Former foster child Anthony Swann has been named the 2021 Virginia State Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: wsls.com.

I always enjoy sharing stories about dedicated educators who have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Anthony Swann, who has been named the 2021 Virginia State Teacher of the Year.

Anthony overcame many obstacles on his journey to becoming a teacher. As a youngster, he lived the life of a foster child, remaining part of the system until he was 21 years old. He was 11 years old when he decided to become a teacher.

Despite his obstacles, in 2007 Anthony earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Averett University, a private university located in Danville, Virginia. In 2014, he earned his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Regent University, a private university located in Virginia Beach.

Currently, Anthony teaches fifth grade mathematics and reading at Rocky Mount Elementary School. He says his philosophy of teaching is to be emotionally open with his students. “I get on their level. I have never raised my voice at my children,” he said. “I don’t just care for them in the classroom, I care for them outside as well,” he continued. “They find my room a safe haven and they have an open line of communication with me,” he concluded.

In addition to his work in the classroom, Anthony mentors students and serves as a life-skills coach for fifth-grade boys through a program he inaugurated in 2019 called Guys with Ties. Every other week, the students dress to impress and participate in activities to learn the importance of integrity, honesty, and respect. Anthony also helped develop Rocky Mount Elementary’s Cooperative Culture Initiative, a program that rewards students for their positive behavior. The program has not only improved overall school culture, but it has reduced disciplinary referrals.

To read more about Chalkboard Champion Anthony Swann, see this article published in Virginia Black Lifestyle Magazine.