My name is Aundrea Smiley, and I am honored to serve you as President of VATE for 2026! I am also grateful for the support of Past President , Jenny Martin-who has agreed to serve another term. Her leadership has fortified this organization, and I will do my best to continue this good work of VATE.

To introduce myself- I am a graduate of Ferrum College, Mary Baldwin University, Eastern Mennonite University and Liberty University. I started my career as a preschool teacher in Franklin County, Virginia. After almost 20 years teaching I became a division literacy coach, and that is what drew my attention to VATE. At the conference in Virginia Beach, I made the decision to join the VATE Board. It is always important to be involved with a growing network of English educators, especially in the current climate and in the middle of so many changes with Virginia SOLs and the Virginia Literacy Act. During my time as a classroom teacher, reading coach and division literacy coach- I accepted an adjunct position with Eastern Mennonite University. I recently accepted a full time position with Eastern Mennonite University as Assistant Professor of Teacher Education/ Restorative Justice in Education. On a more personal note, I live in Waynesboro with my son Liam (8) and my boyfriend Charles.

I am grateful for this professional organization that has fed my teaching spirit on and off since 2022! If you have yet to be as involved as you like, make 2026 the year to jump in!

Stay tuned for news on our upcoming events!!!