Ciji Pittman shares how her time teaching in Atlanta in 2005 kick-started a long career in education leadership and law.

Q&A

How has your time in the corps influenced your career trajectory?

In my second year of college, I committed to TFA, particularly interested in the opportunity to serve in the community and work with students who had a similar education journey to mine. Little did I know that my first year teaching in Atlanta in 2005 would kick-start a long career in education.

What inspired you to pursue a degree in law after your corps experience? How has this additional education shaped your leadership in education?

Initially, I began applying to law school while in undergrad, but ultimately went to law school after the corps because I wanted to ensure that avenues to equity and access existed across all types of fields and realized that the broader school community could be doing better by students. I use my law degree every day as Executive Director of KIPP Columbus in my work, specifically related to charter law and education law.

One of life’s passions and commitments is breaking down barriers to ensure all students receive an incredible education, and my law degree helps me ensure that we are making that happen.

What was a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your approach to leadership?

When I was leading a network of schools as President of Schools for Open Sky Education, a group of students on our football team kneeled in protest in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick. Several members of the broader organization who did not have direct contact with the students made it a point to connect with them, and the students were being talked about on the local media. I was faced with the question, “What do we do?” I found it unacceptable because we do not speak about students as if they are adults without first speaking with their families, and relationships should be at the center. So, I wrote an impassioned letter about the importance of the history of protest what protest has meant in my personal life and my family, and what it means for us to allow our students to understand that importance. Solidarity with the students, expressing the value and importance of protest. Through that experience, I found the value in standing and leading boldly, and have taken that with me throughout my work.

What brought you to Ohio?

I didn’t know about the position, but someone from the KIPP Foundation called me and shared it with me. I was really excited by all of how KIPP Columbus was working to provide a great education, but also, provide a full education. KIPP Columbus has a variety of partnerships including a children’s hospital with a doctor’s office on site that serves the community and students, before and aftercare through a variety of partners, and an early learning center—all ways that allow for the school community to truly be a place for students to live and thrive.

I hadn’t heard much about Columbus before moving, but I think it’s fantastic. Compared to the other cities I’ve lived in, like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, it is very accessible. Columbus has access to all the great amenities you want in a city, and yet, it is small enough to actually park downtown and buy a home. Ohio is a great place to be, specifically Columbus!

As someone who now supports school leaders, what lessons do you believe are critical for them to learn?

I think it is important to know—within your core—what your north star is and what your set of values are so that when it comes to that crucible moment, you know what it is that you will stand for and what matters to you. 

Second, I would say it’s important to make the work lasting. And, by “lasting,” I am referring to ways you are keeping yourself loving this work and staying in education, both professionally and personally. I think it is very important for you to find out what things invigorate you because, ultimately, no one will stay if they don’t understand themselves and have a sense of what makes the work lasting.

What advice would you share with incoming corps members?

Transparently, I struggled with finding ways to make the work lasting as a corps member. What I came to learn is: Directly add items to your calendar that create space to take care of yourself, and step back from work every few months for time with yourself or loved ones that is protected and held sacred. I also recommend leaning into and valuing your relationships with one another. Not only does it make the experience better and more full, but it also gives you folks to talk to.