Five education students from George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) were recently honored at the 23rd Teachers of Promise Institute, a statewide celebration recognizing exemplary future educators from colleges and universities across Virginia.
Established in 2010 by Wade Whitehead, a fourth generation Virginia public school classroom teacher, the Teachers of Promise Foundation hosts the Institute as its flagship event. Since 2004, the Foundation has honored more than 4,000 Teachers of Promise across Virginia.
Hosted by the Teachers of Promise Foundation, the Institute brings together top teacher candidates for two days of professional learning, inspiration, and connection with outstanding mentors and education leaders from across the nation.
The following CEHD students were recognized as 2026 Teachers of Promise:
- Brien Comey, Secondary Education
- Alondra Navas, Elementary Education
- Lee Rasmussen, Inclusive Early Childhood Education
- Matthew LaClare, Health and Physical Education
- Emily Hulett, Special Education
Throughout the Institute, participants engaged in keynote sessions, mentor group discussions, and collaborative learning experiences focused on practical teaching advice, effective pedagogy, striving for excellence in the profession, and long-term impact in classrooms and communities.
“Our Teachers of Promise represent the future of excellence in the teaching profession,” said Wade Whitehead, Executive Director of the Teachers of Promise Foundation. “To meet them is inspiring. To walk beside them as they prepare for decades of impact in classrooms and communities is both our privilege and our responsibility.”