Prince William County Public Schools

Future Teacher Programs

Growing Our Own Teachers is an innovative program that supports and mentors high school students who desire to pursue a career in education. The PWCS program helps to identify, recruit, and mentor those current students who after college may commit to Prince William County classrooms as teachers and school leaders.

Check out the offerings for our aspiring educators!

Educators Rising is a career and technical student organization that assists middle and high school students in career exploration. The association is unique in its ability to offer students unparalleled, age-appropriate professional development opportunities, including annual conferences and access to a state-of-the-art social networking website. There is an active Educators Rising club in 12 Prince William County high schools. Students in grades 9-12 can participate.

Courses

Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTfT) is a course offered to high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in education. Students explore the teaching profession and are guided through the history of education and the functions of schools and school divisions. Additionally, the students experience the classroom as they become acquainted with teachers and teaching on a personal and professional level, including a brief internship in a classroom setting. Students completing the VTfT course are eligible to receive up to six college credit hours from Shenandoah University. VTfT is currently taught in 12 of our high schools.

Early Childhood Education and Services is a course offered to high school students interested in careers working in early childhood. Students focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related fields, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Practical experiences under the supervision of the instructor are an important component of this course. Early Childhood Education and Services is currently offered in three of our high schools.

High School Course Catalog

Growing Our Own Courses

Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTfT) 1

Fosters student interest, understanding, and appreciation of the teaching profession and allows secondary students to explore careers in education. Students build a foundation for teaching; learn the history, structure, and governance of teaching; apply professional teaching techniques in the VTfT classroom and reflect on their teaching experiences. Additional educational leadership opportunities are offered through the student organization, Educators Rising.

• Grade: 11-12 with application
• Prerequisite: 2.7 GPA and application and teacher recommendation
• Dual enrollment at some locations (3 college credits)
• Associated Institution: Shenandoah University

Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (VTfT) 2

Students continue to explore careers in the Education and Training Cluster and Pathways. This course provides the opportunity for students to prepare for careers in education as they research post-secondary options, learn about the process of teacher certification in Virginia, and participate in a practicum experience. Additional educational leadership opportunities are offered through the student organization, Educators Rising.

• Grade: 12 with application
• Prerequisite: 2.7 GPA and application, teacher recommendation, VTfT 1
• Dual enrollment at some locations (3 college credits)
• Associated Institution: Shenandoah University

Early Childhood Education and Services 1

Students prepare to be primary providers of home, family, or institution-based child care services by focusing on the planning, organizing, and conducting of meaningful play and learning activities; child monitoring and supervision; record-keeping; and referral procedures. Critical thinking, practical problem solving and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized. Practical experiences under the supervision of the instructor are required. Students also prepare for continuing education leading to careers in early childhood fields.

• Grades: 11-12
• Prerequisite: Admission to all students by application
• Dual enrollment at some locations (6 college credits)
• Associated Institution: Northern Virginia Community College

Early Childhood Education and Services 2

Students focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related fields, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Work-based experiences under the supervision of the instructor are required. Critical thinking, practical problem solving, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized.

• Grades: 12
• Prerequisite: Early Childhood Education and Services 1
• Dual enrollment at some locations (3 college credits)
• Associated Institution: Northern Virginia Community College

Dual Enrollment

Students enrolled in certain high school courses can choose dual enrollment with participating post-secondary institutions. Through agreements between PWCS and these colleges, students get a head start in college by earning credit for college courses by taking corresponding high school courses. Unlike Advanced Placement classes, which require additional testing to receive college credit, students enroll in college and receive credit upon successful completion of the course.