Who We Are
OUR MISSION
African American Teaching Fellows works to support and develop educators in local schools. We support educators with financial support, professional development, job training skills, and a network of other educators.
Our Fellows become invaluable role models for K-12 students and prepare all young people to thrive in a diverse world.
For every
122 students there is only ONE African American teacher in our local schools.
The absence of African American teachers leaves many African American students feeling disconnected from school, and the disparity creates misperceptions and stereotypes that disadvantage all students, regardless of race.
We want to change that.
We believe that our public schools can break down these painful barriers. They can teach cultural dexterity, lead by example, and become statewide models for excellence. Faculty diversification has the power to shatter historical stereotypes. We champion African American teachers, commit to their recruitment and development, in order to do just that.
If our work, and the work of our Fellows, succeeds, future generations will grow up with the knowledge that our differences deserve celebration, our similarities forever multiply, and while skin colors speak to ethnic roots, we succeed through the strength of our spirits.
OUR VALUES
RELATIONSHIPS
We meet individuals where they are. We celebrate diversity and inclusion.
COMMITMENT
We stay focused on our mission. We are lifelong learners who finish what we start.
EXCELLENCE
We set ambitious goals. We measure performance and continually improve.
OUR HISTORY
OUR STAFF & BOARD
Tamara Wilkerson Dias
Executive Director
tamara@aatf.org
Marquell Woodson Program Manager marquell@aatf.org
Tamara comes to AATF with a background ineducation, having worked in both AlbemarleCounty and Charlottesville City Schools as aWorld Langauge Teacher. She is a formerFellow of the program, with a passion to servethe students in the local school systems.
Marquell is an alumni Fellow from Cohort 2020 and has experience at both the elementary and secondary levels as a classroom teacher. Marquell is a graduate of Longwood University, and he works directly with Fellows to ensure their success in the profession.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Elaine Alpern
Charlottesville Internal Medicine
James Bland
University of Virginia,School of Engineering
Alex Bryant
Secretary FIRST Chesapeake/Virginia FIRST
Sherry Bryant
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Kelsie Kelly Smith, PhD
University of Virginia, School of Medicine + Office of African American Affairs
Katie Leigh, EdD
University of Virginia, School of Education
and Human Development
Jessica Harris
Jessica A. Harris, LLC
Chris Howell
Albemarle County Schools
Ashlee Thompson
Treasurer; AATF Alumna
Terrel White
Charlottesville Area Community Foundation