Diversity at Achievement First
Achievement First strives to recruit a talented and diverse team of educators. Teachers and school leaders who share racial and/or socioeconomic backgrounds with our scholars are poised to be especially effective role models, and they bring an important perspective to school teams that enhances sensitivity and cultural competence. Achievement First also strives to create an inclusive working environment in order to attract talented people from all backgrounds—regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age and sex. We believe our scholars are best served by a staff that represents the global community for which our scholars are being prepared.
Learn more by downloading our full Diversity and Inclusiveness Statement, and meet two outstanding Achievement First teachers who represent our diverse team at Achievement First.
Mandisa LeBlanc
Achievement First Brownsville Elementary School
Position: Third Grade Teacher
Education: York College, B.A. (psychology)
Fun Fact: I love to sing. If I could pursue a second career, it would be in entertainment.
What brought you to Achievement First?
I was finishing college and saw an ad online for a summer internship working with Achievement First scholars. I was accepted into the program and was immediately hooked. I remember that I was blown away by the messages on the walls, such as "Education = Freedom," and I was really excited about Achievement First's belief that everyone deserves a great education no matter where they're from.
What do you like about working at Achievement First?
Achievement First is growing in a great direction and leading the way for other schools. I'm proud to be part of an organization that shows what's possible every day. I also appreciate the professional development opportunities. Our network-wide PD days are both informative and inspiring. They're a great chance to share best practices among schools, and it's really motivating to come together and be reminded that we're all here for the same reason—to help all our children reach their potential.
Why is your work at Achievement First important to you?
The work I do at Achievement First matters to me because I am my kids. I grew up in New York City public schools and know the alternatives to a college-bound path. I was lucky to have people in my life who valued education and believed in my potential. Looking back at the schools I attended, I see a culture of low expectations. I want to help my kids understand the value of a college education and give them the confidence to pursue it.
Bilal Khan
Achievement First Amistad High School
Position: English Teacher
Previous Positions: Program Director at Teach For America
Education: New York University, B.A. (English and American literature)
Fun Fact: I spent three weeks backpacking and climbing in Alaska last summer.
What brought you to Achievement First?
I wanted to return to the classroom after serving as a program director at TFA. I had a chance to observe the classrooms and culture at AF Amistad High School. The teachers were really focused and bright, and it was obvious that their work was more than just a job. Everyone was aligned around the school's mission of closing the achievement gap.
What do you like about working at Achievement First?
For one, the professional development is great. Second, it's exciting to work at the cutting edge of education reform. Finally, Achievement First respects education as a lifelong intellectual pursuit and not just a means to an end. It's important to teach this to our students.
Why is your work at Achievement First important to you?
I have a shared understanding with the students in our schools who are immigrants like me. I was lucky in a lot of ways. My parents didn't speak English well, but I was able to receive a great education. I grew up a block away from kids who didn't get an education like mine. I chose to go into education to help give back to my community and help fix the systemic failure of our education system.
