Since 2006, Teach For America Memphis has been confronting educational inequity through teaching at every sector of society.
To achieve the TFA mission, they need a cohort of talented, dedicated leaders who commit to expanding educational opportunity in Memphis.
Currently, there are 770 Corps Members dedicating two-years of teaching in an under-resourced public school in Memphis.
Earlier this month, Teach For America Memphis honored its latest batch of alumni awards honorees at the sixth annual GRIT & GRIND ceremony and alumni brunch.
Specifically, these teachers were selected for the 2023 Barbara Rosser Hyde Alumni Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leaders making a difference in the Memphis community.
Cartavius black
Memphis '17
In the past five years, Cartavius has been an exceptionally strong teacher and advocate for students and families. Cartavius has achieved superior academic results for his students and has been a voice for students and families through his activism and mentorship. Now, he works as the High School Success Coordinator at Grizzlies Preparatory Academy, acting as a role model and guide for students both inside and outside the school building.
Andreanna Williams
Memphis '16
In 2016, Andreanna returned to her alma mater, Southwind High School. There, she began a mentoring program called 100 Leading Ladies that includes business classes, service projects, and peer-to-peer mentorship. Seven years later, 100 Leading Ladies has blossomed into a program that not only drives community involvement but also higher college acceptance rates at Southwind High School. Now, Andreanna has taken on a role as Assistant Principal at Wooddale Middle School.
Grant Monda
Memphis '10
This year marks twelve years in education for Grant. Since 2010, Grant has been committed to students as a teacher, soccer and volleyball coach, principal and now Executive Director of Aurora Collegiate Academy. Grant’s leadership at Aurora has driven incredible results for students and families, including being named the 2020 Charter School of the Year by the Tennessee Charter School Center.
Meesha Munnings
Memphis '16
Meesha has demonstrated commitment and incredible drive at her placement school, Kirby Middle School, where she now serves as Assistant Principal. In addition to her responsibilities as a school leader, Meesha founded Anointed Crown,
a non-profit dedicated to uplifting women who have experienced hair loss due to a medical condition by providing them wigs and hair accessories.
Fidel Prestegui
Memphis '18
Since his first year as a corps member, Fidel has been creating opportunities for elementary school students to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. In his first year of teaching, Fidel founded Guys with Ties, a group dedicated to young male students who do not have a male role model at home. Now at Vision Preparatory Academy, he continues to lead by driving service projects and community engagement at his school.
If you’d like to learn more about Teach For America and their work in Memphis click here.
