From TPS student to TPS teacher. We asked four of our newest teachers, who are also former TPS students, what inspired them to become teachers. They shared the importance of representation in our teaching staff, wanting to give students a sense of hope and a voice, and helping students see their potential. Thank you, Daysy Rendon, Jake Ferris, Athena Sok and Stacee Wright, for choosing to return to TPS as teachers, sharing your talents, and making a positive impact on the lives of students.

As a district we’re working to expand pathways and opportunities for more students to become teachers. SEED Teachers is a new program by Degrees of Change, Tacoma Public Schools, and Pacific Lutheran University that offers diverse Tacoma students a debt-free, supportive pathway to earning their college degree and becoming impactful teachers who reflect the students they serve.