PGCPS' Future Teacher Pipeline Program Celebrates Milestone as Third Cohort Prepares for Next Step in Reaching Teaching Goals

May 14, 2024

Four Prince George High School seniors will have the opportunity to return to their hometown to serve as educators in their local schools after successfully completing the district’s Future Teacher Pipeline program, which allows aspiring educators to return to Prince George County to teach upon completing their post-secondary studies.

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This program is available to graduating seniors of Prince George High School who complete the school's Teachers for Tomorrow (VTFT) program, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) initiative that recruits high school students into the teaching profession, passing the ParaPro Assessment, and either acceptance into a postsecondary college or university with the intentions of pursuing a degree in Education or an acceptance letter into an approved teacher education program at a higher learning institution.

Cailyn Pfost smiles as she signs her letter of agreement as part of her successful completion of the district's Future Teacher Pipeline program during the Prince George County School Board regular business meeting on May 13, 2024. (PGCPS Photo).

Upon completion, eligible students receive and sign a letter of agreement, serving as an official employment offer as a teacher with the district, and are recognized before graduating from Prince George High School. Their employment would be contingent on district funding, availability of a teaching position in the licensed endorsement area, and timely fulfillment of employment requirements.

As they complete their teaching programs at area colleges and universities, they will have opportunities to stay connected with their hometown school division while gaining valuable work experience. As part of the Future Teacher Pipeline program, these students will be able to serve as substitute teachers in our schools while they are home on breaks and holidays. They will also have opportunities to support the district's summer learning programs by working as a summer substitute teacher or intern. Additional work opportunities would also be available to these students as they arise during the year.

During the Prince George County School Board’s regular business meeting on Monday, May 13, 2024, the third cohort of the district’s Future Teacher Pipeline signed their letters of agreement alongside their fellow students and as their families and friends looked on from the audience, with each letter being signed by acting superintendent Dr. Joseph Cox, Jr. This year's cohort of students is as follows, including where they will attend school and what inspired them to pursue a career in education:

Ella Iles - Attending Longwood University, Studying Elementary Education and Teaching

"I love to see the creativity and imaginations of the kids. This inspires me to be a teacher who helps them learn and fuel that creativity."

Taylor Moody - Attending University of Mary Washington, Studying Education or Pre-Med

"I love children and I want to make a difference in the next generation."

Cailyn Pfost - Attending Christopher Newport University, Studying History and American Leadership Studies, Master of Education (Five-Year Program)

"I want to be a teacher to give back the experiences that my classes and beloved teacher have given me."

Kileigh Sturt - Attending James Madison University, Undecided Program of Study

"I want to help change students' lives and inspire them to be the best version of themselves.”

The Prince George County School Board, assistant superintendent Dr. Abbie Martin, acting superintendent Dr. Joseph Cox, Jr., PGCPS CTE Coordinator Ashton Girolmo, and PGHS Teachers for Tomorrow instructor Chris Powell celebrate this year’s Future Teacher Pipeline cohort - Cailyn Pfost, Taylor Moody, Kileigh Sturt, and Ella Iles. (PGCPS Photo)

An essential aspect of the district's Future Teacher Pipeline program is maintaining strong communication with each cohort as they complete their studies at colleges and universities.

In addition to staying in touch for opportunities to support local schools while home on breaks, the cohort members also share updates during their educational journey.

Clarence (CJ) Thweatt - 2022 Future Teacher Pipeline Cohort
Part of the inaugural Future Teacher Pipeline cohort, Clarence (CJ) Thweatt has completed his sophomore year at Old Dominion University as he continues his studies in physical education. Last summer, Thweatt assisted with the district's middle school summer school program and discussed his experiences with the Future Teacher Pipeline program with Virginia Department of Education leadership, including state superintendent Dr. Lisa Coons, during their visit to Prince George in August 2023.

Ariyanna Eley - 2023 Future Teacher Pipeline Cohort
Ariyanna Eley is part of the second cohort of aspiring educators to complete the Future Teacher Pipeline Program. She completed her first year at Virginia Tech and its Honors College. She plans to become a child psychologist and has been accepted into Virginia Tech's Integrated Health Sciences & Research Program. Recently, Eley has substituted and mentored with Montgomery County Public Schools.

Mikayla Surgeon - 2023 Future Teacher Pipeline Cohort
Also a member of last year's Future Teacher Pipeline cohort, Mikayla Surgeon completed her freshman year at Old Dominion University studying early childhood education, earning a place on the school's Dean's List. Alongside her studies, which include being enrolled in university's honors program, Surgeon is a member of ODU's renowned marching band and basketball band.

For more information about teacher and administrator preparation in Virginia, visit the Virginia Department of Education's website at https://www.doe.virginia.gov.