Blackburn Institute

Two Fellows Accept Teach for America Positions Following May 2007 Graduation

March 15, 2007

Most people could describe their “dream trip” to any city in America. Few people, though, would actually live and teach in an unfamiliar city, dealing with the problems of underprivileged students. However, that is exactly how Blackburn fellows Rebecca Buchanan (2005-2006) and Stevona “Stevie” Rogers (2006-2007) are going to spend an entire year doing following their graduation from the University in May of 2007.

Like an increasing number of UA students, they will be working for Teach for America (TFA). Founded at Princeton in 1990, TFA has grown exponentially since then; it now serves 25 urban and rural regions and has approximately 4,400 corps members. The Blackburn Institute is certainly proud to send two of its finest newly minted Fellows into its ranks!

2005-2006 fellow Rebecca Buchanan is excited about her new job in San Jose, California. She says that the Blackburn Institute was “absolutely and unequivocally” an influence on her decision to work for Teach for America. Blackburn gave her the opportunity to network with other TFA teachers, but more importantly, it showed her the challenges faced by lower income communities.

Rebecca also names other influences on her decision. She is a first generation college student who grew up in a rural community and attended a small county high school. Luckily, she had supportive parents and teachers who pushed her to excel. “I credit any success I’ve ever had to them, but I realize that many of my peers never had the same opportunities,” Rebecca admits. Thus she had more incentive to “join a movement that is aspiring to ensure that every student has access to a quality education.”

Like Rebecca, 2006-2007 fellow Stevona “Stevie” Rogers has been inspired by Blackburn’s dedication to impoverished and disadvantaged communities. “I believe that when you’re any kind of teacher, it’s important to understand each student’s story, struggles, and triumphs. Blackburn has taught me this more than any other organization,” says Rogers.

At the moment, Stevie is looking forward to teaching in New Orleans, but she remembers the day she knew she wanted to become part of Teach for America. Stevie’s introduction to TFA was at a luncheon that Blackburn and TFA partnered to host; when she learned more about Teach for America, she immediately knew that she wanted to become a part of it.

Teach for America, in Stevie’s words, “truly makes a difference in the world through the elimination of education inequality.” It is exciting to know that, after their tenure as Teach for America corps members, that Stevie and Rebecca will return to Alabama to make as much of a difference in our own state. These two young ladies are a real inspiration to new fellows and old fellows alike.

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