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
Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the state authorized education schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia?

    The local schools that we have the most contact with are:

    • Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia
    • Mary Baldwin College at Piedmont Virginia Community College
    • Old Dominion University at Piedmont Virginia Community College
    • Virginia Union University

    The Virginia Department of Education gives a full list of accredited education programs.

  • Does AATF "place" Fellows in the local schools?

    While the Charlottesville and Albemarle County schools are very supportive of AATF, there is no guarantee that they will hire AATF Fellows when they have completed their educational and licensure requirements. Our experience, to date, is that the local schools are actively seeking qualified African American teaching applicants and as AATF Fellows have completed their licensure requirements and have applied for teaching positions in the city and county schools, they have been hired.

  • Is the AATF Promissory Note & Scholarship Loan Agreement (Promissory Note Loan) a forgivable loan?

    Yes. The AATF Promissory Note Loan can be forgiven through service in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County schools for a period equal to the period of financial support provided to the AATF Fellow.

    For each academic year of employment as a full-time licensed teacher in a Charlottesville or Albemarle County school, one year of the AATF loan, up to $5,000, will be removed from the recipient's account. While experiences in other positions in schools or professions are valuable and provide professional growth, they cannot be credited as service for repayment of the loan.

  • What is the penalty if the AATF Fellow defaults, i.e., when an AATF recipient refuses to apply for a position in the Charlottesville or Albemarle County public schools and hence defaults on their promise to teach locally?

    The recipient will be required to repay the full amount of the Promissory Note Loan, with interest, over an appropriate period that is worked out with the AATF program.

  • Does AATF provide funds for individuals seeking a Master's Degree?

    AATF's funds are specifically designed to help individuals obtain licensure and do not cover support for those seeking Master's Degree The one exception is for students who are enrolled in a five year education program that prepares them to meet licensure requirements.

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