We are thrilled to announce the newest cohort of our Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship, facilitated in partnership with UNCF. Our fellows are a distinguished group of emerging education leaders and changemakers grounded in purpose and ambition, united by a shared commitment to educational justice. Our fifth fellowship cohort includes a whopping number of 105 new fellows representing over 70 colleges and universities!

About the Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship

The Future Teachers of Excellence Fellowship is designed for college-aged individuals committed to racial justice and educational equity. This comprehensive program provides up to $5,000 annually for four years, plus an additional $20,000 in stipends at the start of fellows' fifth year of teaching, helping to ensure our fellows can focus on their education and successfully transition into the classroom.

Throughout their fellowship experience, our fellows will have an opportunity to receive professional development, academic coaching, mentoring, tuition assistance, and retention stipends to support their journey into the classroom. Fellows are expected to engage in the Center for Black Educator Development's programs, maintain a high GPA, and complete additional coursework that will prepare them to be transformative educators in their communities.

Many of our fellows come to the Fellowship through participation in our other programs, including our Teaching Academy and Freedom Schools Literacy Academy, creating a pipeline of support from college through their early teaching careers.

Meet some of our 2025 Fellows

Justin Jordan is a future educator at Hampton University who is committed to earning a 3.5 GPA this semester! He's very involved in the HU Student Virginia Education Association (SVEA) and the campus Men's Caucus.

Fun Fact: Justin is "Mr. SVEA" on the executive board of SVEA

Karrington Manigault is studying education at Georgia State University.

Fun Fact: She competed at the HOSA State Leadership conference while she was in high school.

Zachery Woodruff is an aspiring music educator attending the University of Oregon. He plays the trombone with the Oregon Athletic Bands.

Fun Fact: Zachery is the Yellow Garter Band Lead Trombone and will be the Green Garter Band Lead Trombone starting in the spring!

Siera Fairley is studying pre-K at Kansas State and says she is looking forward to becoming an educator!

Teanna Moore is a General Education Major attending the University of Phoenix Education who is actively working toward opening a small literacy-focused school in Nevada that empowers students through reading, creativity, and cultural connection. 

Fun fact: Teanna is also opening a community recreational center in Las Vegas that brings people together through arts, literacy, and wellness programs — creating a fun and inspiring space for all ages.

Shamyia Austin is a General History Major at Lane College who is actively working toward becoming a high school history teacher so she can inspire students the same way her teachers inspired her. 

Fun fact: Shamyia helped organize food drives and car washes to support people in need. 

Romante Adams is an Elementary Education & Teaching Major at Anderson College who is working towards keeping all A’s and B’s this year. 

Fun fact: Romante is a part of his school’s CALL ME MiSTER program and Anderson University’s Student Government Association.

This year, we received an astounding 700 applications for the limited fellowship slots we had available. While we just welcomed our largest cohort, the demand, as well as the need, is apparent. We hope that we can continue to expand our network of supporters to grow the Fellowship so we can help more young people reach their dreams of becoming empowered educators.

We couldn’t be more excited to support this remarkable group as they embark on their journey to help rebuild the national Black Teacher pipeline!