Jeremy Tor, Baltimore

A s part of the Chalk it Up to Teachers campaign, Teach for America and Experience Project bring you this teacher's story through an interview

Jeremy Tor, 11th and 12th grades, Spanish 1 and 2, Baltimore 

Why did you join Teach For America - Baltimore?

I joined Teach For America for two reasons. I have always been inspired by worthwhile causes rooted in principles of social justice, and there is perhaps no greater issue our generation faces than the glaring inequity of our education system. The closer I’ve gotten to the injustices, the more I feel a sense of urgency to eradicate them. I also joined Teach For America as a result of personal indecision: I wanted to attend law school but couldn’t bring myself to apply. Teach For America, which had been an option I’d considered since my junior year of college, seemed like the ideal way to make a meaningful impact while figuring out my life goals and gaining a sense or direction and purpose, which I certainly have.  

Describe your first day as a corps member.

I recall my first day teaching, which ended in a huge sigh of relief for having persevered. As I drove home from school that day, I called my fifthgrade teacher and thanked her for her dedication and hard work. In that first day, I recognized how precious and important the work of teachers really is and how stark the contrast is between life in an underserved school and in one of privilege.

What personal goals have you set for yourself?

My personal goals have been to work relentlessly to give my students a worthwhile education than can translate into success in the real world, to give them confidence in a teacher who will challenge them, and to come away with an appreciation for the realities of the public education system.

What has been the most memorable moment of your teaching experience?

Interacting with my students one-on-one, I see that they are thoughtful, caring, compassionate people that deserve a good education. I find nothing more rewarding, nothing more inspiring, than to see them be successful.

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