TEACH FOR AMERICA

People are often surprised to hear that I was once an elementary school teacher. After I graduated college (Georgetown University) I did a wonderful (I may even venture to say… FABULOUS) program called TEACH FOR AMERICA.

TEACH FOR AMERICA (TFA) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to close the academic achievement gap between children from different socio-economic backgrounds. Their mission is to ensure that "One day, all children will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education."

I always knew I wanted to work with children and TEACH FOR AMERICA was the perfect opportunity for me (a bright eyed, young college grad ready to take life by the horns). The summer after college, I headed to Houston, Texas (HOT and miserable) for the intense summer training. They pack in all the training they can in a short couple months with NO distractions. All there was to do was go bowling (I am a bad ass bowler with sweet form), make new friends (I met some amazingly smart and cool people that I am still friends with today) and take weekend trips (to Austin, New Orleans, Galviston Beach).

Even though TFA gives you all the tools they can in discipline and lesson planning, only experience can prepare you for the classroom. I was placed in inner city, Washington DC’s Mildred E. Gibbs Elementary School teaching Fifth Grade. I thought ten year olds would be eager to learn and easy to discipline. I was wrong! Let me just say that I grew up A LOT that year. I struggled (as most first year teachers do) to gain discipline in my classroom (boy, were those kids a handful), but one thing those kids knew for sure was that I cared.

Eventually, many of my students began to listen to me and I was able to teach and make an impact on their lives. If fact, for years I kept in touch with many of the kids I taught that first year. I often wonder where they are now? Diva, Aisha, Princeda, DeHavilland, Carla, Angel (I base many of my children’s book characters on these kids. They are permanently in my heart)

That rough road prepared me for my move to LA, where I sought out another under resourced, needy school to continue my teaching.

Teaching in LA was way better. I was a veteran teacher now with discipline in my classroom. At Coliseum Street School in the Crenshaw / Dorsey Cluster, I taught a second and third grade split class. In my mobile home classroom at the edge of the large cement playground, my kids worked in groups and did creative learning projects that I created. It was wonderful and enlightening, BUT what I learned that year is that teaching elementary school was not for me (I yearned to take my creativity to a larger audience in the entertainment industry). I resigned at the end of the year (though I continued to substitute for couple years) and left with a heavy heart. I miss it often, but am happy to be able to spread my wings in other creative outlets now.

I know the question most people will ask is did people at the school know who my mother was. No, in my everyday life people rarely know (I get recognized more now since I was on the BET awards). It is not something I wear on a sign above my head, but also not something I hide. I don’t lie about it when asked, but many people who know me do not know till they see pictures of my mom at my house.

A guy I was recently dating came over and said, “You like Diana Ross, huh?” I was like, “Yes. In fact I love her.” He thought I was an obsessed fan till he figured it out. I feel blessed that I can have my own life and create relationships and have experiences that have nothing to do with being a celebrity’s daughter, but I also know I am very blessed to have been born into such an amazingly talented family.

TEACH FOR AMERICA is an amazing program that I still feel blessed to have been a part of. I grew up so much with those children, learned about life and struggle, and I am happy to have been part of the TFA family. I continue to teach children in creative programs in LA and write children’s books and educational programming for kids. Educating and creating positive images for children is so important to me and teaching helped me find that passion.

For more information about TEACH FOR AMERICA or for an application please visit: www.teachforamerica.com