Jayla Gilmore

For Jayla Gilmore, education isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. Originally from New York, Jayla has always envisioned herself leading in the classroom and beyond. Now, as a Registered Apprentice in the Hybrid Education Residency Opportunity (HERO) program at Virginia State University (VSU), she’s well on her way to realizing that vision.

“I’ve always known I wanted to go into education long-term,” she says. “My dream is to become a school principal and eventually open my own school. This apprenticeship is preparing me to lead by helping me grow through real, hands-on challenges in the classroom.”

A Strategic Leap Forward

Jayla joined the HERO program in the spring of 2024, after hearing about it through professors and classroom discussions. “We kept hearing about this program where you could gain experience and get paid for it,” she recalls. “I learned you had to be nominated by a professor—and I was.”

The timing was right. Confident in her academic performance and ready for a challenge, Jayla saw the apprenticeship as an opportunity to gain a competitive edge before graduation. “After college, everyone has a degree,” she says. “It’s the experience that sets you apart.”

Finding Her Footing in a New World

Jayla’s move from New York to Virginia brought its own set of adjustments—but it also revealed the depth of her potential. “I came in with a strong, sometimes blunt personality,” she says. “But this experience has softened my approach. I’ve learned to understand my students more deeply, to meet them where they are, and to adjust my instruction accordingly.”

Through her role at Petersburg City Public Schools, Jayla has built meaningful connections with students and embraced the full scope of a teacher’s responsibilities—from classroom instruction to team meetings, professional development, and problem-solving behind the scenes. “Instead of just getting Ms. Gilmore [as their teacher], they’re going to see how Ms. Gilmore handled the situation,” she says with pride.

The Power of Cohort, Mentorship, and Growth

One of the most impactful aspects of the HERO program has been the support system. “This year, all the apprentices were placed at the same school, so we got to bond more as a cohort,” Jayla explains. “We’ve had the support of an incredible mentor—I wouldn’t trade her for anything. She tells us the truth, guides us, and helps us grow.”

The experience has also opened doors to professional maturity. “I’ve learned when to send an email, when to request a meeting, how to approach different people—skills that go beyond the classroom,” she says. “This program has helped me elevate.”

Advice for Future Apprentices

“If you’re considering HERO, go for it,” Jayla urges. “It’s challenging, but the benefits are incredible. You learn, you grow, and you gain the kind of experience that changes you. Just be prepared to put in the effort. You can’t expect a lot if you’re not giving your all.”

Jayla’s story is a testament to what’s possible when ambition meets opportunity. Through the HERO Registered Apprenticeship Program, she’s not only becoming the educator she always hoped to be—she’s laying the foundation to transform schools and communities for years to come.