"And so my dream was to become a teacher and I would play school every single day. And I could go places in my mind. All I was in foster care, although I was not having the best situation with my life. I began to dream and I would play school every day and when I would play school it would take me away from foster care. It will take me away from the abuse. It will take me away from the neglect. It will take me away from the feelings of wishing that I was dead and so playing school All was my safe place. And so I just realised that I could go anywhere if I just dream"

Anthony Swann became the first sitting teacher ever to be appointed to the State Board of Education by the Governor of Virginia, USA in 2021. Anthony has been in education for 16 years as a classroom teacher and instructional coach. He has had the privilege of teaching every elementary grade except kindergarten. Anthony is currently the assistant principal of Monterey Elementary in Roanoke, VA. In 2018, Anthony began a program entitled “Guys with Ties” to teach boys the importance of honesty, integrity, and character inside and outside of the classroom.In 2021, Anthony was elected by his peers to be the Teacher of the Year in two different schools. If those accolades were not enough, Anthony then became the 2021 Virginia State Teacher of the Year.

To stay up to date, follow @SmitaTharoor on Smita Tharoor (@SmitaTharoor) / Twitter or Smita Tharoor (@smitatharoor) | Instagramand follow the podcast on your favorite streaming service.