A determined and inspiring young man, Anthony Swann, has defied incredible odds to achieve remarkable success.
From years of homelessness and a traumatic childhood, Swann overcame his challenges and worked his way to be recognized as the 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year, a testament to his resilience and dedication to his students.
Swann's Story and How He Did It
Swann’s early life was far from easy. Born into a broken home with an alcoholic and drug-addicted mother and an absent father, he entered foster care at the age of nine. “I had a very rough childhood. It was very traumatic,” he recalls.
Despite these challenges, one of his teachers took the role of a mother and comforted him during this difficult time, encouraging him to believe in himself and inspiring his lifelong passion for teaching.
“She encouraged me to make something of myself. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher—to give children what I never had, a positive role model from a male perspective,” Swann said.
Swann’s experiences fueled his commitment to education and mentorship. Over his 14-year teaching career, he has consistently made a meaningful impact on his students’ lives.
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“A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching a young man in foster care. Sharing my story gave him so much hope that by the end of the school year, he didn’t want to leave my room. Moments like those make teaching worthwhile,” he shares.
Swann emphasizes that teaching is not just about delivering knowledge, but about shaping generations through hope and guidance.
“If you teach this one particular student, the knowledge and life skills they glean from you can be passed on to the next generation. Because of the hope you put into students, it can change the course of so many lives,” he added.
Swann earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Averett University in 2007 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent University in 2014.
He has been teaching elementary school for over 13 years, consistently demonstrating commitment to both academic excellence and the well-being of his students.
As the 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Swann received multiple awards and benefits, including monetary awards from Dominion Energy Services Inc., Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, and other sponsors and membership to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Additionally, he was awarded educational opportunities from several colleges and universities, tickets to Kings Dominion, a gift from Virginia State University, and an engraved plaque and crystal apple recognizing his achievement.
Swann humbly credits his selection not simply to teaching skills, but to the hope and encouragement his personal story offers to students facing challenges.
“I think I was selected because of the story I can provide to children of today’s time. We’re going through a pandemic. Many children face social, economic, and emotional challenges. Sharing my story lets them
For Swann, teaching goes beyond accolades. He sees himself as a servant to his students, understanding their needs both inside and outside the classroom.
“Anyone can teach, but not everyone can serve. A servant knows exactly what people need, so they can meet those needs,” he explains.
Using his platform, Swann continues to inspire students, showing them that no matter their circumstances, success is possible. “I try to share my story as much as possible to let them know that if I can do it, they can do it too,” he said.
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