LCPS Recognizes Teacher Cadets During Ceremony at Briar Woods High School

Loudoun County Public Schools held its annual Teacher Cadet Ceremony on April 27 at Briar Woods High School, recognizing 362 Teacher Cadets. This event initiative is a collaboration between the Division of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, the Department of Human Resources and Talent Development, and Shenandoah University.

The ceremony was the first time all the partners who contributed to the program’s success were brought together, highlighting LCPS’s commitment to developing future educators from within our own community.

The LCPS “Grow Our Own” initiative is a Letter of Intent program designed for senior Teacher Cadets and highlights collaborative efforts across multiple departments. Students who sign Letters of Intent complete a 4–6-year education program and meet program requirements are guaranteed teaching positions with Loudoun County Public Schools. High school students in grades 10–12 who enroll in Teacher Cadet I, Teacher Cadet II, and the Dual Enrollment courses receive specialized instruction and mentorship from Career and Technical Education teachers.

“The Teacher Cadet program represents LCPS’s commitment to growing the next generation of educators right here in our community,” said Dr. Ashley Ellis, Chief Academic Officer. “I congratulate all of the teacher cadets on completing the rigorous coursework and field experience, and we look forward to the day many of them return as colleagues, knowing that our students and our community will be better because of the difference they will make.”

Through partnerships with elementary and middle schools, Teacher Cadets gain hands-on classroom experience and may earn dual enrollment credits through Shenandoah University. Throughout their college years, these future educators continue to receive support through the LCPS recruitment team, mentorship from recently graduated LCPS teachers, and substitute teaching opportunities during
school breaks.