As we celebrate 20 years of KIPP in New Orleans, we are proud to reflect on the stories that embody our mission of "Growing Up Together." These stories are more than just milestones—they represent the heart and soul of our community. One such story is that of Ashira Jones, a remarkable individual who has come full circle from being a KIPP student to now leading her own classroom as a KIPP teacher.
Recently, Ashira's inspiring journey was featured in an article on NOLA.com, highlighting how KIPP's commitment to nurturing local talent has shaped her life and career. We invite you to explore her story and see how KIPP’s impact extends beyond the classroom, transforming lives and building a stronger community.
Ashira’s Early Days at KIPP
Ashira first walked through the doors of KIPP as a bright-eyed student with dreams of making a difference. From a young age, she was determined to succeed and driven by a desire to give back to her community. Little did she know, the classrooms where she learned would one day become the classrooms she would teach in.
Ashira first walked through the doors of KIPP as a bright-eyed student with dreams of making a difference. From a young age, she was determined to succeed and driven by a desire to give back to her community. Little did she know, the classrooms where she learned would one day become the classrooms she would teach in.
Throughout her time at KIPP, Ashira excelled academically and developed a deep love for learning. But it was during her high school years that she discovered her true calling—teaching. Reflecting on her early experiences at KIPP, Ashira shares, “I always knew that KIPP was a special place, but it wasn’t until high school that I realized I wanted to be a part of it in a deeper way. I wanted to give back in the same way my teachers gave to me.”
Discovering Her Passion for Teaching
It was through KIPP’s Alumni Teaching Force program that Ashira first realized her passion for education. The program, designed to inspire and train the next generation of teachers from within the KIPP community, gave Ashira her first taste of what it means to be an educator. With support and mentorship from KIPP teachers and staff, Ashira began to see teaching not just as a profession, but as a way to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
It was through KIPP’s Alumni Teaching Force program that Ashira first realized her passion for education. The program, designed to inspire and train the next generation of teachers from within the KIPP community, gave Ashira her first taste of what it means to be an educator. With support and mentorship from KIPP teachers and staff, Ashira began to see teaching not just as a profession, but as a way to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people.
“As a high school student, I had the chance to teach at Booker T. Washington High School,” Ashira recalls. “It was during those moments that I felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I hadn’t experienced before. I knew then that teaching was what I was meant to do.”
Scarlett Cornelius, Director of Talent Pipeline for KIPP New Orleans, saw Ashira’s potential early on. “Ashira was a natural,” Scarlett reflects. “She had this incredible ability to connect with students, to see their potential even before they did. Watching her grow from a student to a teacher has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”
Pursuing Higher Education
With the encouragement and support of KIPP, Ashira pursued her dreams at Dillard University, where she majored in education. Her time at Dillard was not just about earning a degree—it was about preparing to return to her community as a leader and a role model.
With the encouragement and support of KIPP, Ashira pursued her dreams at Dillard University, where she majored in education. Her time at Dillard was not just about earning a degree—it was about preparing to return to her community as a leader and a role model.
“At Dillard, I gained the knowledge and skills I needed to be an effective teacher,” Ashira says. “But more than that, I solidified my commitment to New Orleans and making a difference in the community that shaped me.”
Scarlett Cornelius adds, “Programs like Alumni Teaching Force are crucial because they not only provide a pathway for our students to become educators, but they also ensure that our teachers are deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Ashira is a perfect example of that success.”
Returning as a Teacher
Today, Ashira is a proud teacher at KIPP Central City Primary, leading her own classroom and inspiring the next generation of students. Her journey from student to teacher is a powerful testament to the importance of investing in local talent and the impact of KIPP’s "Grow Your Own" initiatives through the Alumni Teaching Force Program.
Today, Ashira is a proud teacher at KIPP Central City Primary, leading her own classroom and inspiring the next generation of students. Her journey from student to teacher is a powerful testament to the importance of investing in local talent and the impact of KIPP’s "Grow Your Own" initiatives through the Alumni Teaching Force Program.
“I see myself in my students every day,” Ashira shares. “I know what they’re capable of because I’ve been in their shoes. My goal is to help them realize their potential, just like my teachers helped me realize mine.”
Ashira’s story is not just about personal success—it’s about the success of the entire KIPP community. It’s about what can happen when we nurture our own, provide opportunities, and support each other in our growth.
As we celebrate 20 years of KIPP in New Orleans, stories like Ashira’s remind us of why we do what we do. They show us the power of community, the importance of education, and the lasting impact we can have when we grow together.
Scarlett Cornelius concludes, “Ashira’s journey is a shining example of what happens when we invest in our students, believe in their potential, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. It’s a story of growth, community, and the powerful legacy we’re building together.”
We are incredibly proud of Ashira and all she has achieved, and we know that her story is just one of many that highlight the strength and resilience of the KIPP community. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone, and to continue supporting the work that makes stories like Ashira’s possible.
To read more about Ashira’s inspiring journey, visit the full feature on NOLA.com here.