As a special education teacher, Jamie Bernstein saw firsthand the shortage of resources in low-income communities. After the corps, Jamie worked in the field of philanthropy to fight the very poverty that affected her students. Today, Jamie is a practicing psychotherapist. 

Q & A

What led you to apply to Teach For America?

A big part of me always knew I wanted to work with children. Throughout college, I signed up for activities like Best Buddies and the Michigan Mentorship program at a local elementary school. Also, one of my family friends was a 2009 TFA corps member and constantly shared stories about her students, so I couldn't wait to apply.

What were some of the major lessons you learned during the corps? When you think about yourself before and after the corps, what changed?

Prior to the corps, I was a college student whose only responsibility was to focus on myself. During the corps, I was responsible for 30 8-year-olds and 9-year-olds who needed my constant attention, and I had to learn to adapt. I also learned the true importance of collaborating with my colleagues; we were able to do a lot more together than I could ever do on my own.  

How has TFA prepared you as you’ve continued your career arc?

I use the skills and beliefs I developed in the corps every day. Being a teacher taught me that no matter the time constraints or lack of resources, I could get anything completed. Today, I’ve developed an approach to challenges where I never waste time thinking about what I’m missing, rather I think about how I can use what I’ve been given.