Future Ready Teachers Stories

From corporate learning consultant to adjunct professor to newly elected school board member, CEHD alumna Amy Riccardi continues to apply her George Mason training in instructional design to expand educational opportunities and strengthen communities across Northern Virginia. Read more...

CEHD alum and adjunct faculty member Eric Laurits, MEd ’18, is leading by example through the creation of Sankoré International School in Kenya. Read more...

Across the country—and especially in Northern Virginia—classrooms are feeling the strain of a national teacher shortage. More than 86% of U.S. public schools report difficulty filling open roles, and in Virginia alone, nearly 3,700 teaching positions went unfilled in a single year. In the region where George Mason University graduates serve, shortages are most acute in elementary education, middle grades, and special education environments, leaving many students without the stable, skilled teachers they deserve. Read more...

Across the country—and especially in Northern Virginia—classrooms are feeling the strain of a national teacher shortage. More than 86% of U.S. public schools report difficulty filling open roles, and in Virginia alone, nearly 3,700 teaching positions went unfilled in a single year. In the region where George Mason University graduates serve, shortages are most acute in elementary education, middle grades, and special education environments, leaving many students without the stable, skilled teachers they deserve. Read more...

Across the Commonwealth, school leaders are continually seeking new ways to strengthen their educator pipelines and ensure that every classroom is supported by knowledgeable, compassionate, and well-prepared teachers. As communities grow more diverse and instructional needs evolve, cultivating a workforce that is reflective of—and responsive to—students has become an essential priority for districts and principals alike. Read more...

The statistics are stark. Across the United States, more than 86% of public schools report difficulty filling teaching roles. In Virginia, nearly 3,700 teaching positions went unfilled in a single year. Read more...

Named Fairfax County Public Schools' 2025 Outstanding New Secondary Teacher of the Year, Emmeline Mejia is already making an impact in TESOL education. Inspired by her time at CEHD and motivated by her students’ resilience, Mejia is creating a classroom based on belonging and purpose. Read more...

George Mason University alumna Leslie Muñoz is bringing joy, empathy, and high expectations to her first-grade students in Loudoun County. With two CEHD degrees and a passion for representation in education, she’s making a lasting impact from the very start of her career. Read more...

From the classroom to educational leadership, Tom Giska, MEd ’81 shares insights, challenges, and the evolution of teaching over five decades. Read more...

Alumna Emily Burrell received a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Read more...