W&M father and son alumni welcome next generation into the Teachers of Promise Institute
Five William & Mary School of Education students were honored as “Teachers of Promise” at the 2024 Teachers of Promise Institute. School of Education faculty nominated students based on their potential to become future teacher leaders within Virginia. The students recognized at the Institute included Audrey Dolak B.A.Ed. '24 Elementary, Campbell Engel B.A. '23, M.A.Ed. '24 Special Education, Rene McPherson, M.A.Ed. '24 Secondary English Education, Susan Tatelli B.A. '23, M.A.Ed. '24 ESL/ Dual Language, and Jeremy Taylor B.A. '24 Secondary Social Studies Education.
Established in 2010 by Crystal Spring School fifth grade teacher, Wade Whitehead '94, P '22, the Teachers of Promise Foundation has acknowledged and celebrated preservice teachers throughout the United States. The Foundation aims to grow the next generation of teachers by providing educational career opportunities and offering a supportive community of educators.
According to Whitehead, the Teachers of Promise Organization “want[s] to find and celebrate the next generation of great teachers. Great teachers hold the key to our future. They protect and develop our most precious assets and deserve honor and respect.”
The Foundation funds and supports the Teachers of Promise Institute, a commitment to recognize and support top-performing student teachers and educators from teacher preparation programs throughout Virginia. Since its inception in 2004, the Institute has “honored more than 3,800 Teachers of Promise from three dozen institutions of higher education.”
Each spring, the Teachers of Promise Institute convenes a two-day event featuring networking workshops, information sessions, mentor group discussions, and a gala dinner and celebration. Each event is hosted by experienced speakers and mentors within the field. One of these featured keynote speakers was Principal Baruti Kafele, a highly followed educator and public speaker with substantial experience in teaching and school leadership.
Taylor describes the impact of attending the Institute, “the Teachers of Promise Institute provided me with an even [greater] appreciation for education and the profession. It validated my decision to enter the field.”
Along with an array of speakers, Wade Whitehead’s son, Jack Whitehead M.A.Ed. '22, presented at the Institute with his father. The father-son alumni duo ran a breakout session titled “Smart Decisions: Solving Challenges of the First Year,” which discussed their individual experiences on time-management strategies, technology, free speech considerations, financial planning and work-life balance. The session sought to provide two perspectives: one from a second-year teacher and the other from a 30-year veteran of the profession. Both perspectives spoke on their individual ideas for productivity inside and outside the classroom.
As the Teachers of Promise Institute marks its twentieth year, it continues to inspire students and educators throughout the industry. Dolak discusses the lasting effects of the opportunity: “I’ve gained a vast professional network, as attending the Institute allowed me to connect with several currently practicing educators, as well as future educators, like me. I have gained a stronger sense of confidence as I enter the teaching profession,” he elaborates. “I feel that attending The Teachers of Promise Institute has provided me with an invaluable “teacher toolbox” to utilize as a new educator. It was inspiring to have the chance to learn from such experienced and creative educators.”
