Member Spotlight: Reese Joiner, Teach for America Alabama AmeriCorps Program

Meet Reese Joiner, a 7th-Grade Math Teacher in Jones Valley Middle School, a service site of the Teach for America Alabama AmeriCorps program.

1. What motivated you to join AmeriCorps?

I was motivated to join AmeriCorps because I have always wanted to be a teacher. Teach for America gave me a stellar opportunity to do that right out of college, and their mission lines up perfectly with my professional outlook on educational equity. I knew that the AmeriCorps/Teach for America program would be challenging and enable me to use my skills to make the best possible impact on my state.

2. What would you like to get out of this service opportunity?

I would like for my students to become comfortable sharing their mistakes, and learn to help others who are struggling. I want them to treat academics like a team activity and collaborate with each other to make sure they all succeed.

3. What will your service focus on for the 2021-2022 program year?

During this program year, my service will focus on shifting my students' mindsets on mathematics to be more growth-centered and positive. Many students view math as a one-dimensional subject. I want to show my students that math can be creative, engaging, and know that any of them can be good at math if they have a growth mindset.

4. What are your plans after AmeriCorps?

I would like to go to grad school to complete a Masters' degree in Education.

Thank you for your service Reese!