“There are few jobs in this world that are more important than that of a teacher’s. We all had teachers who inspired us, molded us, helped to make us who we are today. I commend AATF for its efforts and I applaud all of the Teaching Fellows for devoting themselves to such a noble and important cause.”

—Dave Norris,
Mayor, City of Charlottesville

 

“The main thing is the support they give…they link you up with other teachers, so you get advice, what works and what doesn’t work in the classroom, and of course the money for school is important.”

Abigail Amoako Kayser, AATF Alumna, currently teaching at Jackson-Via Elementary School

 

“African American teachers in our schools provide role models for our students, and opportunities for all students to learn about ethnic, racial, and cultural identity.  I am pleased to support the African American Teaching Fellows.”

Dr. Rosa Atkins, Superintendent of Charlottesville City Schools

 

“AATF takes away the strain of trying to pay for college.  But it helps in other ways.  AATF is giving me the drive to get where I want to go.”

Andre Moody, African American Teaching Fellow, Class of 2011

 

“I am thrilled to have AATF helping us by augmenting our recruitment efforts, by building relationships with colleges and universities, and by providing essential mentors and financial support to the Teaching Fellows.”

Brian Wheeler, former Chair of the Albemarle County School Board

 

“Teachers of color can broaden awareness and appreciation of cultural differences and ultimately this will benefit youth as they become active members of a global society.  We welcome the African American Teaching Fellows program as a partner.”

Dr. Pam Moran, Superintendent of Albemarle County Schools

 

“It’s challenging, but I really enjoy seeing that light bulb that goes off with kids, when you realize they finally got something.  It makes my whole day.”

Dannon Smith, African American Teaching Fellow, high school science teacher

 

“I know that many students in the Charlottesville school system come from underprivileged backgrounds. I want to show them that with hard work and determination they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.”

Shanice Gray, African American Teaching Fellow, class of 2011

 

“The closing of Venable and Lane schools to oppose integration created wounds in the education, social, and economic fabric of our community.  The mission and values of AATF are a concrete realistic way of healing those wounds.  It acknowledges the past but transforms the future by creating role models of hope for African American children.”

Holly Edwards, Charlottesville City Vice Mayor

 

“The teachers [in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area] are very well-rounded and caring and I could see myself in an environment of that kind.”  My grandmother has been an employee of the Charlottesville school system for over 30 years…she’s always saying, ‘I won’t leave until they make me!’”

Brittany Sanders, African American Teaching Fellow, class of 2011

 

“I love the kids [at Charlottesville High School].  Once you see them walk across the stage in June, all of the rollercoaster rides you’ve gone through in terms of getting the assignments and academic  work together is so worth it.”

Deanna Mitchelson, African American Teaching Fellow, current teacher at Charlottesville High School

 

“It’s not just about me becoming a leader in my school and in the community.  It’s about helping my students to become leaders as well.”

Shanice Gray, African American Teaching Fellow, class of 2011

 

“[Because of the leadership training] I now understand what characteristics distinguish me as a leader…I have tools available…I will be more conscious of strengths and weaknesses.”

Brandon Lee, AATF Alumnus, current teacher at Jack Jouett Middle School