Teacher Cadet
The Teacher Cadet program in Loudoun County Public Schools is a “grow your own” dual-enrollment (DE) program offered through Career and Technical Education (CTE). The program consists of Teacher Cadet I DE and Teacher Cadet II DE offered to high school juniors and seniors, respectively, who are interested in pursuing a career in education. “The program is designed to attract future teacher candidates from high school students to the field of education through exposure to a world-class curriculum and hands-on experience that focuses on teaching” (Virginia Department of Education, n.d.).
Students earn dual-enrollment credit through Shenandoah University
Teacher Cadet I DE = EDUC 210 (3 credits)
Teacher Cadet II DE = EDUC 310 (3 credits)
Students are immersed in real-world, project-based learning experiences
Students shadow LCPS teachers and interact with LCPS students during observations
Students who successfully complete a course or the program will receive a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Human Resources and Talent Development (HRTD) department
Current Sophomores and Juniors can apply:
Students must have and maintain a minimum 2.7 GPA or equivalent
Students must submit two (2) letters of recommendation
Students must submit a student-created response (i.e., presentation, essay, drawing, video, etc.)
Eligible students should express their interest in the Student Opportunities portal in LCPSGo.
Click here for directions.
LCPS Teacher Cadet Information Page
Curious? Questions? Please reach out to RVHS Teacher Cadet Instructor, Melinda Castillo
More information can also be found here by clicking on “Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Teacher Cadet Program Interest Information.”
How to Apply
If you are applying after January 27th, please complete this application and return it to Melinda Castillo (L502).
Teacher Cadet Application 2023-2024
Submitting an Interest Form
The online interest form is available to all LCPS students currently enrolled in Grade 10 with a minimum 2.7 GPA or its equivalent. Eligible students should express their interest in the Student Opportunities portal (LCPS Go) between September 14, 2022 and January 27, 2023.
The student interest form requires a student-created response (i.e., presentation, essay, drawing, video, etc.) and two recommendations. Students will need to provide names and email addresses for two recommenders.
The interest form must be completed and submitted by 11:59 PM on January 27, 2023. Student directions are viewable here.
Tentative Timeline
September 14, 2022
The interest form becomes available in the Student Opportunities portal (LCPS Go).
January 27, 2023
The deadline for current Grade 10 students to submit an interest form via LCPS Go.
February 10, 2023
All letters of recommendation are due (responsibility of the student to follow up).
February 13, 2023 - March 10, 2023
The committee convenes to review interest forms.
March 27, 2023
The committee communicates accepted and deferred students to stakeholders (students, families, counselors, principals, teachers, etc.).
After April 1, 2023
School Counseling may schedule accepted students in the Teacher Cadet I DE course to begin in the 2023 – 2024 school year as Grade 11 students.