Thanks to Teach For America Eddy Hernandez Perez was able to acquire the leadership skills necessary to rise to challenges he may have once thought insurmountable. Having helped found a leadership development program in the community in which he taught and earning a master’s degree in education from Harvard, Eddy is now pursuing a degree in law and plans to serve as legal counsel to school districts. Armed with his knowledge of education and legal training, Eddy looks forward to supporting schools in their mission of helping students achieve their highest potential.

Q & A

How did you find out about Teach For America?

I saw signs for TFA my senior year at Boston College. I researched it online, and the website said, “A student’s zip code shouldn’t determine their academic outcome.” That really resonated with me and reaffirmed the path I knew I wanted to pursue.

In what ways has TFA influenced your career path?

TFA helped me understand that supporting childhood education is my passion in life. Though I won’t be in the classroom, my commitment will be the same. I’ve come to realize that education is the field in which I can use my talents to help the most, and I am going to give it 100 percent.

What skill did you attain as a corps member that you believe to be most valuable?

TFA taught me to look at challenges with greater optimism. I no longer look at problems as insurmountable—I’m much more emboldened to break large problems down and say, “Let’s take it one step at a time.”

How will your work with school districts promote educational equity?

The law can be overwhelming. If school districts know their legal bases are covered, they are able to devote more time, energy, and resources to the bottom line, which is making sure that kids are doing well. Having a first rate legal team allows districts to focus on what’s best for kids and what the district can do to help students reach their fullest potential.