Jazmin Sanders

I was given the opportunity to coach high school girls volleyball. The girls on my team were going through a lot and oftentimes had very little guidance from those who loved them. I realized how much of an impact I could have had with the girls at an earlier age. I kept that thought with me for another year, and when the opportunity for Indianapolis Teaching Fellows presented itself, I took a leap of faith, applied, and was accepted!

It was a sign that was consistently brought to my attention via the Internet. I processed and prayed and, ultimately, I believe God was telling me what my purpose had become. I knew it was the right program for me because it was based in Indianapolis and served scholars in underserved areas who needed to see and believe that they can become anything.

I formed great relationships with a handful of individuals. To this day, five of us have stayed in touch, crossed paths in the same schools, given advice, shared resources, and continued to communicate as friends and educators in the city.

Teaching is a challenging yet rewarding career that takes determination and consistency. There will be days you want to give up, but you lean on your coaches and other members of the cohort. By the end, you will learn and grow so much that you will appreciate all the long and hard nights that have successfully prepared you to be ready for the classroom.

The BEEC helped my transition by giving me access to a community of Black educators I needed to connect with for resources, advice, and support throughout my first year.

One of the things I enjoy the most about being a member of BEEC is the supportive community of Black educators. We all share the goal of wanting to see scholars of color succeed in and outside the classroom while also viewing us as role models.