Bridging the Gap

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program seemed like it was created specifically for Memphis in 2011 and began working at MTR in 2012. As
me,” she said. “It was exactly what I wanted to do after a coach, she supports her teachers by visiting them in
finishing college.”
their classrooms, offering feedback and ideas, and even
Knight was placed at New Hope Christian Academy looking over student essays or preparing test questions.
during her resident year and remained on staff there
“So often, everything that teachers learn, they learn
for four more years. She was a kindergarten teacher for the hard way,” she said. “What’s great about MTR is that
three years and a learning specialist for two. After taking
time off to start a family, she now works part time coach for all four years, and really relevant coursework,
the teachers have a mentor during the residency year, a
as the admission events coordinator at St. Mary’s.
which means they don’t have to figure out from scratch
“I believe that the only thing that will really change how to teach their students well and how to lead a
Memphis is education, so I believe MTR is leading
classroom well.”
the city in real change,” she said. “It may not be fast
Johnson underscores that MTR’s vision is about
change, but I believe it’s coming when our students all restoring communities, not just schools. Teachers alone
have access to good education.”
can’t bridge the education gap, so MTR encourages its
staff to get to know other people and organizations
in their schools’ neighborhoods. The residents study
The Master Teacher/Juggler:
Memphis history, take part in local cultural events, and
Jessica Johnson ’94
really commit to the areas in which they teach.
In many ways, Jessica Johnson is a professional
To that end, MTR has focused its efforts on 31
juggler at MTR. Juggler of job responsibilities, that is.
schools in six neighborhoods: Alcy Ball, Binghampton,
A full-time employee, she coaches English teachers at
Frayser, Graham Heights, Mitchell Heights, and Orange
Kingsbury High School, Melrose High School, and GRAD
Mound. Johnson said the feedback from schools has
Academy; teaches English Content Methods and an
been positive — that MTR teachers are team players,
instructional planning seminar; and serves as the organization’s
development director.
humble, hard-working, and eager to learn from and
work with their colleagues.
“I always loved school,” Johnson said. “I loved
“I think about how I benefited from St. Mary’s not
St. Mary’s, I loved my college experience, and I valued
only academically but
the school communities
also personally, in terms
and the chance to grow as
of character and community,”
Johnson said. “I
a thinker and as a person.
That’s something I
think we (at MTR) are in
want for all kids, whether
a unique position to grow
they go to an independent
school or go to their
people and strengthen
communities, and that’s
neighborhood school.”
my motivation to be in
After graduating
schools.”
from Princeton University,
Johnson taught
Courtney Shove ’96 is a word
game enthusiast and maker of
high school English in
homemade vanilla who recently
Connecticut for seven
moved back to Memphis — for
the second time — to be closer to
years. She moved back to
family and to work in communications
at Memphis Opportunity
Jessica Johnson ’94, with teacher Janessa Jordan, at Soulsville Charter School.
Scholarship Trust (MOST).
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