My name is Rachael McDonald and I have been working in education since 2013. I taught for one year in Prince William County and 8 years in Manassas City Public Schools. I have worked in general education and special education. My role has since expanded to include Child Study, developmental testing, mentoring, and observing teachers.
I received my bachelor’s of science in Anthropology in 2003. My greatest interest in that field was learning more about the cultures and languages of the world. I am fascinated by all the ways that people are the same as much as the amazing ways in which we are different. This passion led me to an opportunity to visit an elementary school in Japan. That experience as well as my experiences volunteering with local students, increased my love of working with children, especially those of diverse backgrounds. In 2013, I graduated from George Mason University with a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Early Childhood for Diverse Learners. I received my Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education in 2015 and my TESOL certificate in 2015. I completed my School Leadership Certificate with Longwood University in August of 2021.