Najee serves as chief of staff at Ceres Imaging, an organization that applies modern technology to agriculture to enable sustainable, profitable farming practices. 

Q & A

How was the corps a catalyst for your own personal transformation?

I grew a lot as a teacher. Education can change lives, but not in a vacuum. I learned that there’s more to closing the achievement gap than just teaching your subject well. I became more aware of the other issues that impact students on a daily basis, such as health and economic issues. I’m committed to using my experience in the classroom to have a positive impact on people—no matter where I go.

Is there something about being a corps member that has uniquely prepared you to be a leader that you wouldn’t get elsewhere?

As a teacher, the stakes are high. Your effort and effectiveness can have a major impact on the life of a student, and you have to approach every day with a large degree of seriousness. That’s a mindset that’s hard to replicate in other fields, and it uniquely positions anyone who has taught to be a leader in whatever they do.

How have you been able to utilize the TFA network after the corps?

The TFA alumni network has been part of every career move I’ve made. Being able to talk to alumni about their experiences at certain business schools and companies have made my decisions easier. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on the board of a nonprofit, The College Initiative, founded by a fellow alumnus. I’ve been able to stay close to education and have a positive impact on students.