Achievement First Teachers and School Leaders

One of the best ways to learn about Achievement First is from the teachers and school leaders who dedicate their days to helping every student grow and achieve. Meet some of the teachers and school leaders who are closing the achievement gap for their students.

Morgan Barth
Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle

“We are a team and a family. I work here because I know that everyone does whatever it takes to give our kids the love, care and top-quality instruction they need. Before I came to Achievement First, I had nightmares about what ‘my kids’ would face when they moved to other classes and grades. Now I’m surrounded by phenomenal teachers. I’m inspired every day by the creativity I see in one colleague’s writing class or the thoughtful conversations about social justice in another colleague’s class. We all end the day feeling the good, healthy exhaustion of knowing that we helped all our kids climb the mountain to college.”

Position: Principal
Previous Positions:
Principal at Elm City College Preparatory Elementary
Academic dean at Elm City College Preparatory Middle
Fifth-grade teacher at Elm City College Preparatory Middle
Teach For America corps member (Mississippi Delta region)
Claim to Fame: At Elm City College Preparatory Middle, Mr. Barth’s fifth-grade English Language Arts classes showed two-and-a-half years of growth and a 20 percent gain in reading on nationally normed assessments.
Undergraduate Degree: Williams College, B.A. (history)
Graduate Degree: National Louis University, M.Ed.

Linda Fitzgerald
Amistad Academy Middle

“After almost 20 years in the classroom, I feel like I’m still growing thanks to all the professional development that happens here. I love teaching, and I don’t want to get stale. Working in an environment of talented teachers also motivates me to push myself more. This is a place where good teachers get the support they need to become great teachers.”

Position: Fifth- and sixth-grade math teacher
Previous Position: Fourteen years as a teacher at private and public schools in Waterbury, CT
Proudest Moment: According to Ms. Fitz, as her students and colleagues call her, her move to teach at Amistad Academy Middle was the "best personal and professional" decision she could have made. She is very proud of Amistad Academy Middle for its commitment to the REACH values and for being named Connecticut's 2006 Title I Distinguished School after posting the greatest academic gains of any middle school in the state.
Undergraduate Degree: Sacred Heart University, B.A. (sociology and secondary education)
Graduate Degree: Southern Connecticut State University, M.Ed.

Tracey Rush
Achievement First Crown Heights Elementary

“As the director of school operations, I thought my work would take place entirely behind the scenes. I was wrong. The most rewarding part of my Achievement First experience has been getting to know the students and their families. When I started here, I knew I would love the work itself, but I had no idea that I would fall in love with the kids as well.”

Position: Director of school operations
Previous Positions:
Financial auditor at KPMG
Program manager and deputy director at Docs For Tots
Grants manager at UJA Federation of New York
Proudest Moment: Watching the school talent show last year! It was incredible to see our kids performing on stage in front of parents, friends and staff. I am so proud of how talented and brave they are.
Undergraduate Degree: Penn State University, B.S. (accounting)
Graduate Degree: George Washington University, M.P.H.