School of Education recognizes 2026 Virginia Teachers of Promise

Eight Liberty University School of Education teacher candidates have been named the 2026 Virginia Teachers of Promise, an honor that highlights their dedication and passion for educating the next generations.

On Feb. 27-28, the teacher candidates were formally recognized at the annual Virginia Teachers of Promise Institute, a conference held in Midlothian, Va. The students attended a banquet on Friday before participating in multiple industry-specific workshops and breakout sessions on Saturday. Teacher candidates were nominated by School of Education faculty for their academic success and practical application in the field.

The TOP Institute was founded in 2004 by Wade Whitehead, a recipient of the Milken Educator Award and McGlothlin Award for Teaching Excellence and a member of the National Teacher Hall of Fame. He created the institute to provide mentorship of promising, passionate teacher candidates in Virginia by veteran teachers who have won distinguished awards in teaching.

“The Teachers of Promise Institute is often described as a true ‘watershed’ moment for those who attend, as it affirms and elevates each candidate’s commitment to pursue what we know is one of the most noble and impactful callings — the profession of teaching,” said School of Education Associate Dean for Licensure and Residential Programs Dr. Michelle Goodwin, who serves as a faculty chaperone for TOP. “The TOP Institute offers some of the best emerging educators in the School of Education the opportunity to learn from outstanding educators in our field. I am deeply grateful that the university continues to support this annual event, which highlights the tremendous influence teachers can have in their classrooms and in the world around them.”

Senior Riley Douglas said her time at the conference prepared her to enter the classroom full time through sessions on handling classroom management, building connections with students and parents, and setting proper boundaries with students.

“(TOP) was a transformative experience that really made me want to be a teacher,” she said. “Teaching is a really hard profession. Sometimes you feel uninspired or frustrated when things are hard, but this experience of listening to people who have won National Teacher of the Year, State Teacher of the Year, and the Milken Educator Award has been really inspiring.”

Senior Grace Verwys said the sessions on in-class cellphone policies and managing stress will positively impact her future career. She currently serves as a student teacher of personal finance at Heritage High School in Lynchburg.

In addition to those breakout sessions, Liberty’s teacher candidates also expanded their networks by building relationships with other teacher candidates and university professors.

Liberty’s teacher candidates highlighted how the conference fell well in line with studies and emphasized the role faculty members play in preparing them for the first years after college.

“I don’t think Liberty could have prepared me better. I was blown away by how great all the professors were,” said Verwys, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Education in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. “There seriously wasn’t a single professor in all my four years in the Liberty School of Education who I still don’t have a great connection with. They were all so amazing and so pivotal in my journey here. … I obviously would not be here without Liberty. Even when I got the personal finance position, they were so excited and happy for me. They celebrated me so much, and it is so cool to have professors who are there for you beyond just the classroom. They really do care about our success, and I have really been shown that in my time here.”

Liberty has partnered with TOP every year since the organization’s inception in 2004 and has participated in the conference each year with the exception of 2020, when the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Liberty’s Teachers of Promise students will receive medallions during a School of Education ceremony on April 28 and will wear them during the 2026 Commencement ceremonies.