Teacher Trainee
Become a teacher while still working toward your certification
Are you passionate about teaching and eager to fast-track your career as an educator? Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has an opportunity for you: our Teacher Trainee Initiative.
The Teacher Trainee Initiative (formerly called the Teacher Residency Program) helps you start teaching while finishing up the requirements to become fully licensed in Virginia.
FCPS is committed to nurturing aspiring educators like you, providing comprehensive training, invaluable experiences, and a supportive community that will empower you to become an outstanding teacher.
Teacher Trainee Requirements
Elementary Education PreK-6 Endorsement
- Bachelor’s degree conferred/awarded from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Evaluations will be required to determine the required coursework.
- In TT Assignment Notification-Agreeance to complete an approved program or additional coursework outlined by the VDOE to obtain the 10-year professional license within 3 years of holding the 3-year provisional license.
Single Subject Endorsements (Art/Music/ESOL Etc.)
- Bachelor’s degree conferred/awarded from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Registration proof for required Praxis or ACTFL within 60 days of hire date (for example, hire date 8/1 registration must reflect test date between 8/1 (or earlier)-10/1 (at the latest).
- In TT Assignment Notification-Agreeance to complete an approved program or additional coursework outlined by the VDOE to obtain the 10-year professional license within 3 years of holding the 3-year provisional license.
Special Education Endorsement
- Bachelor's degree conferred/awarded from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Commitment to enrolling in an approved SPED Intro course approved by the VDOE within the first 30 days of hire date.
- In TT Assignment Notification-Agreeance to complete an approved program or additional coursework outlined by the VDOE to obtain the 10-year professional license within 3 years of holding the 3-year provisional license.
Important Dates
- Additional completed requirements such as coursework/praxis to become eligible for the provisional license is due by March 2024.
- The last day to hire Teacher Residents is December 1, 2023.
FCPS Teacher Trainee Systems of Support
General Supports
- Assigned novice-teacher mentor at school.
- Great Beginnings Summer Institute.
- Great Beginnings Fall or Winter Institute (post-August hires).
- Teacher Trainees Learning Cohorts - A monthly professional development (PD) series.
- A curated menu of professional development available within My Professional Development and Evaluation (MyPDE).
School-Based Support
- Job-embedded professional development and just-in-time support.
- 1:1 mentoring from a trained and experienced teacher.
Support With Coursework
- Information sessions with George Mason University (GMU).
- Funded access to high-need coursework needed to meet provisional licensure requirements (intro to special education, elem methods in science, social studies, and math).
- Praxis/VCLA boot camp/support sessions.
- Full reimbursement for required licensure exams.
- Highest priority and increased amount in tuition reimbursement ($2100 per year) for needed coursework.
Additional Supports
- Teacher Trainee support-specific resources for mentors.
- Second-year 1:1 mentoring (as funding allows).
- Teacher Trainee Affinity Groups.
- Differentiated and tailored professional development in after-school programs for second-year Teacher Trainees.
- Professional development for administrators, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders that support teacher residents in SY23-24 (September, October, January, and February).
- Observation and feedback tools provided to administrators, instructional coaches, and teacher leaders to support the implementation of teacher trainee cohort content.
Apply Today
Meet Catherine Coulter
The Teacher Trainee Initiative helped Catherine Coulter, and others like her, bridge the gap to start teaching while finishing up the requirements to become fully licensed in Virginia.
When she came to FCPS, Coulter had a master’s degree in education and six years of teaching experience. There was just one hiccup – Coulter had a middle school teaching certification, and she hoped to pivot to teaching elementary students.
With the help of the Teacher Trainee Initiative, Coulter started the school year as an FCPS fifth grade teacher, while taking a four-week class in elementary education instructional methods. Read story.
Why Work with FCPS?
Opportunity (for Growth and Advancement) - We are one of the top school districts in the nation in terms of size, innovations, and reputation. Because we can offer a range of school experiences, you will have the opportunity to explore what works best for you. And we are committed to support your advancement with a wealth of professional development courses. At FCPS, you learn, have fun, and ultimately, help students.
Mentorship (and Support) - As a new teacher, you will be mentored by dedicated, experienced teachers to guarantee a good start (see "From Mentorship to Friendship" video below). Each summer, FCPS welcomes new teachers with an orientation at a four-day Great Beginnings Summer Institute. This offers you the chance to ask questions, develop relationships with colleagues, and build new skills critical to your role.