TEACH: What do you love most about working in education?
RT: Impact, definitely making an impact. The inequities are so huge in the communities that are underserved, but ultimately, education affects everyone. What drives me is the opportunity to make an impact and help solve those challenges. This work has to be done, but there aren’t a lot of people willing to do that work.

TEACH: Is there a particular moment during your time at TEACH that stands out?
RT: The culture of the organization. Everyone at TEACH is genuinely driven to fulfill our mission. Everyone is focused on the same thing. It’s not about us; it’s about the students. We all come together with that same goal in mind: to help students. The organization’s core values actually ring true here; they’re at the heart of everything we do. You can see the values being lived out daily, through every interaction.

TEACH: Who do you consider one of the great teachers in your life and why?
RT: Mrs. Sloan, who was my art teacher from kindergarten to eighth grade. She was not only so passionate about the work that she did but about the students. She showed so much love. I was the only black student in my class for most of my time at that school, and I did experience prejudice and racism – but Mrs. Sloan never treated me any differently. She taught with compassion. She took the time to make her class more than just about art. She was an amazing teacher and person.