Sherenna Shelhart Apana, a native of Colorado Springs, earned a degree in Linguistics and Germanic Studies from the University of California-Riverside. She is currently enrolled at Oregon State University, pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Horticulture.
A 2018 TFA alumnus, Sherenna teaches Fifth Grade at Irving Elementary.
EDUCATION AS A CAREER
“I want to make a positive societal impact while continuing to grow as a person. There is no better place to do this than in education. Each day offers the opportunity to model kindness, critical thinking, and perseverance for my students. The relationships I’ve built have changed me more than I ever imagined possible and I improve every day so I can be better for my students and community.
WHY TEACH FOR AMERICA
“I chose Teach for America because their mission speaks to the root of my being. They are training leaders who will take their teaching experience into whichever fields they end up in long-term. It’s important that as many people as possible understand the struggles today’s students and families face so that they can work to affect change in their sectors.
“For students to one day live in a society where a high-quality education is available to everyone takes more than teachers. It takes leaders. This is what Teach for America is building.”
IMPACT OF LIFE EXPERIENCES
“I had 12 years of management experience before I began teaching. This has helped in so many ways, particularly classroom management, communication, and lesson implementation. With this school year being my fourth, I would say my work background has been my biggest asset.”
IMPRESSION OF PUEBLO
“I love Pueblo so much that my wife and I bought a house here. This is my community and I work every day to improve it however I can. I love that my neighbors are my friends and that I bump into my students at the store.
“People care about each other here and it shows.”
