Hundreds of 'teachers to be' were honored at James Madison University, Friday.

It's the 25th annual Teachers of Promise convention college where professors from all over the state came to celebrate their best and brightest students.

An average of 10 future teachers are chosen from various higher learning programs throughout Virginia each year.

They are chosen by their peers and faculty for their character, academic credentials and commitment to the teaching profession.

"Unfortunately if you listen to the news people beat up on teachers all the time and so it's nice to launch them. We have a problem in this country with keeping teachers in the classroom and we need to do more to recognize the quality that's there," said a George Mason University who brought 10 'teachers of promise' to JMU.

The teachers of promise event continues through the weekend. It will feature interactive workshops to prepare the students for the work field.