Special Education Information Sessions for Prospective Teacher Candidates
Join us for one of our upcoming special education teacher information sessions, where you can learn about the benefits of becoming a special educator in FCPS!
New Teachers: Start Your Career Here!
Join FCPS and grow within a thriving community of teachers and students
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 variety of school experiences, you will have the opportunity to explore what works best for you. And we are committed to supporting your advancement with a wealth of professional development courses. At FCPS, you learn, have fun, and ultimately, help students.
Location- Outside of work, Fairfax County is an ideal place to live. We are only a few miles from Washington, D.C. to the east and the Shenandoah Mountains to the west. You can alternate between the museums and nightlife in one direction and the hiking and breathtaking views in the other. We are also home to George Mason University, which offers programs to supplement FCPS's extensive professional development offerings
. Our filterable schools and centers' maps
provide a visual of each school's location in the county
Relationships- Learning happens best in community. At any age, we learn better together. FCPS promotes collaborative learning communities within our schools. You'll be part of a team in a school where students want to learn, and teachers want to teach. Our focus on employee well-being leads to high staff satisfaction and student success. And we are committed to hiring a diverse workforce that prepares students for a global society.
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.
Let us help you make a difference in the lives of students. Come to us with your passion and goals, and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will help you shape a fulfilling, purposeful, and lifelong career!
From Mentorship to Friendship
At FCPS, new teachers are mentored by experienced teachers. In the video, learn about the mentorship connection between Katie and Grace. (Notice the video clip that shows Katie as the officiant at Grace's wedding--love it!)
Meet Some of Our FCPS Family
We’d like you to meet some of our FCPS employees. Maybe you’ll be inspired by their stories. Maybe you see some of yourself in them. We know that, if you decide to join FCPS, you will be developing your own story and strong relationships, and we promise to support you as you write that story.
Special Education
Sara Kennedy, special education teacher at Union Mill Elementary School, is a product of FCPS. Her parents were stationed in Washington, D.C., with the Navy, and they ultimately settled in Northern Virginia to raise their family. Sara attended Cedar Lane, Marshall Road, and Vienna elementary schools, Thoreau Middle School, and Madison High School. Celebrating her 50th year in FCPS, Sara reflects on camaraderie, paperwork, and the changes in technology.
5th Grade
About four years ago, Tadhg Dowd was nearing graduation from a university in Pennsylvania. While attending a job fair, a booth for Fairfax County Public Schools caught his eye. He was impressed by FCPS’ competitive pay and all that the Washington, D.C., region has to offer. He was interviewed on the spot and was quickly offered his first teaching job.
“I was really lucky to be able to work in both special education and general education here at the same school," Dowd said. "When I told my principal I wanted to make the switch to general education, she made it happen. There are numerous great opportunities. I love the students here, and I love my coworkers. I definitely have a lot of support.”
High School Math
Christiana Edinborough was nervous going into her first year of teaching because, at age 22, she wasn’t much older than the high school seniors filling her classroom. But thanks to her school community, she never doubted her decision to become a teacher at FCPS. “There’s always a great camp of people around you. You’re never alone. I always felt like I had support."
Nuril Kingsley never planned to become a teacher. She was a mother first — searching for answers, fighting for her son, and refusing to accept a world that didn’t see his worth. Guided by unwavering faith and a fierce belief that every child belongs, her advocacy became something more. What began as love turned into purpose. What began as a fight became a calling.
Today, Nuril brings empathy born from experience, courage shaped by sacrifice, and connection rooted in understanding to every student and family she serves. Her journey — from advocate to educator — is not just her story. It’s a promise: that inclusion isn’t optional, and every child deserves to be seen, supported, and believed in.
Madeline Deveney, a third-year art teacher at Clermont Elementary, shares her journey to becoming an art educator, the joys of watching students grow through creativity, and the impact of fine arts on a well-rounded education.
Starting a teaching career can be challenging, but in Fairfax County Public Schools, first-year teachers have a strong support system through the Novice Teacher Instructional Coach Program We visit Centreville Elementary School, where instructional coach Sarah Phillips works closely with first-year teacher Emma Patane to build confidence, refine best practices, and create engaging learning environments for students.
Traditional and Alternative Teaching Pathways
The Virginia Department of Education's Career Switcher Programhas all the information you need to transition into teaching. iteachprovides an alternative route to licensure in the state of Virginia and is the only non-institution of higher education accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The Virginia Center for Troops to Teachershelps current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces become licensed teachers. Virginia’s Community Colleges offer EducateVA, a fast-track, alternative teacher licensure program.
Employees, Applicants, and Retirees
Human Resources representatives are available for assistance Monday through Friday (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) by calling 571-423-3000 or 1-800-831-4331. You can also submit questions or concerns for Human Resources and upload forms and other documents through the FCPS StaffConnect portal.
