A United to Learn Aspiring Teacher Making a Difference:
Shay Ojo, a Dallas College student, is on the path to becoming a teacher, fueled by her passion for helping young learners and her involvement in United to Learn’s Aspiring Teachers program. This innovative initiative bridges the gap between aspiring educators and the classrooms that need them most. By combining practical experience, professional training, and mentorship, the program supports Dallas ISD teachers while fostering the next generation of educators.
Shay’s journey offers a window into the transformative impact of the Aspiring Teachers program—on her, the students she tutors, and the teachers she assists.
“Some of my students don’t know how to spell their names,” Shay shares. “When they get it, it makes me happy to know I’m making that impact.”
Shay’s Journey to Becoming a Teacher
Originally from Nigeria, Shay moved to Dallas in 2012. Her mother, a former English teacher, inspired Shay’s initial interest in education. However, it wasn’t until Shay discovered United to Learn’s program and the opportunity to earn a teaching degree at her community college that her passion for teaching truly ignited.
As a tutor at Frederick Douglass Elementary, Shay spent two days a week working with first- and second-grade students. She finds joy in helping young learners overcome challenges. “Some of my students don’t know how to spell their names,” Shay shares. “When they get it, it makes me happy to know I’m making that impact.”
Her time in the classroom has also taught her critical skills. “Kids don’t always just do what you ask,” she explains. “Learning takes patience and repetition. I’ve learned to really listen to them—they want to feel heard, and when they know you care, it makes a difference.”
Support for Today’s Teachers
While the Aspiring Teachers program builds future educators, it also provides crucial support to current teachers like Samantha Bendele, a first-grade teacher who taught at Douglass Elementary.
Shay worked alongside Ms. Bendele, reinforcing high-frequency words, writing skills, and classroom management techniques. This collaboration allowed Ms. Bendele to focus on the whole class or small groups while Shay provided one-on-one tutoring or assisted the entire class.
“Shay has been a jewel to work with,” Ms. Bendele says. “She connects with the students and has a caring heart. Having her in the classroom helps me tremendously.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Shay’s experience has solidified her commitment to becoming a teacher. “It makes me feel like I’m making a difference, like I matter,” she reflects. “It motivates me to finish my education and make a positive impact on my students’ lives.”
Her advice to future teachers? “You need patience, drive, and a passion for what you do. Even if today is tough, you focus on the good days because tomorrow can be better.”
By investing in aspiring teachers like Shay, United to Learn is strengthening the teacher pipeline, supporting today’s classrooms, and building a brighter future for students across Dallas.
With programs like Aspiring Teachers, the future of education in Dallas is in capable and caring hands.
Would you or someone you know like to learn more about United to Learn’s Aspiring Teacher program? Click this link to express interest, and we will contact you.
What Is the Aspiring Teachers Program?
United to Learn’s Aspiring Teachers program is a collaborative effort with Dallas ISD and local colleges, universities, and high schools. The program equips aspiring educators with classroom experience while providing immediate literacy support for elementary school students.
Through this program, participants gain:
- Tutors are trained on early literacy best practices, classroom engagement strategies, and tenants of high-impact tutoring.
- Mentorship from experienced educators to guide them in building effective teaching skills.
- Paid opportunities to tutor students, providing both financial and professional support for their educational goals.
In the 2024-2025 school year, the program is expected to provide over 15,000 hours of tutoring with 140 active tutors across 22 campuses. This will directly impact 1,000 students and support hundreds more through whole-class assistance.
In the 2023-2024 school year, 86% of the 850 students tutored by Aspiring Teachers showed substantive growth in literacy.
Aligning with Dallas ISD’s Curriculum
The program’s alignment with Dallas ISD’s curriculum ensures that tutors like Shay deliver interventions that complement what students are learning in the classroom. This includes Amplify assessments, which focus on fluency and foundational literacy skills.
“Fluency is key,” explains Shaleia Gruber, Literacy Program Manager for United to Learn. “It ensures students not only understand concepts but can also apply them quickly and accurately, building the foundation for reading comprehension and long-term success.”
“Lifting While Climbing”
Shaleia describes the program’s philosophy as “lifting while climbing.” Aspiring teachers like Shay support younger students’ learning while progressing in their own journeys to become educators. This simultaneous growth benefits the entire educational ecosystem—students receive focused support, teachers gain additional capacity, and aspiring educators build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Partnering Schools and Colleges
The Aspiring Teachers program collaborates with numerous institutions to expand its reach:
Colleges and Universities:
- Collin College
- Dallas College
- Paul Quinn College
- UNT Dallas
- UT Arlington
- SMU
Dallas ISD High Schools:
- Bryan Adams High School Leadership Academy
- Lincoln High School
- W.W. Samuell High School
- Sunset High School
- W.T. White High School
- Hillcrest High School
Dallas ISD Elementary Schools
- Albert Black (formerly Pease)
- Arcadia Park
- Arthur Kramer
- Ascher Silberstein
- Cedar Crest
- Chapel Hill
- Jerry Junkins
- Frederick Douglass
- George H.W. Bush
- George W. Truett
- H.S. Thompson
- HI Holland
- Highland Meadows
- CA Tatum
- KB Polk
- MLK
- N.W. Harllee
- Nancy Cochran
- Nathan Adams
- O. M. Roberts
- Paul Dunbar
- Clinton P. Russell
Would you or someone you know like to learn more about United to Learn’s Aspiring Teacher program? Click this link to express interest, and we will contact you.