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About us

Who is EduNOW Fund

Educators Now Fund Inc. aka EduNow Fund Inc. envisions a future where educators are esteemed as the cornerstone of a vibrant and transformative educational landscape, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all.

Our mission is to cultivate a community where educators feel deeply appreciated and professionally fulfilled. Through annual events and ongoing advocacy, we aim to celebrate and elevate the teaching profession. We are committed to reversing the trend of educators leaving the industry by boosting teacher morale, inspiring students to pursue careers in education, and supporting teachers throughout their journey, up to and beyond retirement.

The fundamental purpose of Educators NOW! Fund is learning, not teaching. Here, you learn how to learn.

The firm is committed to closing the teacher vacancy gap and supporting day-to-day operations in childcare, grade schools, afterschool programs, and more.

Our Programs

EduFEST Live!

EduFEST Live! is a unique event designed to connect, celebrate, and empower the educational community. Our goal is to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our educators by providing them with a platform for growth, networking, and enjoyment.

EduBlock!

EduBlock is a family-friendly event dedicated to celebrating the hard work and impact of Educators Now employees. It’s a day filled with fun, appreciation, and community bonding, honoring the commitment and passion that make a difference in education every day.

Keedar Whittle

Founder, Educators NOW! Fund

Keedar Whittle is an Atlanta-based educator and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and addressing teacher shortages. He is the Founder and current Visionary of Educators NOW! an education firm that provides QUALITY educators and school staff on a temporary, long-term, or permanent basis.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Whittle serves as the Vice Chair for the Early Childhood Education Department at Atlanta Technical College.

Keedar’s commitment to education extends to public service. In 2021, he ran for the Atlanta Board of Education Seat 8 At Large, aiming to leverage his experience to improve educational outcomes for students across the city. Although he was not elected, his campaign highlighted the importance of community partnerships and equitable resource distribution in schools.

Throughout his career, Keedar has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to education. Under his guidance, Educators NOW! has grown significantly, helping over 100 educators find permanent job placements and providing resources for tuition assistance. His efforts have been instrumental in addressing the educator shortage and enhancing the QUALITY of education in the Southeast, USA

Our Vision

Created To Advance the Culture of Education

Our vision extends to educational environments transformed by positivity, where teacher morale is consistently high, and the profession of teaching is a coveted and esteemed career choice. We see a future where students are inspired to become educators themselves, knowing they will be entering a profession that offers fulfillment, respect, and lasting impact. EduNow Fund Inc strives for a reality where educators’ contributions are acknowledged through tangible support, robust advocacy, and community engagement, leading to a sustained, flourishing educational landscape. In this future, educators not only enter the profession with enthusiasm but also remain committed to it, empowered to shape minds and change lives until retirement and beyond.

Join us in creating a brighter future for education

By supporting EduNow Fund Inc, you are investing in the future of education in America.

  • Host events and workshops that uplift and train teachers.
  • Develop resources and support networks for educators.
  • Advocate for policy changes that benefit the teaching profession.
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Our Approach

We aim to elevate the status of teachers in society, advocating for better compensation, working conditions, and societal respect.

Providing robust support systems, including professional development, mentorship programs, and mental health resources, to ensure teachers feel supported in their roles.

Through annual events and public campaigns, we will celebrate the achievements and dedication of teachers, increasing the visibility and desirability of the teaching profession.

We will work with policymakers to influence positive changes in the education system that support and sustain teachers throughout their careers.

Why EduNow Fund Inc Matters

The United States is facing an unprecedented crisis in education:
a shortage of 200,000 teachers.

This deficit not only undermines the QUALITY of education but also threatens the future of our society. The reasons for this shortage are complex, ranging from low salaries and high stress to a lack of professional development opportunities and societal undervaluation of the teaching profession.

EduNow Fund Inc was founded on the belief that teachers are invaluable assets to our society. Our mission to “Advance the Culture of Education” is more than a goal; it’s a necessity. Teachers shape the future by educating the next generation, yet they are often undervalued, under-supported, and overworked.

