What Brought You (Back) to FCPS?

Thank you to all the employees who have shared their stories over the last few months. We’ve compiled some of the inspirational stories we’ve received, and continue to encourage you to share your story of why you work for FCPS and/or who has inspired you on your journey.

Some of the common themes include giving back to the school district that helped to shape them, and appreciating and supporting a multicultural community. 

Want to share your story? Fill out the form below or email [email protected].

I came to FCPS to experience the vast diversity that is present in the district. I am inspired each day by how the multicultural backgrounds bring new points of views to the classroom. Seeing students gain new perspectives is amazing!

—April Jensen, teacher at Crestwood Elementary School

Growing up in FCPS, I didn't have many classmates that looked like me. Now as a second grade teacher, I have the opportunity to be a mirror and window for my students. I strive to foster a welcoming classroom environment that affirms students' identities!

—Tori Huynh, teacher at Camelot Elementary School 

Teaching is social justice work, and I am proud to serve the Northern Virginia community I grew up in. Helping students access and leverage their full potential is the most fulfilling and rewarding job in the world, and I could not imagine being in another profession. Empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conquer problems and face the future with dignity and optimism is inspiring; and I firmly believe in the power of public education. Both my parents' families are products of FCPS/ESOL programs when they immigrated here from Colombia and Lebanon, and being an English teacher is truly a dream come true.

—Michelle Gabro, English Teacher at Langley High School

As a military spouse, I moved to Fairfax County in 1990 with my husband and our two children.  As I was studying to attain a teaching certificate in Virginia (my original license was issued in Pennsylvania), I began a job as an instructional assistant at Pine Spring Elementary School. 

Next, I taught second grade at Belvedere Elementary School, received my Advanced Academics teaching endorsement, and began teaching in the third grade full-time Advanced Academics Program at Springfield Estates Elementary School.  

From there, I joined Washington Mill Elementary School as a full time Advanced Academics Resource teacher.  

My children graduated from West Springfield High School and have wonderful careers. My grandson is a second grader at Daniels Run Elementary School. I’m currently serving on the FCPS Advanced Academics Advisory Committee to the School Board.

I retired from FCPS in 2015. After earning my TESOL certificate, I worked as an ESOL teacher at programs outside of FCPS, but it just wasn’t the same as working in FCPS. I knew it was time to come back to my roots.

In Fall, 2022, I began teaching adult ESOL students in the FCPS ACE Program, and I couldn’t be happier. Our students are from many different countries, but they all have something in common. They want to learn English and to adapt to our culture in the U.S. They come to class each day excited to be there. The administrative team has been supportive and helpful (just like at the other FCPS schools where I worked over the years).

It's great to be back!

—Patti Potter, adult ESOL instructor

The opportunity to support our students, their families, and community with a positive, empowering, and professional manner!

—Carolyn Smith, learning disabilities teacher at Ravensworth Elementary School

I love that I can make the school system I graduated from better. FCPS is my home and I can't imagine working anywhere else. While it may have taken me a few years to find my teaching niche, now that I have and I love what I do!

—Samantha Kehn, multiple disabilities teacher at Robinson Secondary School

Even before I retired from Verizon in 2014, I knew I wanted to lead and inspire young people! So, six months after retirement boredom kicked in, I joined the FCPS team as a sub (not a sandwich)! I soon found my niche as a high school substitute teacher!

— Michael Brookins, substitute teacher

What brought me back to FCPS as an employee was the need to help other special education students like myself. 

— Lynn Hathaway, Woodson Graduate Class of 2015 and instructional assistant at Luther Jackson Middle School

I realized that I wanted to work with kids after 5 years in the Human Resources field. I went back to school and got a M.Ed. As a former FCPS student, I was excited to rejoin FCPS as a teacher.

— Trisha Heyer, librarian at Westlawn Elementary School

My mother started driving a school bus for FCPS in the early 70’s and retired in June 1994. I attended FCPS schools until graduating from Groveton High School (now West Potomac High School) in June 1983, and became a school bus driver in September 1993. When I started driving, it was only going to be until my youngest started school; 29 years later, I’m still here and now a coordinator.

Both of my sons attended FCPS schools and went to West Potomac (same school as their parents). My younger son, Cole, played football at West Potomac and graduated in June 2009; went to college and graduated from Old Dominion University in December 2013. He started substitute teaching until he found a job, then decided he wanted to become a teacher. He got a job as a security officer at West Potomac while working on getting a teaching position there; finally got a teaching position in 2017. He went to George Mason University through the FCPS program and just graduated from GMU in December with his Master’s in education.  

—Pamela Walter, coordinator in the Office of Transportation Services