Nearly 1,000 new teachers gathered at Hayfield Secondary School last week for the 31st annual Great Beginnings Summer Institute (GBSI), marking the start of their careers with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). The event, which started in 1995 with just 50 participants and two coaches, has grown to become a central orientation and professional development program for educators joining the division.
Over four days, GBSI offered a combination of professional development sessions, networking opportunities, and school-based orientations. Teachers participated in grade-level or subject-specific cohorts and attended a divisionwide kickoff event featuring resource booths from FCPS offices, unions, Apple Federal Credit Union, FCPS Pride, and other groups. The Oakton High School Cougarettes Dance Team performed at the kickoff while attendees reviewed the newly released 2025-26 Employee Handbook.
The event was organized by the Department of Strategy, Planning, and Learning; the Office of Professional Learning; and the Department of Human Resources.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid welcomed the new educators by saying: “We’re so glad you’re here to help us build a brighter future for students, families, and the community. This is our mission, our calling, and our great privilege. And it’s my great privilege to work alongside you!”
Chief of Human Resources William Solomon addressed the group as well: “Your strength, knowledge, and passion will be crucial as you nurture, mentor, inspire, and guide our future generations.”
Among those attending were Ricardo Rodriguez from Nicaragua through Participate Learning. He said: “I came to expand and improve my teaching skills. I’m most excited to share my culture with my students.” Matthew Nicholson, an FCPS graduate from Marshall High School returning as a teacher said: “I’m just most excited to be doing the work!” Cade Clemons moved from Roanoke where he was an instructional assistant; now teaching adapted curriculum history and English/reading at Fairfax High School he shared: “I’ve heard there are a lot of resources here and enough support if you need something. I’m most excited to learn about my students through a different lens.”
GBSI is not limited to this one-week introduction but continues throughout the year with ongoing support for first-year teachers as well as additional cohorts for those in their second or third years.
As the event concluded Solomon reminded attendees: “It is evident we have recruited and hired an exceptional group of educators… Our students need you, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you with us!”
The new teachers left equipped with information about FCPS resources and programs designed to support them as they begin their roles in classrooms across Fairfax County.
