From First Bell to Full Circle: Catching Up with Two New Teachers, Two Years Later
Scott Higgins and Jeanine Hampton
As the school year winds down, our community celebrates a powerful moment of transition: when dedicated corps members like Jeanine Hampton and Scott Higgins complete their service and step into the next chapter as alumni. Their journeys, from eager first-year teachers to impactful, community-rooted educators, showcase the transformative power of teaching and the enduring impact of the TFA network. We first interviewed Jeanine and Scott at the beginning of their corps experience, and it’s been inspiring to reconnect with them as they reflect on their growth and look ahead to what’s next.
For both Jeanine and Scott teaching wasn’t just a profession, it became deeply personal. Jeanine recalls two pivotal moments: the tearful last day of her first year, and a milestone achievement with a student who was previously outplaced and then transitioned into her general education classroom. “The joy on his and his parents' faces will always stay with me,” she shares. “He will forever be an example of what can happen when a student sets a goal with support, determination, and their needs being met.”
Similarly, Scott reflects on a seemingly simple lunch conversation with a struggling student that blossomed into a life-changing inspiration. That student later cited Scott as the reason he wanted to become a Pre-K teacher. “Every moment matters,” Scott says. “It’s the accumulation of these experiences...that have shaped me into the empathetic leader I am today.”
Shaped by Community, Guided by Connection
Both educators credit their school communities and students for shaping not just their teaching, but their leadership. Jeanine emphasizes creating a safe, welcoming space where students and families feel at home: “My classroom needs to be a community within itself to function at its best capacity.” She has maintained an open-door policy, encouraging families to participate in the learning process and fostering a culture of trust and support.
Scott, who moved from Massachusetts to Chicago for his placement, found unexpected belonging at Ryder Elementary. “Even in moments when I questioned myself, [my students'] voices reminded me of my worth,” he says. “Leadership, at its core, is about connection...The openness, affirmation, and positive regard I’ve received from my school community have shaped not just my teaching, but the kind of leader and human being I am today.”
Looking Ahead: A Future Rooted in Purpose
As they prepare to enter alumnihood, both Jeanine and Scott are staying close to the communities they’ve nurtured. Jeanine plans to continue teaching in a self-contained Diverse Learning classroom, while taking on expanded leadership roles such as Special Education Team Lead and resident teacher coach. Her vision for the future includes eventually becoming an instructional coach, continuing her impact across classrooms and grade levels.
Scott will remain at Ryder Elementary, where he is pursuing additional endorsements and exploring new areas of education, including art, special education, and health sciences. His reflections are grounded in gratitude for the guidance he received and a commitment to personal and professional growth. “Being an educator requires continuous self-reflection and a lifelong commitment to development,” he says.
Staying Connected to the Teach For America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana Community
Jeanine and Scott are not saying goodbye to TFA- they’re stepping into new roles within its large alumni network. Jeanine, fresh from completing the Activate Fellowship, looks forward to mentoring new corps members and continuing her advocacy for education. She credits much of her growth to the support of the TFA community, including transformational mentors like staff member Jetaun Whittlesey, whose encouragement helped shape her into the educator she is today.
Scott shares that sentiment deeply. Jetaun’s belief in him, along with her guidance and humanity, was a steady light throughout his two years of service. “Jetaun is the kind of educator, leader, and human being I aspire to be,” he reflects. As an alum, he is committed to paying that mentorship forward, already connecting with new corps members at his school and reaffirming his place in a network driven by shared purpose, equity, and hope.
Jeanine and Scott are a testament to the spirit of Teach For America: that every connection, every student, every challenge is an opportunity to grow and lead.