Join

Prince William County Public Schools secures grant to cultivate local teachers

Dr. Lisa Coons, VDOE state superintendent, and Dr. LaTanya McDade, Prince William County Public Schools superintendent (right) visit Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge. [Photo: Coons’ X account]
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has emerged as one of the 24 distinguished school divisions to be awarded the coveted “Grow Your Own” grant by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), a step towards nurturing local teaching talent.

With cumulative grants to school divisions totaling $1.52 million, PWCS, in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), is set to establish registered teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at alleviating teacher recruitment challenges and fostering a robust talent pool within the community.

Expressing enthusiasm for the initiative, Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons stated, “I am proud to continue our commitment to helping school divisions find ways to put exceptional people from their own communities in their local classrooms.” Coons emphasized the pressing need for innovative approaches in addressing teacher shortages and highlighted the collaborative efforts with the National Center for Grow Your Own to tailor effective apprenticeship programs to local contexts.

Dr. LaTanya D. McDade, Superintendent of PWCS, underscored the transformative potential of the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program, envisioning it as a beacon of excellence in addressing teacher shortages and nurturing dedicated educators. McDade remarked, “Looking ahead, we envision a future where the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program becomes an exemplary model for others to follow.”

This latest grant awarded to PWCS follows a previous allocation to school divisions of $1.78 million in July 2023, reflecting a sustained commitment to developing teacher apprenticeships. During the 2023-2024 school year, a total of 165 teacher apprentices are slated to benefit from the program, receiving crucial financial support and tuition discounts to pursue their teaching aspirations.

McDade said the Grow Your Own program represents a pivotal investment in the future of education, empowering PWCS to harness local talent and address critical teacher recruitment needs. With its focus on affordability and accessibility, this initiative is poised to cultivate a diverse and talented educator workforce reflective of the communities they serve.

Coons and McDade visited Leesylvania Elementary School in Woodbridge on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, where grantee awards were announced.

If you rely on us for local news and haven’t already, please support us by becoming a member!

Recent Stories

MANASSAS, Va. — A bird caused a power outage at UVA Prince William Medical Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, marking the second disruption to the city’s electric service in…

Historic Manassas Inc. is growing the Manassas Farmers’ Market with expanded SNAP benefits, a new Power of Produce Club for kids, and more local vendors, making it easier for the community to access fresh, local food.

OCCOQUAN, Va. — Occoquan will host a series of events this weekend aimed at connecting residents with local volunteer opportunities and celebrating the arts.

SALEM, Va. – The Fredericksburg Nationals defeated the Salem Red Sox 9-5 on Tuesday night, powered by a dominant start from Bryan Polanco and a seven-run sixth inning.

Empower Your Future: Leadership, Mentorship, Education, and Networking — Calling middle and high school students for FREE Educational Summer Programming!

LLT STEMpower Camp at Marymount University

Middle School Students | Two Sessions:

July 7–11, 2025

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:

After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”

Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list