The Schaberg Foundation
The Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation's ongoing support for the VCU School of Education is not just a commitment but a catalyst for change. Together, these gifts provide an opportunity for VCU to further stand out among educator preparation programs in Virginia by prioritizing and elevating opportunities for mentorship through teacher preparation and induction. These contributions, rooted in evidence-based practices, mentorship, and innovative teacher preparation models, are pivotal in helping VCU shape the future of teaching and learning. The gifts ensure teachers are well-prepared to meet diverse student needs and thrive in their careers, leaving an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Virginia.
Anna Lou and Bob Schaberg Chair of Practice
With a generous $1.5 million gift from the Schaberg Foundation, the VCU School of Education established this endowed position, currently held by Kim McKnight, Ph.D., director of the Center for Teacher Leadership. This role focuses on enhancing the RTR Teacher Residency program, integrating curriculum with clinical experiences, and securing funding to support teacher residents. The RTR program is recognized as a gold standard in teacher preparation, focusing on high retention rates and effective mentorship for future educators.
Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education
Supported by the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation, this distinguished professorship is vital to the VCU School of Education. It focuses on developing and implementing pedagogical practices that can transform classrooms, schools and children's educational experiences. The current professor, Kendra D. Johnson, Ph.D., integrates theory with practical application, especially in partnership with local school districts. Johnson's work addresses race, gender, and class dynamics in teaching and learning while promoting evidence-based strategies for teacher and student success.
Schaberg New Teacher Support Program
The Schaberg New Teacher Support Program (NTSP) provides comprehensive support to new teachers over their first three years in the profession, bridging Virginia Commonwealth University's pre-service education program and Richmond Public Schools (RPS). The program pairs VCU School of Education alumni with experienced mentors who offer personalized guidance, classroom observations, and feedback sessions to help new teachers refine their practice. NTSP organizes monthly cohort meetings where teachers share experiences, problem-solve, and build community. Professional learning opportunities focus on effective instruction, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. The program also offers classroom grants for innovative projects and resources.
NTSP's support extends beyond traditional mentoring, emphasizing placing students' lives, voices, communities, and cultural backgrounds at the center of pedagogy. This approach aims to develop culturally responsive teaching practices and strategies to meet diverse student needs. By fostering agency and empowering new teachers to become change-makers, NTSP builds professional identity and commitment to the profession, ultimately working towards improved teacher retention and student outcomes.
The Multilingual Learners in Schools (MLS) Research Lab
The Multilingual Learners in Schools (MLS) Research Lab is made possible by the generous support of the Schaberg Foundation. This funding empowers the MLS Lab to pursue its mission of enhancing educational practices for multilingual learners by advancing knowledge of the language and literacy demands across core content areas—including English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. The MLS Lab also focuses on improving teacher preparation to better support multilingual students in meeting these academic challenges.