Driving the strong interest among universities and state departments of education includes workforce readiness in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), and the increasing need for virtual school offering in public schools.   The LearniT-TeachiT 21^st Century e-Teacher initiative has been in development for 18 months and incorporates much of the curricula and learning resources currently available through LearniT-TeachiT.org.

The curriculum has teachers work through three individual courses, each emphasizing the use of technology to support project-based learning while developing critical, creative and problem-solving skills. These courses empower participants to develop constructivist lesson plans that effectively integrate instructional technology to support student learning.  Participants work within learning communities, networking and developing a culture of collaboration. As skills are mastered and confidence builds, educators within the learning community sustain the initiative by becoming facilitators for others, continuing to create new instructional resources.  Learning through this curriculum is self sustaining, creating a community of master teachers sharing best practices in teaching and learning through 21^st century approaches and objectives. Such a climate encourages and nurtures the professional growth of educators, which in turn enhances student achievement.  21^st Century e-Teachers focus on student learning, provide support for professional communities, are "outward looking" (in seeking ideas and connections outside the school), and are comfortable with their students using technology to communicate their knowledge and experiences.

The LearniT-TeachiT 21^st Century e-Teacher initiative is not simply a teacher training program. It is a transformational program. The partnership with UVA will serve as a national model for other groups to replicate and transform efforts to prepare teachers and students for academic and professional success in an ever-changing world.  View this short video about LearniT-TeachiT's 21^st Century e-Teacher initiative.