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Josh McFarland returned to West Potomac High School with an unusual career change and a hands-on approach to helping students build confidence.
The West Potomac alumnus, once a petroleum geologist in Alaska’s oil fields, now teaches students with multiple disabilities at the Alexandria school. His work made him a finalist for the FCPS 2025 Outstanding Secondary School New Teacher award.
McFarland uses project-based lessons to make science more accessible, favoring practical work that produces visible results for the school and surrounding community. Humor and unexpected activities help his students connect with scientific concepts.
His lessons also focus on perseverance, independence, career preparation and essential life skills. Activities such as woodworking give students opportunities to establish routines and learn through direct experience.
McFarland’s students joined general education students to renovate West Potomac’s pond and create an outdoor learning space. The project included tilling, planting and cultivating while encouraging students to strengthen relationships and connect with nature.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid praised the students’ work after visiting the site, saying they had accomplished “an amazing amount of tilling, planting, and cultivating” while building stronger relationships with one another.