Teach For America Memphis

🌟 Juneteenth Spotlight 🌟

Join us in honoring the incredible achievements of Black changemakers who have made their mark in education and extended their impact beyond the classroom.

Claudine Miles (Metro Atlanta '08) shares her gratitude for TFA's unwavering support in her entrepreneurial journey with Restore More. “[I was accepted into the] Social Innovation Fellowship, which was a program to help alumni launch education businesses. TFA has continually supported my vision and work over the last 6 years and for that I am eternally grateful, because due to that support I’ve grown my little idea into a successful business that helps educators.”

Alicia Williams (Houston '16) saw a need for student mental health support and turned her vision into reality with Abloom. “Standing in that classroom, I saw firsthand the silent crisis of student mental health. Now, with Abloom, I’m on a mission to revolutionize student mental health support, ensuring every student has the tools to thrive.”

Mario Jovan Shaw (Charlotte '12) was ignited by TFA's mission to address societal inequalities. “Interacting with TFA alumni who had founded social impact organizations motivated me to make my own mark through meaningful work.”

Brandon Martin (Metro Atlanta '14) energized his community to ensure that Black boys in Atlanta can see and reach their full potential. “TFA's emphasis on activating community to solve academic challenges influenced me to do the same thing outside of the classroom.”

Let's celebrate these trailblazers and continue championing their endeavors for a brighter, more equitable future! 🚀

🌟 Want to make a meaningful impact on schools nationwide while showcasing your own? 🌟

Schools to Learn From highlights 3-5 schools making a profound impact in their communities. Raise your hand and apply to be a featured School To Learn From for the upcoming school year! 📚

Each Host School will:
✨ Host a two-day visit for 20-25 participants in partnership with Teach For America
✨ Provide access to materials that enhance participants' learning

As a Host School, you'll also enjoy:
⭐ Spots for your leaders to participate in other school visits
⭐ National recognition
⭐ Professional development funds for your school

Share your interest by filling out the form linked below by July 9th, 2024.

Form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5lYn1LHxV3x1pO909UG6K7e4gKJ9XIgPZUO1ZkpmxV_Htpg/viewform

Meet Megumi Cramer and Dairany Blanco-Flores, two incredible educators who exemplify the profound impact of embracing one's immigrant heritage in the classroom.

Megumi, a former undocumented student and multilingual speaker, draws from her own journey to fuel her dedication to education. Her belief in the transformative power of learning drives her advocacy for students from underrepresented backgrounds, showing them that their voices and stories hold immense power.

Dairany's motivation stems from a desire to provide the representation she lacked in her own schooling experience. As an educator, she strives to ensure diverse voices and experiences are reflected in the classroom, empowering her students throughout their learning journey.

To all immigrant students and educators, Megumi and Dairany offer words of encouragement: embrace your journey with pride and confidence. Your resilience, determination, and unique experiences enrich our community, shaping a more inclusive and impactful future.

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🌟 Want to make a meaningful impact on schools nationwide while showcasing your own? 🌟

Schools to Learn From highlights 3-5 schools making a profound impact in their communities. Raise your hand and apply to be a featured School To Learn From for the upcoming school year! 📚

Each Host School will:
✨ Host a two-day visit for 20-25 participants in partnership with Teach For America
✨ Provide access to materials that enhance participants' learning

As a Host School, you'll also enjoy:
⭐ Spots for your leaders to participate in other school visits
⭐ National recognition
⭐ Professional development funds for your school

Share your interest by filling out the form linked below by July 9th, 2024

Form link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5lYn1LHxV3x1pO909UG6K7e4gKJ9XIgPZUO1ZkpmxV_Htpg/viewform

Our city is full of excellent educators! Ensure your favorites are recognized (and gifted a cash price!) by nominating them for the New Memphis Educators of Excellence Awards by June 30.

Check out this page for more information: https://www.newmemphis.org/educators-of-excellence

Calling all volunteers! Kifani Press | Kifani Works is looking for individuals who would like to support our literacy efforts in the Mid-South, under our new charitable arm Kifani Kids. Volunteers will help support literacy efforts like book drives, book giveaways and read-ins as well as educational events like 901KidsFest and the Shelby County A to Z Community Expo.

