Mirror Me Teacher Diversity Initiative

Applications are currently being accepted for the Mirror Me program. Completed applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Chesterfield County Public Schools recognizes that a diverse teaching workforce benefits all staff and students. With more than half of the student population identifying as other than white, Chesterfield County Public Schools is considered a “majority-minority” school division, but division staff does not currently reflect the student population.

The Mirror Me program aims to recruit and retain teachers of varied backgrounds by increasing the number of minority teachers, changing the perceptions of hiring practices and promoting the importance of the teaching profession.

CCPS has partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University to build pathways for students to pursue higher education and become teachers in their own community.

How Mirror Me works:

Mirror Me is available to high school juniors and seniors in Chesterfield County and college students at Virginia Commonwealth University and Virginia State University who are interested in becoming a teacher.

Program participants who successfully complete a teaching degree through VCU or VSU are guaranteed a teaching position in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Who is eligible?

At the high school level, Mirror Me identifies juniors and seniors in Chesterfield Schools who have the aptitude and mindset for teaching, and creates a pathway for them to reach that career goal in Chesterfield County through teaching programs at Virginia Commonwealth University or Virginia State University. By connecting with students in its own schools, the division has an opportunity to strengthen the teacher workforce and increase the number of diverse candidates who return to serve their own community.

College students currently enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University or Virginia State University  seeking a teaching degree can also enter the program.

What are the benefits?

Participants will receive support through mentoring programs and financial incentives throughout their undergraduate experience. Upon graduation, each participant will be guaranteed a teaching contract with Chesterfield County Public Schools.

CCPS high school juniors and seniors and students at VCU and VSU who are interested in the Mirror Me program should complete the application at the link below.

Choose your preferred application below:

English
Spanish
Arabic
Khmer / Cambodian
Vietnamese
Chinese

More information: Email Dr. Maia K. Johnson or Amy Bartilotti

Why Mirror Me?

FAQ

Current juniors and seniors in Chesterfield County high schools will be able to enroll in dual-enrollment courses at no cost. Additionally, students who are part of the Mirror Me program will receive financial incentives during their undergraduate program that can be used to cover the cost of items such as books and meals. Students will also be connected with a mentor teacher to help bridge the connection with Chesterfield County Public Schools. Upon graduation, each participant will receive priority hiring with CCPS! Please note that hiring at a specific school / location is not guaranteed!

Once an application has been submitted, you will receive confirmation that the application has been received and next steps. If your application is incomplete, you will receive communication detailing what is needed for your application to be considered. The email address listed on your application will be used as the primary form of communication.

High school juniors in the Mirror Me program will have the opportunity to take dual-enrollment courses at no cost to them. Additionally, students will be connected with a Mirror Me mentor who will help them connect with the CCPS community.

Yes. Students who are selected to participate in the Mirror Me program will receive an invitation to participate that will include the decision deadline.

If you join the Mirror Me program, you have until your sophomore year in college to withdraw. After that time, you are committed to remaining in the program and serving as a teacher within Chesterfield County Public Schools upon completion. The invitation to join Mirror Me details expectations.

If you are looking for an alternative method to apply, please email Dr. Maia K. Johnson or Amy Bartilotti.

Your school’s Mirror Me liaison can provide information. You may also email Dr. Maia K. Johnson or Amy Bartilotti.