"I come from a long line of educators, both music educators and otherwise. I was always interested in teaching but ended up working in the music industry post-college. I started teaching private lessons on the side. As my private students grew and progressed, I found myself more invested in their successes and accomplishments than in my music industry job. When the first of my students auditioned for and made it into their area's District Orchestra, I realized I felt more fulfilled by their excitement over their achievement and decided to pursue a teacher licensure program and career switch."

—Melinda Ward, strings teacher at Rolling Valley Elementary School

Find out how to become a teacher and read teachers’ stories.

To meet hiring needs in instructional areas, we are hosting a job fair on Saturday, February 11. The in-person fair will be held at Oakton High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A virtual option will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get more information on the job fair.