“A couple of years earlier, I had the privilege of teaching a young man in foster care. Sharing my story provided him so much hope that by the end of the school year, he didn’t want to leave my space. Minutes like those make mentor beneficial,” he shares.
Swann emphasizes that mentor is not practically delivering understanding, but about shaping generations through hope and assistance.
“If you teach this one particular trainee, the knowledge and life abilities they glean from you can be passed on to the next generation. Because of the hope you take into students, it can alter the course of a lot of lives,” he added.Swann made
a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Averett University in 2007 and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Regent University in 2014.
He has actually been teaching elementary school for over 13 years, regularly showing commitment to both academic excellence and the well-being of his students.
As the 2021 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Swann got several awards and benefits, including financial awards from Dominion Energy Solutions Inc., Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, and other sponsors and subscription to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.Additionally, he was awarded educational opportunities from numerous colleges and universities, tickets to Kings Rule, a present from Virginia State University, and an inscribed plaque and crystal apple recognizing his achievement.Swann humbly credits his choice not
just to teaching skills, however to the hope and motivation his personal story provides to students dealing with challenges. “I think I was picked since of the story I can provide to children these days’s time. We’re going through a pandemic. Many children face social, economic, and emotional obstacles. Sharing my story lets them For Swann, mentor surpasses honors. He sees himself as a servant to his trainees,
comprehending their needs both inside and outside the class.”Anyone can teach, but not everybody can serve. A servant understands exactly what people need, so they can
satisfy those requirements, “he discusses. Utilizing his platform, Swann continues to motivate students, revealing them that no matter their circumstances, success is possible. “I attempt 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.