Education is built on connection—and so is the newest Alumni Professional Network. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, leading a school or district, conducting research, shaping education policy, or supporting learners in other ways, the new UVA Education Network is designed to help you connect with fellow alumni who share your passion for making a difference.
To introduce the network, we’re spotlighting Maggie Thornton (Col class of ’08, Educ class of ’11, class of ’21), a triple Hoo whose journey from teaching high school English in Charlottesville to becoming an assistant professor of educational leadership reflects the many paths a career in education can take. In the Q&A below, Maggie shares why community matters, what she hopes this network can become, and why now is the perfect time for UVA alumni in education to get involved.
Can you briefly share your background and what led you into education?
I grew up in Southwest Virginia and am a triple ‘Hoo. The spirit of community service at UVA led me to teaching. While teaching high school English in Charlottesville, I became interested in how and why some students receive opportunities that others don’t. I left teaching at CHS to study this problem and am now an assistant professor of educational leadership and research at Rowan University, where I help future school leaders learn how to lead for both equity and excellence in their schools.
What made you want to join the UVA Education Network?
Education can sometimes feel like a lonely endeavor. I’m often the only teacher in the classroom, so having others going through similar experiences is wildly helpful. I am also navigating the tenure process at the moment, so I need all of the support I can get with that work. I also look forward to helping others just beginning their journeys in education and research.
What do you think UVA alumni in education most need from a network like this?
Regardless of the level at which one teaches, education is changing rapidly. UVA alumni are already leaders and change agents, but we need support to understand how to make sure these changes are meaningfully helpful for students and communities.