll leave every session with an actionable tool or strategy you can use the very next day.

For more information and registration, click below.

Transform Your Classroom and School Culture.  Looking to build stronger classroom communities and reduce disciplinary issues? Join our dynamic 6-week virtual series on Restorative Practices—the evidence-based approach that is revolutionizing school climate and student relationships.

What you'll gain: Practical strategies to reduce behavioral incidents, increase instructional time, build authentic relationships, and empower students as leaders in conflict resolution.

Key Topics: Restorative Practices Overview, In-depth look at Five Restorative Practices (empathy, honest expression, etc.), Regulation & Preventative Strategies, Discipline, and Making the Shift.

Format: Six concise and action-packed 45-minute sessions offered on Wednesdays from 3:45 - 4:30 PM, beginning January 14th and running through February 18th.

Perfect for: K-12 Teachers, Administrators, Counselors, and Support Staff.

For more information and registration, click below.

Turn teaching challenges into opportunities for growth in this dynamic four-part virtual series designed to prioritize your well-being. You will develop practical, evidence-based strategies to manage stress, maintain work-life balance, and sustain your passion for education.

This series is based on the VEST (Vigilant, Engage, Sustain, Transition) framework and is perfect for both new and veteran educators looking to build a personalized toolkit to not just survive, but thrive.

Key Sessions:

Part One (3/4) - Vigilant: Understand your emotional system and learn to identify and mitigate personal stressors.

Part Two (3/11) - Engage: Acquire practical tools and a resilient mindset, and develop a personalized self-care plan.

Part Three (3/18) - Sustain: Build strong support connections in your professional and personal life to reinforce emotional fortitude.

Part Four (3/25) - Transition: Master skills to transition smoothly from stress back to a state of calm and regulate the shift from work to home life.

Outcome: You will finalize your Personalized Resiliency Plan by the end of the series.

For more information and registration, click below.

Transform Your Literacy Instruction: A FREE In-Person Workshop with Kari Yates

 

February 13, 2026

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Lunch provided)

RVA Learning Center

 

Bridge the gap between research and results and empower every learner in your classroom.  Are you ready to align your teaching with the Science of Reading but aren't sure where to start? Join us for an exclusive, full-day workshop with Kari Yates, co-author of the groundbreaking Shifting the Balance series.  This is more than just a lecture; it's a dynamic, practical session designed to equip you with actionable strategies you can implement immediately. Kari will demystify the research and provide a clear roadmap for enhancing your literacy instruction in any subject area and all grade levels, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

 

For more information and to register, click below.

Your Wellbeing Toolkit for Winter Break

The semester hustle is real, and as we look forward to the well-deserved winter break, it's easy to push through until the last bell drops. But thriving means proactively managing stress, not just surviving it. This Destress December section is dedicated to giving you practical, high-impact strategies to reclaim your peace and recharge your professional batteries.

1. The Power of the Professional "Hard Stop"

This is about creating a clear boundary between your professional and personal life right before the break begins.

The 30-Minute Clean-Up: Dedicate a non-negotiable final 30 minutes to clean your physical and digital workspaces before you leave.

- Physical: Tidy your desk, wipe down surfaces, and organize any immediate piles. A clean space welcomes you back in January.

- Digital: Empty your recycling bin, close all non-essential browser tabs, and move all pending emails/tasks into a single, labeled "January Follow-Up" folder. Your inbox should read: Zero Unread.

Set the Digital Out-of-Office (OOO) and Stick to It: Craft a professional, firm OOO reply that states your return date and clearly directs urgent queries elsewhere. Crucially, delete the email app from your phone's home screen for the duration of the break.

2. Mindful Movement & Micro-Recharges

Wellbeing isn't just about relaxation; it's about intentional engagement that resets your nervous system.

The 10-Minute Body Scan: Before you start your day during the break, take 10 minutes to sit quietly. Starting from your toes and moving up to the crown of your head, acknowledge any tension you hold. Don't try to fix it—just notice it. This practice reconnects you with your physical state.

Walk and Observe: Swap your indoor treadmill for a walk outdoors. Intentionally use all five senses: What do you hear? What do you smell? What textures do you see? Shifting your focus from internal stress to external observation is a powerful cognitive break.

Hydration as a Habit: Stress often leads to neglect of basic needs. Keep a dedicated water bottle with you at all times. A well-hydrated brain is a well-regulated brain.

3. Curate Your "Joy List"

This is your intentional list of activities that spark non-work-related joy and feed your personal sense of self.

Re-Engage with a Hobby (or Find a New One): Whether it's reading a novel, trying a new recipe, knitting, drawing, or finally finishing that puzzle, dedicate time each week of the break to a non-professional passion. This reminds you that your identity is richer than your job title.

The "No-Guilt" Social Screen: If you choose to scroll, curate your feed to only include content that makes you laugh, inspires you, or teaches you something completely unrelated to education. Actively unfollow or mute accounts that induce comparison or anxiety.

Connect with Non-Educator Friends: Spend time with people who don't share your professional world. This prevents "shop talk" and broadens your perspective, providing a true escape from the school environment.

Takeaway Challenge: Before the end of the day on your last day of school, write down one major non-work activity you are genuinely looking forward to doing. Post it near your door as a reminder of the reward waiting for you.

 

Please reach out at any time!

cassandra.kulibert@ruralvirtual.org

888-801-2666 ext. 8883