Caleb comes from a family of educators — but even so, when he signed up to be a Math Corps tutor, he didn’t realize it would be the first step toward his own career in education. Today, as a participant in the Minnesota Grow Your Own Teacher (MNGOT) program, Caleb reflects on his journey, the support and new friendships that he’s discovered, and why he believes MNGOT is a powerful path for anyone considering teaching.
This interview was conducted by our partners at ServeMinnesota.
Q: What sparked your interest in becoming a teacher?
A: Education runs deep in my family. My dad spent over 30 years in education, my brother teaches elementary music, and I always had it in the back of my mind. But it really clicked after college when I joined Math Corps. I loved working with kids, seeing their progress, and realizing, “Yes, this is what I want to do.” That hands-on experience was affirming.
Q: How did you make the jump from Math Corps to MNGOT?
A: After a year and a half in Math Corps, I knew I wanted to stay in education. I heard about MNGOT and realized it was the perfect path. I switched from math tutoring to Reading Corps when I joined the program, which was really valuable because it gives me both perspectives. Honestly, MNGOT just made sense for me — it’s definitely rigorous, but it felt like a realistic and supportive way to pursue teaching.
Q: What impact did your tutoring experiences have on your path to teaching?
A: Tutoring has been the perfect on-ramp to teaching. Small-group and one-on-one work let you see growth up close and teach you how to meet students where they are. I had two sisters, new to the school, who I worked with in Reading Corps. Being a trusted adult in their corner was incredible — their growth reminded me why I’m doing this. Those experiences give you confidence that you can make a real difference.
Q: Did financial benefits MNGOT provides contribute to your decision?
A: Absolutely. The AmeriCorps education award and reduced tuition at the University of Minnesota made everything feel feasible. But just as important has been the support. Professors, tutoring coaches, and administrators have been in my corner from day one. That encouragement has been huge! It reassures me that they want me to succeed and become the best teacher I can be.
Q: What has the cohort experience been like?
A: It has been one of the absolute best surprises. My cohort is full of amazing future teachers — I truly believe any of them could walk into a classroom tomorrow and thrive. We support each other through the ups and downs, whether it’s coursework, classroom challenges, or personal life. Having that community has made the program not just doable, but enjoyable.
Q: You’ve mentioned how important self-care is. Has that been a theme of MNGOT?
A: Definitely. Teaching asks a lot of you, and it’s easy to give until you’re running on empty. MNGOT emphasizes strategies for balance — things like avoiding burnout, prioritizing, and keeping your own cup full. It’s not just about theory or pedagogy, but how to sustain yourself as a teacher over the long term.
Q: Has anything about MNGOT surprised you?
A: I’ve been struck by the emphasis on honoring kids’ own ways of thinking, especially in math. Growing up, I often felt pushed into the “one right way” of solving problems. But MNGOT encourages us to help students explore, use concrete tools, and recognize that there are multiple paths to the same solution. That approach has been eye-opening and inspiring.
Q: What would you tell someone considering MNGOT?
A: If you’re even thinking about teaching, it probably means you already feel called to education. MNGOT gives you access to the newest ideas in the field and surrounds you with incredible support. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but it’s energizing and rewarding. For me, it hasn’t just made me a better teacher — it has made me a more well-rounded person.
Interested in learning more about Reading Corps and Math Corps’ two-year pathway to becoming a teacher? Visit ReadingandMath.org/MNGOT. We’re currently accepting applications for fall 2026!