Story by Jen Jordan / August 22, 2023
At which MSS campus do you teach?
Meeting Street Academy-Spartanburg
Why did you decide to be a teacher?
I decided to be a teacher because I passionately believe that education is a key gateway to opportunity. Growing up in a low socioeconomic household, my passion for knowledge and growth opened so many doors of opportunity. I was encouraged and supported by many teachers along my journey, which inspired me to want to be that same light in others lives. I teach to show kids the same unconditional, unwavering belief that you can be whoever you want to be with knowledge of yourself and the world around you.
Why do you choose to stay in the classroom?
I choose to stay in the classroom because it allows me to have a direct, positive impact on scholars.
What is the most challenging part of being a teacher?
In my opinion, the most challenging part of being a teacher is the fear of failure. Becoming a teacher means committing yourself to protecting, educating, and loving students from various walks of life. Teaching is a BIG responsibility and requires passion to pursue successfully. Each day you have to remind yourself that fear can be looked at in two different ways: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. As challenging as it may be, I am committed to Facing Everything And Rising for each and every one of my students.
What is the most rewarding part of being a teacher?
The most rewarding parts of being a teacher are the simple things such as a hug, a thank you, handmade crafts, or even a “Can you help me?” Even on the toughest days, these make teaching worthwhile.
Why did you choose to teach at Meeting Street Schools?
I chose to teach at Meeting Street Schools because I truly believe our network is one of a kind. I interviewed at many other schools and districts, but none of them resonated with me like Meeting Street did. I felt a huge sense of belonging during the interview process and received so many signs that this is where I was being called to teach. I knew that choosing this school not only would allow me to teach to students brains, but also to their hearts.
What makes Meeting Street Schools different?
Meeting Street Schools differs from other schools in their principles of education and perspective of success. While we all know that education is essential in school, so is social-emotional development. MSS advocates for togetherness, vulnerability, and growth for students and teachers. There is understanding that people work better together and not separate. We share ideas, stories, passions, and advocate for those who may feel voiceless at times. MSS offers a safe-space for like-minded educators to come together as one and rally behind students who deserve beautiful, successful lives.
Join a community of incredible, passionate people working to change the lives of our students. Our compensation and benefits are a cut above the rest: the most competitive total compensation in the region.
Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), and MS-Jasper & Beaufort (Jasper, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
MSA Spartanburg stands as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. MSA Spartanburg is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
MS Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this school is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, MS Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. MS Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the MSS network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, MS Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at MS Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. MS Burns exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, MS Burns is forging a new path in public education.
MS Jasper represents the Meeting Street Schools’ dedication to community-based education with a global perspective. The school provides a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to explore their potential and cultivate a love for learning. With its diverse programs such as Eureka Math, and Wit and Wisdom, MS Jasper puts a major emphasis on character development, specialized learning and equips students to become thoughtful, engaged members of society, reflecting the MSS ethos of empowerment through education.
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
Meeting Street Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national or ethnic in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships or loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
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