Teach For America D.C. and Virginia

Congratulations to our COO, Jemina Bernard, for being named one of The Top 50 Women Chief Operating Officers of 2025 by Women We Admire. Jemina’s exceptional leadership and commitment to expanding access and opportunity for all students continue to drive Teach For America’s mission forward. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her vision and dedication. https://lnkd.in/eVjTQ-ZR #TeachForAmerica #Leadership #WomenInLeadership

? Wrapping up the year on a high note! ? Our final Green Fellows Dinner of the year for our Virginia Cohort was nothing short of incredible. The cozy atmosphere, a specially curated menu, and a well-orchestrated evening made for an unforgettable experience. Our Green Fellows had the unique opportunity to hear from: ?? Michelle Hudakso (TFA D.C. ’96), former Deputy Chief in DCPS & Chief of Staff in Richmond Public Schools ?? Jim Dyke, former Virginia Secretary of Education & domestic policy advisor in the Carter Administration ?? Ellen Dyke, accomplished attorney, educator, and author Hearing their insights and experiences left a lasting impression on our cohort, and we’re grateful for their time and wisdom. A huge thank you to everyone who made this event—and this year—so impactful. Looking forward to all that’s ahead in 2025! ??

We're pleased to introduce you to Randi Stone, Ed.D. Dr. Randi Stone is a driven literacy leader dedicated to supporting educators in implementing evidence-based, culturally affirming instructional practices. She began her career in education in her hometown of Chicago as a 2010 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Corps member(Teach for America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana), teaching Pre-K just a few miles from where she grew up. As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Stone is deeply committed to preparing reflexive educators who can advocate for and address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students. She believes that equipping teachers with the necessary tools to do so is a social justice issue. This mission drives her work as an adjunct professor at American University, where she teaches Urban Education and Social Justice, fostering an inquiry-driven approach to exploring systems, policy, and affirming pedagogy. Dr. Stone earned an M.S. in Early Childhood Education from Dominican University, an M.Ed. in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and an Ed.D. in Leadership and Policy, with a focus on early literacy intervention, from American University. Her research examines the culturally responsive implementation of Science of Reading (SoR)-informed policies. She has presented her work at major conferences, including the International Dyslexia Association's annual conference, the World Literacy Summit at Oxford University, SXSW EDU in Austin, TX, and most recently, the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) annual gathering in Baltimore. She has served as Director of Instruction at Conservatory Lab Charter School in Boston and, most recently, as a Literacy Coach in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). In her current role as a Professional Learning Specialist at Really Great Reading, Dr. Stone leads the development of research-aligned professional learning systems, coaching, and implementation strategies. Dedicated to bridging research and practice, she empowers educators to implement literacy methods that are both evidence-based and excellent.

Meet Ashley Juma My name is Ashley Juma. I graduated from Lincoln University with Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology in 2017, graduated from New York University with a masters degree in Social Work in 2019. I am currently a Special Education Math Teacher/ Case Manager for KIPP DC-Valor Academy.(KIPP DC) “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” —Ignacio Estrada. This quote is very telling because since being in the education field, I have learned that all students learn in different forms. We have students who learn through auditory, visuals and orally. Understanding how students learn allows teachers to teach for understanding and not completion. Implementing the necessary accommodations will allow the students to access the content and succeed. As an aspiring Clinician, being a special education teacher allows me to understand how the disparities and disabilities that children face affect their learning and how they interact with others one another. The goal is to bridge the gap between the two so that children are able to effectively succeed in society.

Congratulations to our executive director, Ryan Tauriainen, Ed.D, who has been admitted into the next cohort of Pahara Institute Fellows! The Pahara Fellowship is a one-year, cohort-based program for exceptional leaders in education. Ryan is one of many Teach For America alumni and staff who have participated in the Fellowship or were also recently admitted. #DCVAalltheway

Today we're pleased to introduce you to Shamira O'Neal, EdD Dr. Shamira O'Neal grew up in South Florida, where she used education as a tool for post-secondary options that were not readily prescribed to her. She graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Geography. She also graduated with a second Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies. She began her career in education with Teach for America, as a 2012 Corps Member in the Teach For America Greater Philadelphia, where she taught math and earned her first Master’s Degree in Urban Education, from the University of Pennsylvania. After various leadership roles, she acquired a second Master’s Degree in School Leadership with a Principal’s Certification, also from the University of Pennsylvania. To further her professional career, Dr. Shamira O’Neal moved to Washington, D.C., to serve at Girls Global Academy, while pursuing her doctoral degree at Vanderbilt University in Leading and Learning in Leadership, which she earned in 2023. Dr. Shamira O’Neal is an advocate for the education of marginalized groups, like those served in the District, and specifically at Girls Global Academy. As a marginalized person herself, a Black woman coming from a childhood of poverty and trauma, it is both a duty and honor for her to be the voice of Girls Global Academy. Having joined the organization in its second year, she is most proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment of the staff, students and their families. The progression and growth of the organization over the past five years is an accomplishment to be proud of. “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, We Should All Be Feminists

This event was nothing short of legendary! ??? We were beyond excited to welcome Commanders Legends Josh Morgan and Kevin Barnes to Simon Elementary School for a special storytime as part of our Read Across America Month launch supported by The Washington Commanders. Watching students’ faces light up as they connected with these incredible role models was a moment we won’t forget! ???? A huge shoutout to Principal Eborn for her ongoing partnership with TFA DCVA, as well as our amazing board members and board chair Karen Wawrzaszek CFP?, CEPA, CTFA for showing up in support of this unforgettable day. Your presence makes a lasting impact! ?? ???? Together, we’re inspiring the next generation—one book at a time! #NFL #WashingtonCommanders #LegendsRead #EducationMatters #InspireTheFuture

Today for WHM we're pleased to introduce you to Jaryah Patterson Growing in a family full of teachers, my grandmother’s one wish was that I became a teacher. During my time at Penn State University, I connected with TFA and shortly realized my purpose for serving and educating children, just like my grandmother hoped. People often ask me why I am a teacher, and my why is to inspire, empower, and ignite lifelong hope and learning for students. So that students feel seen, heard, and valued in their educational experience. A quote I live by is, “80% of success is showing up.” This quote pushes me to show up on hard and stressful days.

Teach For America D.C. and Virginia is also hiring for this role!