Q&A
Write about your college experience; when you think about your current career, what experiences at college informed where you are today?
I attended the University of Central Florida and graduated in 2009 with a Political Science/Pre-Law degree. One of the nation’s largest public universities, UCF afforded me a multitude of opportunities to lead. I was active in student government and the student conduct review board – these experiences helped me gain an understanding of and appreciation for the diverse views and perspectives we all bring with us to college.
The experience that had the most profound impact on where I am today was a coffee conversation with former Teach For America recruiter Robert Orr. At the UCF Starbucks one morning, Mr. Orr presented me with information that completely contradicted what I believed to be true about our U.S. education system. At first I sat in disbelief, but after further research and self-reflection, I decided that I needed to play a role in reforming the system that was known for predicting outcomes based on zip codes and inadequately resourced communities of greatest need.
What were some of the major lessons you learned during the corps?
From a technical perspective, my corps experience taught me invaluable lessons about planning. My success professionally is due in part to the tools I acquired and skills I learned while serving as a corps member.
I learned real lessons about race, class and power. The hard truths I had to confront as a white male of privilege are what have kept me committed to this mission. The K-12 system does not work for everyone and I feel it my moral obligation to work towards the development of a fair, representative experience that works for all students.
What would you consider your biggest success as a teacher? What achievement are you most proud of?
I believe all of my students left my classroom knowing that they were loved. While all of my students achieved tremendous gains academically, I was most concerned with their belief-in-self. I know that love is what nurtured and provided me with the encouragement I needed on hard days, and so I committed myself to loving my students even when they weren’t so lovable! I’d consider this sharing of love my biggest success as through this process I learned so many invaluable lessons about myself and the world in which I operate.
The achievements I am most proud of are those that I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this summer and last – high school graduations. I have travelled back to Miami to watch my former “baller scholars” collect their high school diplomas and celebrate next steps.
When you think back to your time in the corps, what surprised you most about your experience? What do you wish that everyone knew about TFA that might surprise them?
I continue to live in awe of what children are capable of achieving. Also: we are everywhere. The TFA network will be a great resource to you as you grow in your career.
Have you been able to utilize the TFA network after the corps? If so, how has it come into play?
The Teach For America network has been an asset throughout my professional journey. The role I secured after my corps experience was one that the region helped me to identify. Throughout the various stages of Digi-Bridge’s growth, the TFA network has provided ongoing support and development. Even four years in, we continue to meet new audiences and engage new stakeholders through the network.
What would your response be to a person thinking about applying to TFA who asks, “How did being a TFA corps member impact your life, what you want to do for work, and how you do the work?”
Teach For America opened my eyes to challenges and promises that I can’t “unsee.” My time here on this earth is short and I want for it to be impactful; I believe it is my duty to use my privilege and position to advocate for our youngest learners and support systems-change wherever and whenever possible.
I do the work urgently. I am grounded in the belief that I will live to see “One Day.”