Teaching is more than just a job. It is a mix of roles and responsibilities that extend far beyond the classroom. I became a teacher to make a difference, but like many others, I eventually stepped away when the reality no longer matched the vision I had.

After months of job applications and searching for what might come next, I found it: Junior Achievement. The name was instantly familiar. I had JA programs in my classroom every year in elementary school, and I fondly remember my 5th-grade field trip to JA BizTown in Davenport, Iowa. As a teacher, I had turned to JA when I needed curriculum to teach financial literacy to my own 5th graders. It felt like a full-circle moment, and almost too perfect to be true.

Now, as a Manager of Volunteer Engagement at JA-Rocky Mountain, I can make the impact I had been looking for all along. I help create a brighter future for students by connecting them with community partners. I support students from all backgrounds as they engage with business professionals, giving them new kinds of role models who expand their view of what’s possible. I also help adults gain a better understanding of what’s happening in schools by giving them a glimpse into a teacher’s world, even if just for a few hours. And personally, I’ve gained a new perspective on the corporate world and my own career potential.

Leaving the classroom was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it led me to a place where I feel I can truly make a difference. Through my work with JA, I am able to support students in ways I never could before, and I am continually inspired by the resilience and potential of the young minds I encounter. Connecting students with role models in the community has shown me the immense value of these interactions, fostering growth and ambition in ways that traditional teaching often cannot.

Every step has brought me closer to the meaningful change I sought, both for my students and for myself. By rallying behind our teachers with programs like JA, we can support both educators and students, creating a stronger, more connected community.

Grace Schebler is the Manager of Volunteer Engagement at JA-Rocky Mountain. In this role, she connects corporate and individual volunteers with opportunities to implement JA programs.