Rosie Powell understands the impact of relationship building in education.  

This lesson was first learned from her teacher, Desiree James, at Avalon Gardens Elementary School in Los Angeles. When Powell missed the school’s end-of-year awards ceremony, James drove an award to her student’s home because her mom did not have a car at the time. “Mrs. James saw me beyond being a student in her classroom, and we are still in contact today,” said Powell. 

Nurturing Student Relationships 

Once she became an educator with Teach For America South Carolina (TFASC) in 2016, Powell observed the importance of positive relationships as the foundation to motivate students. She learned from TFASC’s Pre-Service training how inclusive teaching can build strong relationships with her students and colleagues.  

Several years ago, for instance, Powell had a virtual student at Williams Middle School who was reluctant to participate in class. After Powell reached out repeatedly to understand why, using inclusive teaching strategies, this student went from a D to B letter grade by the end of the semester and earned the school’s Social Studies Achievement Award. 

“TFASC teachers are vitally important because our training, which is rooted in inclusive teaching, instills a commitment to diverse learning experiences and to authentically engage diverse learners—ultimately transforming student outcomes at schools with the greatest needs,” she said.  

Continuing to Grow Professionally 

In 2023, Powell applied to TFASC’s SC Impact Fellowship to develop as a leader and impact more students beyond the classroom. “I was also interested in the fellowship because administration is an area of education where I didn’t always feel comfortable, and I want that to change,” she admitted. 

As part of the two-year fellowship’s “Education Leadership” track, Powell is receiving funding toward completing her master’s degree in educational leadership from The Citadel—after earning degrees from Howard University and Johns Hopkins University—while continuing to serve as a literacy coach in the Darlington County School District. Additionally, she is obtaining professional development from TFASC that is aligned to her career goals of becoming a school principal or district-level coordinator one day.  

“The SC Impact Fellowship is helping me to determine what my leadership philosophy is,” shared Powell. “I want to lead based on my values – authentic honesty and team building – and leverage the relationships from my fellowship cohort as it takes a group to impact a statewide education system.”