Meet Our Board Members

Zakiyya Whittle

Executive Director

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Wanda-Powe-EduFun-Now-Photo.jpeg

Wanda Powe

Board Secretary

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BrandiFulton - board accountant

Brandi Fulton

Accountant

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Jason B. Allen - Board Member

Jason B. Allen

Board Member

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Testimonials

"Educators NOW! Fund is undoubtedly the best educators across the country for it's commitment and responsibility towards educators."
Sophia Miller​
Chief Editor, Monday Times
"What I am today is because of the Educators NOW! Fund. The resources are very helpful and committed towards educators."
Michael Morris​
Mechanical Engineer, Alumni 2015​

Help us to shape the future
of education for the next generation

Our mission is more than a goal. It's a necessity.
Your contribution can change the live of teachers and student.

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Meet ZakiyYa Whittle

Executive Director, Educators NOW Fund

As the Founding Executive Director of the Educators NOW Fund, I am dedicated to transforming the educational landscape by creating sustainable support systems for educators. Our mission is rooted in empowering, appreciating, and advocating for teachers, recognizing the critical role they play in shaping our future. Under my leadership, the Educators NOW Fund focuses on providing resources and initiatives that address teacher retention, combat burnout, and inspire educators to continue their impactful work.

One of our signature achievements is **EduFest Live!**, an annual event that brings educators together to recharge, connect, and celebrate their invaluable contributions. Now in its 5th year, EduFest Live! has grown into a vibrant community gathering, offering professional development, networking, and peer support that renews teachers’ passion for the profession. My role as Executive Director allows me to champion causes that uplift educators, cultivate partnerships that drive meaningful change, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more resilient education system.

Meet Wanda Powe

Board Secretary, Educators NOW Fund

Wanda Powe is native of Meridian, Mississippi. Growing up as an identical twin – alongside twelve other siblings – fostered a keen sense of resilience and companionship. At an early age, Powe discovered the aspiration to become a teacher. She began her teaching career as an elementary school paraprofessional. She would eventually climb her way up the career ladder from teacher to school counselor. In the meantime, she pursued her education and earned a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Education Leadership. As a veteran educator, she now serves as an assistant principal in Clayton County Public Schools, Georgia.

She enjoys writing, working in public service and spending quality time with her family and friends. In fact, throughout the years, Wanda’s literary genre has expanded to include both fiction and nonfiction texts. Her most recent book, Where History Meets Poetry: African American Legends, pays homage to individuals who have made profound contributions to American society.

Meet Brandi Fulton

Accountant, Educators NOW Fund

Brandi Fulton is a seasoned tax & financial professional with over 12 years of experience in the field, specializing in working with small business owners. As the CEO and Founder of Fulton’s Accounting Services, LLC, Brandi has helped numerous business owners achieve financial freedom by providing them with the tools and resources to better manage their finances and make informed decisions. Brandi’s extensive experience with business owners has given her an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that exist within the industry. Her expertise in tax preparation and planning has made her an invaluable resource for small businesses across the United States looking to grow their wealth in a tax efficient way through maximizing deductions and credits, and using the tax code to their advantage.

In addition to her work as a tax professional, Brandi is a passionate advocate for financial literacy. She is committed to educating and empowering business owners to take control of their finances and achieve their goals. Her dedication to helping entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of their finances has made her a sought-after regional speaker and serial entrepreneur.

Meet Jason B. Allen

Board Member, Educators NOW Fund

Jason B. Allen is the National Organizing Director for the National Parents Union. He has worked in Education for over fifteen (15) years as a teacher, administrator and leader serving students, families and communities.

As a long time storyteller, Jason shares his experiences through his company, educational entities, llc , which includes The Educators Voice Blog (TEVB), Students for Equity, i Win Morning Show and Lillie’s Foundation.

He is a longtime advocate for male engagement and doing the work of elevating Black male teachers and educators voices to order to help increase the number of male educators or color in classrooms and boardrooms. His podcast, Speak Black Man, focuses on ways to recruit, retain and empower Black male educators to advocate for social justice and equity while adding our perspectives to various issues impacting us.

Additionally, he shares his experience as an educator through the Indy K12 blog.

He is a member of the Association of American Educators (AAE), and recent AAE Foundation Advocacy Fellow. His life work is centered on his family’s foundation, Lillie’s Foundation, supporting grandparents and seniors raising school aged children.