This volunteer role is perfect for high school students, college students, graduate students or retired educators. If you or someone you know might be interested in this opportunity, please fill out a short application to jump start the process!

Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJJ9i84703lfkqT-PSs917VXdzfSdxQTXc2Zw2pbUXqpgIRw/viewform

Backrs' TEDx talk has dropped, and it delivers a powerful wake up call.

While a great education is necessary for students to flourish, it is not sufficient. There are other, significant factors at play—factors which we all have the ability to influence.

Watch to learn how we can empower millions of talented, driven young people to achieve their potential in tomorrow's workforce. When our students flourish, we all flourish.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jn5XMvAtkA

Which LGBTQIA+ Icon inspires you? 🌟These leaders paved the way for our future champions of progress. From groundbreaking mathematicians to trailblazing scientists to influential literary voices, these historical figures made meaningful contributions to the arts and sciences.

Check out our Story for more info on each of the icons!

is here! 🌈✨ Which LGBTQIA+ Icon inspires you? 🌟These leaders paved the way for our future champions of progress. From groundbreaking mathematicians to trailblazing scientists to influential literary voices, these historical figures made meaningful contributions to the arts and sciences. Let us know in the comments which icon inspires you the most! 👇

Memphis River Parks Partnership is excited to announce that pickleball courts are now open at Sunset Canopy in Tom Lee Park!

Enjoy free open play sessions on Thursdays through Sundays from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Borrow a paddle and ball from the Hanover Welcome Center or bring your own to play on the newest courts in Memphis with unparalleled river views.

Check out all that's happening on the river: https://www.memphisriverparks.org/

he first season of our "Alumni on AIR" podcast has wrapped! We had some amazing guests, and are excited to bring you more episodes when our second season premieres in a few months. ⁠
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Be sure to check out all the episodes from our first season: ⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYIcKiQM4Z2X69KUuD4JPm3boiia0F_mI&si=oL6nTUewlj15QO0j
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Episode #1: Alexia Hernandez (MEM '17)⁠
Episode #2: Amber Huett-Garcia (MEM '11)⁠
Episode #3: Mary Elizabeth McCollum (DFW '16)⁠
Episode #4: Cartavius Black (MEM '17)⁠
Episode #5: Torrean Johnson (MEM '18)⁠
Episode #6: Britney Thornton (MEM '14)⁠
Episode #7: Marvin Thomas (MEM '16)⁠
Episode #8: Hadley Miller (MEM '09)⁠
Episode #9: Tamika Galvin (MEM '15)⁠
Episode #10: Yolanda Bradley (MEM '19)⁠
Episode #11: Andy Bobowski (MEM '08)⁠
Episode #12: Sam Durant (MEM '08)⁠
Episode #13: Steven Yeo (MEM '16)⁠
Valentine’s Day Special - Peter Rosenberger & Haley Mathews (MEM '16)

Student success starts here.

Your donation to Teach For America empowers teachers nationwide, providing them with the tools and support to make a lasting impact in classrooms.

Donate here: https://fundraise.teachforamerica.org/campaign/teacher-appreciation-week-2024/c580766

🔔Calling all changemakers in Memphis — the Change Collective is recruiting members for its 2024 cohort!

Change Collective is bringing together local leaders to bridge divides and solve problems at the community level. Members will participate in a six-month training program to learn how to engage and organize in their community, culminating in a local civic action project.

If you’re interested in joining, learn more and apply at https://change-collective.org/apply/

The deadline to apply is this Friday - May 31st!

Last week we wrapped up our Aspiring School Leader Fellowship. Over the past 5 months, our participants discussed and reflected on the kind of leader they want to be and the kind of school environment they want for students. This was such an amazing group to work with and get to know (there are a few missing from the picture). Congrats to this bunch on completing this Fellowship - you will be fantastic leaders!

