What We Do
OUR METHOD
Contemporary education reform focuses largely on standardized test score improvement. Unfortunately, this laser-like focus on math and English proficiency ignores the holistic goals of education—namely, increases in students’ self-awareness, creativity, and social engagement. As administrations encourage quick-fix solutions for modest proficiency gains, children lose the opportunity to develop into broad-minded citizens who benefit their communities.
We take a different approach.
We put relationships first. Our Fellows learn about students as individuals and become members of the community in which their students are growing up. This allows Fellows to address students in context and make learning relevant totheir lives. Students not only learn material that is covered on standardized tests but they use thisknowledge to explore and improve themselves and the world around them.
CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS ACROSS VIRGINIA
1.26M
OUR PROGRAM
For nearly two decades, we fulfilled our mission by providing scholarships, professional development, and community support to college students preparing to become teachers. While this approach helped bring new talent into classrooms, we know that recruitment alone is not enough. Too many educators leave the profession within their first few years, often due to isolation, limited support, and systemic challenges.
To meet this challenge head-on, we’ve evolved our model from a pre-service scholarship program to an in-service affiliate model. This is a shift that centers on retaining and sustaining teachers already in our schools.
Through our updated AATF Affiliate Model, participating teachers receive:
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Monthly professional learning experiences that strengthen leadership skills, encourage collaboration, and foster community.
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Professional development points to support licensure renewal.
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A stipend in recognition of their commitment to growth and excellence.
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A network of educators
By focusing on those already leading classrooms, we’re investing in the long-term stability of the educator workforce—ensuring that students benefit from consistent, skilled, and engaged teachers who are deeply rooted in their communities.
