The School Board of the City of Manassas has approved the appointment of Erica Loesch as director of professional learning for Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS). Loesch was approved at the board’s July 22 meeting. She succeeds Katy Fisher, who was recently named executive director of Human Resources for MCPS.
Loesch brings more than 17 years of experience in education, with a systems-focused approach to instructional leadership and professional development. She has served in several leadership roles throughout her career, including special education department chair, assistant principal, principal, and most recently, professional learning coordinator.
“Ms. Loesch has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead with vision, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Dr. Kevin Newman, superintendent of MCPS. “Her work in building professional learning systems, advancing inclusive practices, and developing leadership capacity has positively impacted teachers and leaders across our division. We look forward to her continued leadership as she works to elevate professional learning in service to student outcomes.”
Loesch began her career as a special education teacher and department chair, and has since worked across various instructional settings, including alternative and specialized programs. Her background in special education continues to shape her inclusive leadership style and commitment to differentiated professional learning for all educators.
While serving in Fairfax County Public Schools, Loesch was named Region 3 New Principal of the Year in 2022 and was a finalist for the honor in both 2021 and 2023. As principal of Saratoga Elementary School, she led targeted improvement efforts that resulted in full accreditation and measurable academic gains, including the closure of achievement gaps.
Since joining MCPS as professional learning coordinator, Loesch has implemented a continuous learning framework for school-based administrators, launched a New Administrator Orientation, and created the MAPS (Mentor and Professional Growth Support) Program to retain and support diverse, high-quality educators. She expanded development opportunities for alternative pathway teachers through the Professional Practice Development Program (PPDP) and helped design professional learning focused on inclusive practices. She also led systemwide efforts such as the Behavior Solutions Guiding Coalition to improve student behavior supports across the division.
Loesch earned a Bachelor of Arts in special education and elementary education, graduating cum laude from Elon University. She holds a Master of Arts in education with a focus on educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech. Her credentials include endorsements in administration and supervision (PreK–12), elementary education (PreK–6), and special education – general curriculum (K–12).