Skip to main content

Michelle Sendowski

Co-Founder

Greater Philadelphia '11

Michelle Strausman (Greater Philadelphia '11)

Michelle Sendowski shares how her experience in the classroom prepared her for leadership roles in higher education and entrepreneurship.

Q & A

Why did you join Teach For America?

I wanted to get a firsthand perspective of the obstacles students might face just to get to college. TFA allowed me to do that and make an impact on their road to get there.

What skills from your time in the corps have helped you most in your career?

One thing I really appreciate from my classroom experience teaching history was sharing stories and framing conversations as understanding perspectives. You’re building empathy for other people’s experiences.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating joining TFA?

I would tell anyone applying that serving children is both an honor and a privilege. It is incredibly important work for the country. If your heart is in the right place and you truly believe teaching is serving children, you should do it. It is an experience I’ll always treasure.