Annually, the YWCA recognizes outstanding achievement during their Tribute to Exceptional Women Event. This year, Pottstown School District’s Dr. LaTanya R. White received the award as the Outstanding Area Educator. Dr. White has spent 14 years in the field of education and is presently the Pottstown School District’s Supervisor of Virtual and Alternative Learning. Her previous experiences include being a therapeutic staff counselor, school counselor, case manager, and Director of Alternatives Unlimited. Throughout her career, she has interacted with students of all ages and has taught and modeled strong values to students. In nominating her for the award, Dr. Myra Forrest said, “LaTanya continues to be a voice of equality, resiliency, and empowerment of all, specifically developing these values and skills in the youth of our community.” LaTanya has raised funds for the Women’s Center of Montgomery County “Taking Steps to End Abuse” program. She is the chairperson of the Tri County Network Youth Development Coalition, an organization which supports young people and promotes dignity among students. Included in her many talents she is a licensed beautician and offers free hairstyling during prom season and donates prom dresses to students in need. Dr. Forrest continued in her nomination by saying, “LaTanya has always advocated for students in need of alternative ways of learning. She chose to direct her career path to counseling and alternative education. She is a model for diversity and has lived to meet the needs of those who do not necessarily conform to the norms of society. She is truly dedicated to the elimination of racism and empowerment of women.” Dr. Forrest also noted, “As a divorced mother of two children, LaTanya has not only worked to support herself and her two children but has completed a master’s degree and her doctoral degree along the way. She recently graduated from Immaculata University with a degree in educational leadership.” As a supervisor of the Pottstown School District Virtual Academy and Alternative Learning, Dr. White has created a multi-systematic virtual academy for online learning for students of the Pottstown School District. This educational design addresses the needs of students who desire an alternative way of learning. She continues researching and proposing new alternatives designed to promote student achievement.
