ABOUT
THE INITIATIVE
Parry McCluer High School
MISSION &
HISTORY.
The Irma Thompson Educators of Color Initiative
(Irma Thompson Program), under the auspices of the Rockbridge NAACP, supports the recruitment, retention, and flourishing of educators of color in the public school systems of our area (Buena Vista, Lexington City, Rockbridge County). In partnership with the local educational community, the Irma Thompson Program aims to fulfill the NAACP’s objectives of “advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination, and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color.”
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The program is named after Mrs. Irma Thompson (1917-2019), a prominent educator and community leader from Buena Vista, Virginia.
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GOALS
OF THE PROGRAM.
PARTNER
With the local public school systems and higher education institutions to recruit educators of color to the K-12 public schools in our area.
SUPPORT
Incoming teachers financially with grants that can be used to offset relocation and/or education-related expenses.
ENHANCE
The social and professional experience of educators of color through formal and informal, culturally-sensitive programming throughout the year.