Kendra D. Johnson Invested as Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education
Kendra D. Johnson Invested as Anna Lou Schaberg Professor
After joining the School of Education faculty in July, Kendra D. Johnson, Ph.D. ’22, was invested as the Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education during the VCU Investiture Dinner in early October.
The celebration honored 78 faculty members who have been named to endowed professorships and chairs since 2018. Many donors who endowed those positions joined the campus community at the Altria Theater.
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., conferred the faculty honors. In his comments, he noted the significance of these endowed positions at VCU, which celebrated a record $271 million in gifts last year.
“Endowed professorships are one of the highest honors bestowed on our faculty. We are grateful to Anna Lou Schaberg, B.S. ‘66, M.Ed. ’70, and Bob Shaberg of the Schaberg Foundation for their support. The Anna Lou Schaberg Professorship and the endowment support excellence in teacher preparation and research-informed practice at the VCU School of Education,” said Kathleen Rudasill, Ph.D., interim dean of the School of Education.
The foundation’s funding priorities include services that help children become successful learners from early childhood and into college and career readiness. The professorship honors Anna Lou Schaberg’s career with Richmond Public Schools, including nearly a quarter century coordinating programs for gifted students.
This endowed position “is doing important work to help teachers be better prepared to meet the needs of the students in new and different ways,” said Anna Lou Schaberg, speaking in a video shown at the dinner to showcase the impact of these kinds of gifts.
Johnson’s research investigates questions about race, gender, and class dynamics in teaching and learning in relation to policy and power structures. She also studies the experiences of Black women teachers and educational leaders.
“One of the things that I’m really excited about for this position is it’s focused on engaged scholarship and partnerships,” said Johnson, Anna Lou Schaberg assistant professor in the school’s Department of Teaching and Learning. “It allows me to marry theory and best practices with practical support for teachers, for districts and, ultimately, what that looks like for our students.”
A former elementary school teacher and residency coordinator of the VCU School of Education’s RTR Teacher Residency program, Johnson previously served as an assistant professor of elementary education and taught in the masters of arts in teaching program at Bowie State University. She brings extensive experience and expertise in urban education and the sociology of education. As a diversity, equity, and access professional, she supports all learners and practitioners, especially those from historically underrepresented communities.
“The central focus of this professorship of practice revolves around the concept of transformation. By going beyond research, the professor actively applies evidence-based practice in real-world scenarios, showcasing innovative practices in the classroom to impact change and drive improvements in education,” Rudasill said.
Johnson earned her Ph.D. from the VCU School of Education with a concentration in curriculum, culture and change. She holds a B.A. in journalism and communications from Hampton University and an M.S. in education from Johns Hopkins University.
To learn more about creating an endowed chair or professorship or supporting the School of Education, please contact Ed Kardos at [email protected].
About the Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education
Supported by the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation, the Anna Lou Schaberg Professor of Practice in Education is a distinguished professorship in the VCU School of Education. The role concentrates on the theory and implementation of pedagogical practices that can transform a classroom, a school, and a child’s education.
Anna Lou Schaberg received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the Richmond Professional Institute and a master’s degree in education from its descendant, VCU. Schaberg worked with Richmond Public Schools for 29 years, notably coordinating programs for gifted students from 1977 to 2000.
Categories Donors, Development & Professorships, Faculty, Staff & Researcher Success