When the pandemic first struck last March and schools in Franklin County and across the commonwealth closed suddenly, Rocky Mount Elementary School fifth grade teacher Anthony Swann found himself devastated.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye,” Swann says. “My children are my life.”
By the end of 2020, however, there was room for celebration. Not only was Swann back in the classroom with students several days a week—he earned the high honor of being named Virginia’s teacher of the year for 2021.
“I am honored by the fact that I get to serve my children,” Swann says. “Just knowing that I can see my children and meet their needs and cause the lightbulbs to go off—cause them to have those ‘Aha!’ moments.”
Now in his 14th year as an educator, Swann says he knew he wanted to be a teacher ever since he was 11 years old, when he experienced the trauma of being taken into foster care. He remained a ward of the state until he was 21.
“Knowing my parents didn’t want me gave me the motivation to grow up to give children what I never had—acceptance from an adult,” Swann explains.
Each morning Swann starts his class with a cooperative culture curriculum where he and students discuss concepts such as perseverance, resilience and respect. He has his students say affirming statements like, “I am smart,” and “I am important,” to remind them that they matter.
“I always tell my students ‘thank you for coming to school,’ and let them know that I love them,” Swann says. “Everyone’s home situation is different. They may not have that particular person or adult to let them know that they do matter and that they are loved.”
Manners and respect play a large role in Swann’s teaching style. He addresses his students by “sir” and “ma’am,” and asks them to use those titles when answering him or other teachers. He says he never yells at his students, even if they make him upset.
“I want them to feel respect, and to know they’re in a safe environment,” Swann says.
Swann also leads a program at Rocky Mount Elementary called Guys with Ties. Before COVID-19, he would offer mentorship to fifth grade boys, many without strong father figures in their lives. Together as a group, they would address things like dignity and having respect, how to treat a lady and how to be clean and organized. Swann says the boys were expected to dress their best, and if they didn’t have a tie, they would wear whatever they considered their best.
“The word ‘tie’ has multiple meanings for the group,” Swann says. “It’s not just something you put on—it’s knowing that the things you do tie into other parts of your life outside of the classroom.”
Swann says he wants to continue supporting children through programs like Guys with Ties long into the future.
“I want to still give back to children even after I retire,” Swann says. “Being able to help sponsor programs like Guys with Ties or similar programs, it means a lot.”
In addition to his VRS membership, Swann also contributes to a separate supplemental plan.
“As young educators we don’t think about retirement, because we think we have all these years, but it’s great to plan for the future,” he reflects. “The things you do leave a mark on children’s lives even beyond the classroom and beyond retirement.”
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