Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Dr. Marseillaise Maxey is on a mission to help shape the next generation of educators. As the new chair of VPCC’s education department, he is leading the launch of a new Associate of Science in Education degree program.
The new two-year degree is part of the Transfer Virginia initiative, he explained. It aims to address the growing demand for qualified teachers, especially in elementary (PreK-6) and special education.
“With the increasing demand for qualified teachers, particularly in special education, this program is positioned to address the needs of our community and beyond,” said Maxey.
“Our goal is to prepare students for immediate employment in education, whether as teacher assistants or preschool teachers, but also to provide them with the foundation needed to continue their education and pursue teacher licensure,” added Maxey, noting the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% growth in employment for kindergarten and elementary school teachers through 2031, adding roughly 54,900 jobs nationally.
He said the A.S. in Education program especially aims to address teacher shortages on the Peninsula. Through partnerships the College establishes with local schools and real-world practicum experiences, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop professional connections that may lead to employment in local school districts.
A key distinction of the new degree is its focus on ongoing mentorship throughout the academic year, he noted. Its extensive support system will include mentoring, tutoring, and mental health support to ensure student success.
“Those tutoring, mentoring, and mental health resources are to make sure our students are in a good place whether academically or socially … pretty much overall so that they can complete the program and hopefully go further,” he said.
Maxey, who joined VPCC in August bringing more than 20 years of experience in education, is also committed to ensuring that the program aligns with the College’s strategic plan centered on diversity, equity and inclusion.
“In every aspect of the A.S. in Education program, our focus will be on producing educators who are culturally competent and prepared to meet the needs of all students,” he said. “It’s not just about teaching content — it’s about fostering an inclusive classroom environment where every student can thrive.”
A Detroit, Mich. native who came to Virginia in 2015, Maxey entered higher education shaped by a strong commitment to improving lives. After earning a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master’s in special education, and an education specialist degree in administration and supervision from Michigan’s Wayne State University, he completed a doctoral degree in education leadership at Virginia State University.
His career spans all levels of education, from elementary to high school, and includes experience in alternative schools. Now an associate professor of education, he is also an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University. In the past 16 years as an administrator, he gained a broader perspective on the gaps and opportunities within the educational system.
“I’ve taught in rural, suburban and urban districts. I see what’s missing at each level. I want to create a more cohesive approach to education that connects the dots between elementary, middle and high school,” he said.
He has a clear vision for the education department’s future at VPCC. It’s to continue offering and growing strong programs that prepare students for fulfilling careers in education while enabling them to continue their studies and become leaders in the classroom.
“We’re not just training teachers; we’re shaping future leaders who will make a real difference in their communities,” he said. “I’m excited to see how this program evolves, and I’m even more excited to watch our students succeed in the field.”
Maxey emphasized that graduates of VPCC’s new A.S. in Education program will be well-prepared for entry-level positions such as teacher’s aides, preschool teachers, paraeducators, or childcare workers. Additionally, students will be ready to continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree in education, with guaranteed transfer pathways to Virginia's four-year public colleges and universities.
With a curriculum that includes classes ranging from Foundations of Education and Developmental Psychology in the first and second semesters to Teaching in a Diverse Society and Foundations of Exceptional Education in the third and fourth semesters, the program is slated to begin in fall 2025.
The application period will be announced soon, according to Nicole Currier, the College’s dean of Arts, Business and Social Science.
Learn more about VPCC’s academic and workforce training programs at vpcc.edu.