Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) recently hosted a powerful and inspiring Teacher Cadet Ceremony, marking a pivotal milestone for students committed to pursuing careers in education. The evening celebrated more than academic achievements—it spotlighted the success of the LCPS “Grow Your Own” initiative, a strategic effort to cultivate the next generation of educators from within our own community.
Organized by the Career, Technical and Adult Education office in collaboration with the Department of Human Resources and Talent Development, the event demonstrated the strength of internal partnerships in supporting students from high school to career.
Surrounded by more than 566 proud family members, friends, mentors and staff members, 248 Teacher Cadets were honored for their accomplishments and the impact they are poised to make in classrooms across the country—and one day, back in LCPS.
The Teacher Cadet high school program is a pathway with purpose that offers students the opportunity to explore the teaching profession through hands-on learning, including in-classroom experiences at local elementary schools. Through a partnership with Shenandoah University, students also have the opportunity to earn dual-enrollment credit while still in high school—providing an academic head start on their journey into education.
LCPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ashley Ellis emphasized the power of this early exposure, noting that unlike traditional preparation paths where students may not enter a classroom until late in their college experience, LCPS Teacher Cadets are already engaging with students, supporting instruction and gaining real insight into what it means to be an educator.
This year’s ceremony was about more than recognizing students—it was about reinforcing a promise. For the first time, all key components of LCPS’s “Grow Your Own” program were showcased together, highlighting a seamless pipeline of support that extends far beyond graduation.
From the Department of Human Resources and Talent Development, 130 students received letters of intent—formal commitments to offer them employment as teachers in LCPS upon completion of their college education and certification. During their college years, cadets will be supported by LCPS mentor teachers and offered substitute teaching opportunities during school breaks, further strengthening their skills and their connection to the school community.
With 14 high schools in attendance and 15 schools offering the Teacher Cadet program, the ceremony was a celebration of collective impact—from mentor teachers and substitute coordinators to higher education partners like Shenandoah University and LCPS staff. Each partner plays a critical role in the path forward for these aspiring educators.
As LCPS continues to invest in its future educators through programs like Teacher Cadets, the message is clear—when we nurture talent from within, we build a stronger, more connected and more passionate educational community.
For more information about the LCPS Teacher Cadet Program or the Grow Your Own initiative, contact the LCPS Department of Human Resources and Talent Development.