Lisa Ratliff Roper

I discovered my passion for teaching when my own children were in elementary school. By that time, I was already degreed in another area and working in a career. Every free moment I had to volunteer in their school, I did! After a non-profit I was working for dissolved, I had the opportunity to work as a teacher assistant in a 2nd grade classroom at my children's school and my passion was confirmed!! I LOVED it!!! At the time, I didn't know how I could find the time to get another degree and work my way into a teaching career. It just didn't seem feasible for me while being a wife and mother of two. So I eventually got another job in my career field, but continued to volunteer in the school and tutor at my church, along with being my children's 'extra" teacher at home, all to feed my passion for teaching.

Fast forward almost 20 years...My children are adults, I am single and my desire to teach is still very present and now actually somewhat feasible in my mind. My daughter had recently started a new journey, following her passion to become a licensed cosmetologist and that lit a fire in me to pursue mine. My son, who had served as a City Year Corp Member sparked an idea in my mind to find a program that would allow me to follow my dreams. I had heard of Teach for America. I had even written a recommendation for one of my former student volunteers. But I thought they only took young people right out of college, not 49 year old career changers. Well, I Googled and found out I was wrong! They WERE looking for career changers and age wasn't an issue at all!! So, I went to the page and started my application!

'TFA finds outstanding leaders who teach for at least two years in low-income schools and spend a lifetime working with unwavering commitment to increase opportunity and end inequitable

Now after a day long interview process, a summer of training and teaching in Tulsa OK, more state exams than I wish to mention, hours of Education courses to compliment my existing degree and a TON of love and support from my family, friends and co-workers, I am heading into my 4th year of teaching and I'm the happiest I've been in my entire life!!

My commitment to stay at my school through Teach for America was 2 years. I fell in love with the children and the community I serve, so I remain at my placement school.

I am SO excited to meet my new students in August!! I was born a teacher...it's who I am! And I'm so thankful for the opportunity to live out my purpose every day!! I discovered my passion for teaching when my own children were in elementary school. By that time, I was already degreed in another area and working in a career. Every... read more