Teach For America alumni and corps members share their candid reflections about the challenges and triumphs of teaching.

“Not only are you teaching every day. You're planning on the weekends or after school, but then you're also doing grad school. This is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Marcus Hughes

Metro Atlanta Corps Member 2003

“There were days where I did not know if I could do it. There were days where law school seemed easier. I kind of took a step back, and I was like this is exactly why I'm here. I want to work with the students that maybe not everyone wants to work with. I want to give back to my community because I know what it's like.”

Josephine Piñeda

Los Angeles Corps Member 2012

“It's a struggle, but I'm getting better at it, and I feel really good. I'm not alone. I can reach out to someone if I need help. It's about the students. It's about my team and what we're doing together.”

Daniel Gallegos

Los Angeles Corps Member 2018