Hillary Major

As Instructional Standards and Communications Specialist at VALRC, one of my primary missions is assisting Virginia’s adult educators in implementing the College and Career Readiness Standards for Adult Education. As part of that effort, I coordinate and support trainings and professional development in standards-based instruction around the state. I also help develop and deliver trainings and resources on topics including writing and English language arts/literacy instruction, technology use, and instructional planning.

I hold a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing from Hollins University in Roanoke, VA, and an M.F.A. from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. I have taught English composition and creative writing at the college level. Since joining the Resource Center in 2006, significant projects have included coordinating Virginia’s participation in the Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy (TEAL) initiative, which focused on research-based writing instruction for adults; developing VALRC’s Developing Writing Skills in Adults online course; leading Virginia’s participation in the College and Career Readiness Standards-in-Action initiative; co-coordinating Virginia’s participation in Teaching Skills that Matter (TSTM).

I hail from Mechanicsville, VA, live in Henrico, and enjoy spending time in the Northern Neck. In my free time, I can usually be found with a book in hand. I also enjoy writing, quilting, playing and listening to music, and watching movies.