RVA Mayor Recruits Student Teachers

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney told UMW education students his city plans to hire 360 teachers for the next school year. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney told UMW education students his city plans to hire 360 teachers for the next school year. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney is determined to recruit excellent teachers for his city’s public schools, and he brought his quest to the College of Education during a daylong visit in December.

Stoney told the students his own life was shaped by exceptional teachers who went beyond their job descriptions to help him get the most from school as he grew up in a single-parent home in Hampton Roads. An honor roll student, he became secretary of the commonwealth at age 32 and Richmond’s youngest mayor at age 35.

That wouldn’t have happened, he said, “if it weren’t for great teachers.”

Stoney told the students Richmond planned to hire 360 teachers for the next school year, and he said the main trait he looks for in a teacher is passion. He said Richmond is a great place to live, with half of its population ages 20 to 45.

Board of Visitors member Heather Mullins Crislip ’95, whose children attend Richmond schools, joined Stoney for the afternoon visit and also urged UMW student-teachers to apply.

Many UMW alums are already teaching in Richmond, she said.
“I hope you’ll come join us.”

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