Q & A

What struggles did you have to overcome in your first days as a teacher?

I found classroom management a much more important factor to teaching than I’d imagined. For some classes, it came easy. But, others, not so much. It was a challenge everyday.  

What achievement are you most proud of from your classroom experience?

Almost 10 years since my first day, I remember the kids much more than the numbers. I remember the students that found a safe-haven in my classroom to vent, to ask questions, and to learn, especially in the mornings before school. Specifically, I remember a student that arrived from Central America unable to speak English and came for tutoring almost daily so that we could review the upcoming lesson in Spanish before the whole class English version.

How does your TFA experience continue to influence your beliefs?

I will never think of our nation’s education system the same way. To theorize and to experience are two different things. My experience in TFA has—and I anticipate that it always will—influenced the way that I prioritize education and vote.

“Everyone experiences TFA differently.  I cannot predict what your experience would be, but everyone that I know is glad to have had the experience.”

Rainey Johnson

Undersea Medical Officer

Las Vegas Corps Member 2009