“Teach For America gave me one of the greatest gifts: my why. And that why—that fire—lights in me to this day.”

“I feel like I’ve had the most support through Teach For America… Throughout this whole process, I felt like there was someone always, always in my corner.”

“The corps was very much aligned with my beliefs about the world and my values already. It didn’t change them for me, it strengthened them, deepened them, and gave me the language to talk about it.”

“TFA’s mission of seeking equity for all deeply resonated with me and reminded me of my former teachers, some of whom were from TFA who, thanks to their constant encouragement, helped me get to and through college.”

“The corps experience was absolutely incredible. Leadership is a huge focus—making sure you are a leader in the classroom, and outside of the classroom as well.”

“My kids have the ability to change the world, I promise you, they can set this world on fire.”

I also believed that an organization led by young people was my best shot at finding the like-minded rabble-rousers I thought that the educational movement in Memphis needed.”

“If I’m at a TFA event and I’m like, "as a first-year teacher this is my problem," 30 hands go up immediately with solutions and ideas … where else can you get that?” 

“My students teach me daily that love is a superpower. They’ve taught me who I am and who I want to be.”

“I knew I wanted to go through Teach For America because of their mission … and what it means for kids that look like me.” 

“I want to support children, aid them in realizing how powerful and brilliant they are, and most importantly constantly remind them that they matter.”

“[Teach For America] wants the teachers to know about themselves before they enter the classroom, so that they can better understand their students.” 

“I believe teaching is the most important yet most undervalued profession in the entire world. I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for teachers that inspired me so I want to give that back.”