Virginia Commonwealth University has recognized Kim McKnight, Ph.D., NBCT, as one of its 2024 Alumni Stars, celebrating her as a trailblazer in education and an accomplished alum whose work has transformed teacher training in Virginia and beyond. McKnight was celebrated at a private ceremony on November 15 as part of VCU Alumni’s biennial event, which honors alums from across the university for their outstanding personal and professional achievements.

As the executive director of the VCU School of Education’s RTR Teacher Residency program and the director of the Center for Teacher Leadership, McKnight has become a beacon of hope in the field of teacher development. Her strategic partnerships with school divisions across Virginia, national education organizations, and federal and state funding agencies have introduced innovative approaches to training teachers and school leaders, offering a promising future for high-need schools.

Under McKnight’s leadership, the RTR Teacher Residency program has grown significantly, attracting over $30 million in external funding and expanding to 17 Virginia school divisions, focusing on serving urban and rural hard-to-staff schools. Her efforts have built a strong pipeline of skilled educators prepared to address the challenges in these communities.

“Kim McKnight’s contributions to teacher preparation and educational leadership are truly transformative,” said Kathleen Rudasill, interim dean of the VCU School of Education. “Her dedication to advancing teacher training and her ability to secure substantial funding are invaluable to our mission. The RTR Teacher Residency program’s remarkable reach and impact are a testament to her vision and hard work.”

McKnight’s leadership and collaboration extend beyond the RTR program. Recently, she led VCU’s partnership with CodeRVA to develop Virginia’s first lab school, focusing on revolutionizing the learning experience for teachers and students.

Reflecting on her recognition, McKnight shared, “I’m deeply humbled to receive this honor. However, I am grateful for my many colleagues at the VCU School of Education, especially those in the Center for Teacher Leadership and the faculty and staff across multiple departments that make our work possible. I credit our invaluable partners at the Virginia Department of Education, philanthropic organizations, as well as our national partnerships. Our work could not be done without our incredible school division partners. This success is truly a collective effort.”

“Most traditional teacher preparation programs miss the magic of the beginning of the school year, but in the RTR Teacher Residency model, our pre-service teachers work in the school alongside an experienced mentor for an entire school year. From the first day of teacher work week until the last day of school, residents learn what it is like to be a teacher,” McKnight explained. “RTR, Virginia’s first teacher residency program, offers residents full funding for their academic degrees in return for a three-year commitment in a high-need school post-graduation. This immersive approach builds confidence and skill, preparing teachers to make a real difference from day one in the classroom.”

In August 2024, the RTR Teacher Residency at VCU received a significant boost in funding with a $2.3 million award from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership program. This grant, which marks the start of a potential five-year funding period totaling over $9 million, will further support the recruitment, preparation, and development of highly qualified teachers and school leaders for high-need Virginia schools. 

McKnight holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s in elementary education, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology. Early in her career, she was awarded the Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Award, and she later earned National Board Certification as an early childhood generalist from The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, a designation achieved by less than 4% of teachers nationwide. 

In recognition of her contributions, McKnight was recently named the inaugural Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg Chair of Practice, a position supported by a $1.2 million endowment that prioritizes and elevates opportunities for mentorship through teacher preparation and induction. 

For more information about the VCU Alumni Stars, visit vcualumni.org/news/awards/alumnistars.