Why did you choose to work in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS)?
The county of Prince William has been home since 2010 when I first moved to northern Virginia. After commuting and working for a neighboring school district for two years, I missed the sense of belonging and value that living and working in the same community creates. Prince William County Public Schools serves as the core of our county by providing jobs to more than 10,000 people and education to more than 90,000 students. I wanted to be a part of that. I enjoy seeing my colleagues at the grocery store, attending our high schools' sporting events, and participating in county and community activities that support our students and schools.
What is your favorite thing about working in PWCS and why?
PWCS offers access to an array of professional development opportunities; focuses on growing employees and promoting from within; and encourages a supportive culture that ensures employees know the work in which they do work in meaningful.
Why do you think more and more people are choosing to work for PWCS?
PWCS is highly diverse; has a respectable reputation and fantastic students as well as staff members.
Describe a time when you felt the greatest sense of PWCS pride.
I was in the elevator one morning and Dr. Walts, PWCS Superintendent of Schools, addressed me by name and inquired how my work was going with the Growing Our Own Teachers program. Even after reaching our floor, we continued to talk for close to 15 minutes about recruiting and hiring minority teachers. Although PWCS is a very large and growing school division, it maintains a "small company" feel where everyone knows each other, and open collaboration is encouraged among all levels.
What advice do you have for someone who is choosing to work for a school division?
(1) Ask questions about the types of mentoring and support provided (2) Be open-minded and flexible (3) When interviewing, present yourself in a professional and engaged manner and speak to your experiences (4) Make sure your values are aligned with that of the school in which you choose to work Describe a time you had a world class experience in PWCS? All of my opportunities and experiences since becoming a PWCS employee in 2012 have provided me a world class experience.
Why did you choose to work for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS)?
I worked 17 years for military contractors. The contract I'd been supporting wasn't being renewed, so at close to 40, I was facing unemployment. I knew I didn't want to commute into the city if I could help it, so I focused my job search inside the county. When I saw the posting for the Recruitment Specialist, I knew it was the job for me. Luckily, those hiring for the position thought I'd be a good fit, and I've been the Recruitment Specialist since November of 2014.
What is your favorite thing about working in PWCS and why?
Quite honestly, of all the jobs I've worked in my life, I truly think this one is my favorite. I loved supporting the military, and knowing my work was helping war fighters in combat was certainly rewarding. But, working in Recruitment, I get to see the fruits of my labor up close. It's so much fun to see a candidate's name on a resume that's come back from an event, and then follow that name as it shows up on job fair attendees, and all the way to New Employee Orientation.
Why do you think more and more people are choosing to work for PWCS?
There's something to be said for working to staff schools in the county you live in. If you have kids or not, you play a direct role in staffing the employees that might teach your child or neighbor, or drive them to school, or serve them lunch, or make sure their school is clean and secure. There's a sense of pride in contributing to your community.
Describe a time when you felt the greatest sense of PWCS pride.
There are so many proud moments at any given time - staffing hard to fill positions, or helping a school or department be 100 percent staffed. The best part for me, personally, happens on an almost daily basis. It's great to help an employee, either directly or getting them to the person that can help them and getting a "thank-you" reply. My pride comes from a job well done. What advice do you have for someone who is choosing to work for a school division? Do it! Don't think twice. Go for it! Even being in Central Office instead of a school, it's still so rewarding to see smiling student faces and happy employees. It's the best career decision I ever made!
Describe a time you had a World Class experience in PWCS.
Everyday is a World Class experience. Working in HR allows me the opportunity to work with some of the greatest people! Everyone has compassion and cares for our fellow employees, and there is no greater commitment to our students, staff, and community anywhere!