Culturally Responsive Educator
Credential Program

We offer a comprehensive credentialing program designed to support educators in developing and applying culturally responsive teaching practices, aligned with the Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) Cultural Competencies and Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) Performance Standard 6 Evaluation measures. This program provides a structured pathway to achieving Culturally Responsive Certification, starting with an introductory book study, then three (3) asynchronous courses, culminating with a one (1) year certification program. Over 161 educators have completed the program in the 2023-2024 school year.

Culturally Responsive Educator
Credential Program

Middle School Advisory Lessons

Middle School advisory lessons

Middle School Advisory Lessons are designed to support students' personal and academic growth through three key areas of development over the school year. The first six weeks focus on Digital Literacy and Citizenship, teaching students how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. The second component centers on Identity Exploration, helping students build self-awareness, empathy, and a stronger sense of community. The final component involves Career Exploration, where students begin to explore potential career paths and develop skills that align with their future goals. Together, these lessons aim to nurture well-rounded, informed, and thoughtful individuals.

Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee

Equity and Diversity Advisory
Committee Webpage

The Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee is a key group within Albemarle County Public Schools that meets monthly to provide guidance on policies and practices to address equity and opportunity gaps. The committee aims to improve student achievement by promoting inclusive practices and ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Working closely with the Office of Equity Education and Community Engagement, the committee recommends policy changes, ensures effective implementation of cultural competencies, tracks disparities in student outcomes, and gathers feedback from diverse affinity groups. This work is essential to fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational environment within ACPS.

For more information, contact Ayanna Mitchell at amitchell@k12albemarle.org Office of Equity Education. 

Diversity Resource Teachers 

Diversity Resource Teachers (DRTs) are responsible for promoting and sustaining school-based Culturally Responsive Education practices and supporting equitable student achievement outcomes with assistance from the Office of Equity Education. DRTs develop their own knowledge of culturally responsive educational practices in a variety of ways including completion of the ACPS CRE Micro-credential (application) or full certification (action research) program, participation in division level monthly professional learning meetings, and by creating and leading professional development for their school staff. Diversity Resource Teachers are also called on to provide school-based mentorship and coaching in Culturally Responsive Education in their schools. 

Policy Implementation and Support

Equity Education Policy

The Office of Equity Education partners with the Office of Community Engagement to oversee the implementation of the division's Anti-Racism Policy (ACC), Policy on the Treatment of Transgender and Gender Expansive Students (JBA), and the Equity Education Policy (IGAK). We work closely with principals and school leaders to address policy violations and ensure a culturally competent and inclusive school environment.

Albemarle County Public Schools has partnered with the UVA Starr Hill Pathways Program to provide students with enhanced educational opportunities and career exploration experiences. This collaboration aims to support student success by offering mentorship, academic enrichment, and pathways to college and career readiness, helping students build skills and connections for their future endeavors. The program focuses on first generation college students, and they may apply to enter the program in the winter of their 6th grade year through their middle school counselors.