MaryKate Hughes

MARYKATE HUGHES

I’m MaryKate Hughes, a longtime educator, parent, and proud Falls Church City neighbor. I’ve spent over 20 years in public education—as a teacher, school leader, coach, and curriculum designer—focused on equity, excellence, and what works for students.

I live in Falls Church with my husband, Adam, and our two daughters, Maura and Molly, who attend Meridian High School. I’ve taught at Oak Street Elementary, helped found DC Prep, and currently support teachers and future educators through my work with American University.

I’m running for School Board to bring thoughtful, experienced, and community-centered leadership to the table. I believe in listening first, grounding decisions in research and data, and practicing strong stewardship of our school budget to ensure every choice supports student success and long-term sustainability.

I love this community, and I’m ready to serve it.

“I have the knowledge to make strong decisions and represent our community well. I understand how schools work—because I’ve lived it from every angle.”
“...over 20 years in education and over 10 years as a member of the Falls Church City community...”
“Every student deserves a joyful, rigorous, and equitable education...”

Knowledge

    • B.A. from Boston College

    • M.A.T. (Master of Arts in Teaching) from American University

    • National Board Certified teacher (2024)

    • Recipient of the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation

    • These degrees and achievements show I have the knowledge to make strong decisions and represent our community well. I understand how schools work—because I’ve lived it from every angle. I know what’s happening in classrooms, how decisions are made in central offices, and how data can guide us toward better outcomes. As a parent, I understand the hopes and dreams we have for our kids, and the trust we place in our schools each and every day. As a candidate, I know how important it is to pair those hopes and that trust with smart, evidence-based decisions that keep our schools strong.

Experience

I bring over 20 years in education and over 10 years as a member of the Falls Church City community:

    • Classroom teacher

    • Department chair

    • Grade level lead

    • Instructional coach

    • School leader

    • Central office administrator

    • National advisor - I have testified before congress and presented at multiple national conferences

    • I was on the founding team of DC Prep, one of the top performing public schools in DC, growing it from 100 students to 2100 students over my 14 years there.

    • Experience inside and outside FCCPS

    • Parent to two FCCPS educated children, one of whom has had complex medical needs. I have experience navigating the 504 process both as a teacher and as a parent.

    • Legal guardian to my brother, Johnny, a 57 year old man with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities. I have experience navigated the IEP process both as a teacher and as a parent.

    • I know what works because I’ve seen it work, because I’ve made it work.

Heart

I love schools, I love learning, and at the center of all of this is a simple belief: every student deserves a joyful, rigorous, and equitable education, and every educator must be empowered to deliver it. My love for schools, students, and education is evident in my record of service to our community: 

    • Member, FCCPS Health and Wellness Committee

    • Member, FCCPS PTSA

    • Team Captain, The A-Team, Bike MS (2024 Rookie of the Year)

    • Chair, HTG Games

    • Volunteer Coordinator, Senior Spectacular

    • Leader, Girl Scouts of America