In 2004, a group of local citizens recognized that the recruitment and retention of African American teachers in local schools is an essential step in improving the academic achievement levels of black children in our community. Although they knew that the Charlottesville and Albemarle school districts have worked to recruit and retain African American teachers and some of the founders had been part of that effort, they also knew that those efforts had fallen far short of the need.

Following vigorous fund raising by some of the founders, in 2004, a board of directors was formed and within a few months, the program was incorporated, obtained its 501-c-3 status, hired a director, and accepted an offer from the Virginia Organizing Project to act as its fiduciary. It now functions as a separate entity and in December 2007, moved the office to its present site. The Board of Directors is currently composed of twenty citizens, with representatives from the public schools, local colleges, and other professions.

The first fellowship was awarded in the fall of 2004 and the first graduate began employment in the City School system in the fall of 2006.

AATF serves the Charlottesville and Albemarle County Schools systems. It seeks to recruit area citizens although it has accepted persons from outside the area who attend local colleges and commit to teaching locally for the required period.

We are deeply grateful for the broad support that AATF has received from individuals and organizations in the area.

Educators from Charlottesville and Albemarle support our goals, as do the government leaders, local religious communities, foundations, corporations, community organizations and individual contributors.

Please see the list: AATF Board of Directors & Staff