Inspiring Future Educators

Shernice began to realize her passion for teaching while volunteering in a Martha’s Table classroom as a high school student in D.C. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her Martha’s Table journey!

From a young age, Shernice knew that when she grew up, she wanted to work with children.

“This deep passion in me was inspired by my adoptive mother,” Shernice reflected. “She was the director of an after-school program in the District, and you could always feel the love she had for her job and her students.”

After welcoming a beautiful baby boy,  Shernice knew she wanted to return to college and finish her teaching degree. But juggling classwork, child care, and tuition payments wasn’t easy.

Shernice joined the Martha’s Table team to support young learners in our classrooms. Meanwhile, our partnership with Trinity Washington University allowed Shernice to return to school herself and earn the credentials needed to further her teaching career.

“I re-enrolled at Trinity Washington University with the help of Martha’s Table,” she shared. “The program I was enrolled in allowed me to get on-the-job educational credit, which removed a big barrier for me. I had a support system that ensured I was set every step of the way.”

Passionate, quality teachers are essential for a strong, thriving Washington, D.C. Martha’s Table helps support the wonderful teachers in our early childhood education program.

“I was able to transition from a volunteer to a full-time classroom staff member at Martha’s Table, and I enrolled my son in the early childhood education program.”–Shernice, Martha’s Table Teacher

Our classrooms are a nurturing place for children to learn together and build strong foundations before Kindergarten. Shernice knows the quality of our program firsthand and the impact that teachers can have in early learning classrooms. She shared, “Our programming is nationally accredited. We have a curriculum, guidelines, and routines that help our children seamlessly transition into the pre-K setting. We’re committed to our kids!”

Martha’s Table is excited to launch a new workforce development program for women pursuing a career in early education. With your support, they will receive access to scholarships, stipends for child care and transportation, and the full suite of Martha’s Table programming while furthering their education. They will also have the opportunity to complete hands-on hours in our classrooms, participate in financial coaching with LIFT-DC, and receive academic and exam tutoring.

This program removes barriers and forges new pathways for current and aspiring early education professionals to earn their credentials and advance their careers. We are grateful to American University, Trinity Washington University, LIFT-DC, Venture Philanthropy Partners +Raise DC, JP Morgan Chase, and the Urban Institute for their partnership on this initiative, which will graduate 300 women over the next three years!

For moms like Shernice, this program will provide opportunities to turn professional dreams into reality! “I am proud to say that I’m living my passion, and it’s exciting to know that other mothers will have the opportunity to pursue their passion for early childhood education as well through this amazing partnership and grant,” Shernice celebrated.

We’re proud of the hard work our teachers put in every single day to help our young learners reach their highest potential. Your support helps keep our teachers and classrooms STRONG! Click here to learn more about the PEDALS program.