🔔Calling all changemakers in Memphis — the Change Collective is recruiting members for its 2024 cohort!

Change Collective is bringing together local leaders to bridge divides and solve problems at the community level. Members will participate in a six-month training program to learn how to engage and organize in their community, culminating in a local civic action project.

If you’re interested in joining, learn more and apply at https://change-collective.org/apply/

The deadline to apply is May 31st.

We’re excited to bring you our thirteenth episode featuring Steven Yeo (Memphis ‘16). His name is actually Hyung Suk Yeo, which means “shining rock” in Korean - he randomly chose Steven as his English name for school. He was born in South Korea, and moved to California when he was young. He grew up in Los Angeles, and would later graduate from UCLA before coming to Memphis as a corps member in 2016.

Names are very important to Steven, especially remembering names, and an interaction with one particularly tough teacher during his freshman year of high school highlights Steven’s feelings about this: “I remember how he made me feel in his class, so when I became a sophomore I wanted to visit him. I wanted him to know that I appreciated him, I respected him. So I went in, and he had his back towards me and I opened the door and I’m like ‘Hey, Mr. Haynes’, and he turns around - and he has this huge smile - and he goes ‘Mr. Yeo, how are you doing?’ And he shook my hand and said, ‘I’m so glad to see you today.’ And literally as I walked out from his class it changed me from the inside. I could not believe that somebody at school could give me that much value. He basically shattered so much callousness that I had towards the academic system.”

Another important aspect of Steven’s life is religion. It was a major factor in bringing him to Memphis (there is a cool story at the end of Part 1 that expands on this), was something that kept him motivated during his years as a teacher (there is a story in the beginning of Part 2 that hits on this), and continues to be something that drives him today.

Steven also shares stories from his corps experience and connects how that led him to his current work, discusses how his vision of “One Day” has transformed from his days as a corps member, and offers advice for teachers during AANHPI Heritage Month.

Watch Part 1: https://youtu.be/Y96sop6j254
Watch Part 2: https://youtu.be/E0BFpepsbaY
Watch Part 3: https://youtu.be/WvYKlgQjD4Y

Check out this event tomorrow!!

Get more info and RSVP here: https://www.evite.com/event/0074QNPFE4ZM5YCFQEPO7WNSWP27OA?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite

It was so great seeing everyone this past Saturday at our End of Year Celebration! We're so proud of the amazing work our corps members, alumni, and community partners do to fight for education equity here in Memphis. Here's to a successful year and many more to come! 🎉🎈🎆

Check out this cool event on Saturday!

Get more info and RSVP here: https://www.evite.com/event/0074QNPFE4ZM5YCFQEPO7WNSWP27OA?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite

We’re excited to bring you our twelfth episode featuring Sam Durant (Memphis ‘08). Sam has deep ties to Memphis - she was born and raised here, graduated from Bolton HS then the University of Memphis, and continues to live and work here. She is a first generation high school and college graduate, which was one of the driving forces behind her joining the corps. It was not her intention to stay in the classroom but, as she says, “Teaching just grabbed me. I love it.”

After her two-year commitment as a corps member, where she was placed at Fairview Junior High School as a special education teacher, she joined TFA staff for a while, but she knew right away that she missed the classroom. After about a year on TFA staff, she went back to the classroom at the Collegiate School of Memphis. She was there for several years where she taught English and would eventually become the Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Sam then moved to the Libertas School of Memphis, a Montessori school in Frayser, and will be the Middle School Director of the new middle school which opens next year. She sees a connection between the minds, the hands, and the hearts - an idea central to Libertas - and TFA’s vision for One Day: schooling that is not just about test scores, but about human flourishing. Sam also talks about her experiences as a corps member, how becoming a mother changed her view of education and got her interested in Montessori schools, how she’s using her past experiences to design the new Libertas middle school, and expresses her admiration for teachers here during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Watch Part 1: https://youtu.be/I0wFaJqDYC4
Watch Part 2: https://youtu.be/Ji9yr5WQHWE
Watch Part 3: https://youtu.be/Sh7pwgbyZQU