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Virginia Teacher of Year Anthony Swann continues to inspire students, community through education
Despite so many wins in his professional career, he has faced a host of challenges
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ROCKY MOUNT, Va. – Once face-to-face with homelessness and lost in the foster care system, education saved one local teacher’s life.
Every day as a working adult, Anthony Swann has the goal of using his passion to show students how education can change and save their lives, just like it did for him.
The Franklin County teacher works at Rocky Mount Elementary.
In the last year, he has been named district teacher of the year, state teacher of the year and has been appointed to the state board of education.
School divisions in the Roanoke and New River valleys reported an uptick in failing grades during the first half of the 2020-21 school year, reflecting a national trend, as students continued to learn in nontraditional ways amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data shared by local districts.
The increase was not uniform across all grade levels, instructional methods and demographics. Virtual learners experienced higher levels, and secondary schools reported more Fâs than elementary schools, on average.
Schools are using the data to provide targeted instruction and additional support to those students. Several area divisions are in the process of increasing in-person instruction for the fourth quarter of the school year. School officials also say they are trying to support their studentsâ mental health and safety, too.
Statewide group formed to plan how kids will return to in-person learning
Educators, school administrators, mental health professionals and others comprise the group
Jazmine Otey, 10 News
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This school year has been a difficult one for many and with Gov. Ralph Northam’s recent directive to have students inside schools by next month, the Virginia Department of Education is taking action.
On Wednesday, Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced the formation of a workgroup of educators, school administrators, mental health professionals, parents and leaders of community organizations.
The Virginia LEARNS workgroup will assess the needs of students and support Virginia school divisions as they look to have in-person learning options available for students by Northam’s March 15 deadline.
Margaret Barthel
From In January, Virginia released guidelines for school districts planning to begin offering in-person learning options, emphasizing a focus on younger students and others who have been most adversely affected by virtual learning. Steve Helber/AP Photo
toggle caption Steve Helber/AP Photo
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam says schools across the commonwealth should begin offering in-person learning options starting next month.
Last month, Virginia released guidelines for school districts planning to begin offering in-person learning options, emphasizing a focus on younger students and others who have been most adversely affected by virtual learning. Now, school districts have until March 15 to begin the process, in whatever form the district has selected.