California

State Farm/Teach for America Partnership Flourishes Through Meet My Teacher Program

In January, State Farm® and Teach for America joined forces to create the Meet My Teacher mentoring partnership, coming together to share business and academic experiences to grow and learn from each other. During this time, a mentoring relationship flourished between Gardena State Farm Agent René Hawkins and Teach for America Corps Member Amanda Brown. Hawkins was previously involved in State Farm mentoring as well as at her church. When this opportunity came up, “it rekindled an old flame,” she said.

Brown teaches 10th; grade humanities at The Da Vinci Charter School’s Hawthorne location. “I’m surrounded by teachers,” she said. “I was excited about connecting with someone who has a different world view. Once I met René, I was excited for my students, too.”

The two met at the January 2011 Meet My Teacher kickoff reception. “We hit it off right away,“ said Brown. “I was amazed at how willing René was to help me.” The first order of business was Hawkins’ visit to Brown’s classroom as the students prepped for college visits and job interviews. “I wanted the kids to like me!” said Hawkins. “I was probably more nervous than Amanda.”

As a former human resources associate, Hawkins used her experience to share the “do’s and don’ts” of interviewing, and had fun while doing it. She walked into the classroom wearing sunglasses and giant earrings, also chewing gum. ’I opened with, ‘Hi, I’m René’, then immediately looked down and began texting on my phone. I walked out the door, then back in again, looking more professional. I asked, “What’s different?” This started the dialog about the importance of first impressions. The kids loved it!”

Brown hasn’t visited Hawkins’ agency, but it’s in their plans. They’re committed to staying in touch bi-weekly. “This partnership parallels my agent role,” said Hawkins. “You need communication, passion, and an ability to work within someone’s schedule. There’s no sitting back and waiting for something to happen.”

Brown agreed. “I get busy in my classroom – René is great about checking in and seeing what’s happening with me and my students. When you commit yourself to this mentoring partnership, you both decide how to best work together to achieve your goals.”

Asked what Brown admires about her mentor, she replied, “René’s super-personable. She’s easy to talk to, and one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met.” René returns the compliment by saying, “Amanda’s passionate about her students. Her subject knowledge is so impressive! She’s the teacher you always wanted – “cool”, yet definitely in charge. Her authority’s there when she needs to use it. The students respect her.”

Asked what they hope to get out of this mentoring experience, Brown replied, “I hope René walks away as another Teach for America advocate, knowing all kids can learn. I want her to know how amazing my students are, so she can advocate that everyone can succeed with a great education.”

Hawkins’ response paralleled her mentor’s. “For me, this is all about making Amanda successful. I care about our kids’ futures, so I’ll be involved any way I can. If our time together means going out and picking up trash, I’ll be there, picking up trash right alongside Amanda’s students! You learn and grow together from every shared experience.”

“I encourage eligible agents to look into this opportunity,” Hawkins continued. “Even in this short period of time, it’s been an awesome experience.”