Proposed 2026 legislation impacting VATESOL Teachers and Students: 

• Student Protections to ensure that all children in Virginia have equal access to public education by: 

• Codifying the constitutional right to education regardless of immigration status 

• Establishing uniform procedures for law enforcement access to schools 

• Protecting student privacy and preventing discriminatory practices 

• Providing enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance 

• Clarifying that Virginia’s Human Rights Act covers students in schools 

• Meaningful Language Access Provisions for Students and Families  

• Codification of funding add-ons for high-need students including English Language Learners 

• Increasing funding add-ons for high-need students 

From funding to protecting students, here are three ways to make an impact on Virginia’s budget and legislation this winter. 

1. Take 3 minutes to anonymously share your experiences as a teacher or the experiences of your students and their families.  Hearts and minds (and legislators!) are persuaded by stories, and we need to hear from you – both the good and the bad. Do you have a student who has succeeded because of the resources you were able to offer? Are you underfunded and/or short-staffed? Have your students suffered from discriminatory harassment? Has attendance dropped since January 2025? We are seeking individual stories and specific anecdotes from teachers about their experiences and the experiences of their students to assist in our advocacy efforts. 

 Tell us you story link: https://tinyurl.com/tellus2026

1. Follow relevant bills through the General Assembly, write your legislators, and provide public comment (written, virtual, or in-person) when the bill is in sub-committee.  Legal Aid Justice Center will work with VATESOL to share information on proposed legislation that will impact your teaching and your students.  There is little advanced notice, but you can work with the Legal Aid Justice Center to draft a brief statement or letter before session begins on January 14. 

1. Include your students in the legislative process: 

• Legal Aid Justice Center and/or the Youth Advocacy Clinic from UVA Law are happy to present on civic engagement generally or specific proposed legislation, and we can facilitate student and teacher advocacy. 

• You can develop public comment as a class or small group 

• Submit it in writing 

• Have it read by an advocate in-person 

• Testify virtually 

• Bring yourself and/or your students to the General Assembly 

• FundOurSchools’ Lobby Day is February 3; Register here 

• VACALOA also is hosting a Lobby Day on February 3 

For more information or questions, reach out to Amy Walters at the Legal Aid Justice Center: amyw@justice4all.org.