Black Educator Excellence

creating an Inclusive and Supportive culture for ACS educators

ACSF and ACS recognized our stated commitment to close the racial opportunity gap must include robust support for current Black staff and an innovative BIPOC recruitment and retention program. The Black Educator Excellence (BEE) cohort began in the fall of 2021 and is part of a larger ACS commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive culture for BIPOC staff.

The Black Educator Excellence program includes tuition for current ACS faculty and staff to complete their degrees, cohort meeting expenses, book stipends, and graduation expenses. The first 2021-2022 BEE cohort was funded by a generous donation from the City of Asheville. ACSF began funding cohort II of BEE in July of 2022. These funds significantly bolster the presence of Black educational professionals in the ACS district and have the potential to improve the lived realities of Black students, Black families, and Black communities.

What our educators have to say

“I look at BEE as the first step towards reparations for those of us who are Black educators in Asheville. When you have a program like BEE, I think that is so powerful. The program is such a great support to us, I know for me, I couldn’t afford to go to school otherwise. It makes our lives easier for a lot of us because we don’t make a lot of money working in education, and the foundation’s support on this is huge. The camaraderie, the relationship building, the gatherings, and support it just means the world to me. It’s an honor and a privilege to know that there are people who believe in me, that they’re going to invest in me in that way, invest in us in that way.”

“I am thrilled to have an opportunity to advance my education and professional knowledge! I am currently attending Western Carolina University, working on my doctorate in educational leadership. 

Although I thought about returning to school, I didn't know if I could afford it financially. I am grateful for the support I receive as a Black Educator Excellence member. Not only am I able to advance my career goals, but I am also part of a group of other Black educators committed to figuring out ways to close the racial opportunity gap for the students we serve.” 

BEE cohort gatherings

To provide an additive layer of support for cohort members, ACS provides monthly academic support sessions and ACSF hosts monthly social gatherings.

Leadership and Professional
Development Sessions

In response to the request for more spaces to convene and speak about mental health, BEE hosted Dr. Reginald Turner from T.I.M.E Management to lead a weekend workshop entitled Building Emotional Resilience in Black Educators which was open to all ACS BIPOC staff. Participants received self-assessment tools and techniques to build and cultivate individual/self-resilience. BEE continues to host larger gatherings to enlist more BIPOC staff to be part of these enriching discussions which cultivate sustainable relationships.

For questions or more information, please contact: