Since she first stepped foot on the University of Michigan campus, Carolyn Sallen-Thomas gravitated toward social justice issues. Following graduation, Carolyn joined Teach For America, where she made significant progress with students as a 6th-grade literacy teacher. Carolyn built on her experience in the classroom to serve as a school leader.
Carolyn earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in education from the University of Colorado at Denver. Carolyn earned her principal licensure through the Ritchie Program at The University of Denver.
Q & A
What led you to apply to Teach For America?
Coming from a large suburban high school, I was privileged in the sense that my public school awarded me an excellent education. As part of the Michigan Community Scholars Program, I took classes that explored social justice issues and volunteered as a tutor for students living in federally subsidized housing. I learned about TFA, and that perspective allowed me to visualize myself as a teacher.
What were some of the major lessons you learned during the corps? When you think about yourself before and after the corps, what changed?
Being a corps member helped me realize that great leadership is about how you support and inspire others to take risks, chase their dreams, and achieve greatness. I now see my leadership journey as my pursuit to improve outcomes in the lives of others, whether that be the students I serve, the teachers I support, or the families in my school community.
How has TFA prepared you to be a leader?
Being a TFA corps member helped me learn to manage my time in order to be impactful. In a school leadership role, it’s easy to become mired in paperwork and bureaucracy. When I structure my day, I schedule my time so that I’m able to accomplish the most high-priority tasks, which always surrounds addressing the needs of students first.
Have you been able to utilize the TFA network after the corps? If so, how has it come into play?
The TFA network is what led me to my current career. In 2014, I wanted to take on more of a leadership role in education, so I reached out to alumni coordinators in the TFA–Colorado office. They helped connect me to my next opportunity. The network is everywhere!