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.

 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' extensive professional development offerings . 

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.

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. But 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.

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 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 a lot of 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."

Teachers Featured in Employee News

February 7, 2023 - "I feel it is my purpose to be a teacher," says Baily Chandler, a teacher at Riverside Elementary School. "It has always been my dream since I was a little girl. I would teach my baby dolls what I learned that day in my grandma’s living room.

"I am a teacher because I want to help my students grow into critical thinkers who can problem-solve issues that affect them and their communities." Read about more teachers featured in Employee News . 

FCPS Teacher Trainee Initiative

A new teacher trainee initiative  (formerly Teacher Residency Program) is helping Catherine Coulter, and others like her, bridge the gap to start teaching while finishing up requirements to become fully licensed in Virginia.

Coulter has a master’s degree in education and six years of teaching experience. There was just one hiccup – Coulter has 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 .