Several FedEx executives will present lesson plans and dispense inspiration as guest teachers during Teach for America Week from Feb. 23-27. The FedEx executives are among approximately 150 distinguished guest teachers from across the U.S. who have volunteered to draw on their experiences in business, politics and beyond to help public school students.
Teach For America is the national corps of outstanding recent college graduates who commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in expanding educational opportunity. Teach For America Week is an annual event that enlists civic, business and other leaders to serve as guest teachers in support of the goal of expanding educational opportunity.
In April 2008, FedEx awarded Teach For America $1 million to support the recruitment of a more diverse corps. FedEx also provides in-kind and cash support to advance Teach For America’s growth and impact in communities around the country.
“FedEx plays an active role in supporting the communities we serve,” said Glenn Sessoms, vice president, Human Resources Services and Diversity, and chief diversity officer, FedEx Express. “Our commitment to Teach For America provides FedEx with the opportunity to get involved and actively support corps members in their efforts to close the achievement gap. These teachers are opening doors for students of diverse backgrounds by providing them with a solid education, which will prepare them to engage in their communities and the larger global economy.”
Sessoms will volunteer as a guest teacher at Kingsbury High School in Memphis. Other FedEx executives scheduled to guest teach include Robert B. Carter, executive vice president of Information Services and chief information officer, FedEx Corp.; Brian Philips, president and chief executive officer, FedEx Office; Gina Adams, corporate vice president, Government Affairs, FedEx Corp.; Bob Quinn, corporate vice president, Operations and Service Support, FedEx Corp.; Mark Colombo, senior vice president, Digital Access Marketing, FedEx Corp.; Rich Cocuzzo, vice president, Sales, FedEx Services; Cheryl O’Brien, vice president, Air, Ground & Freight Systems, FedEx Express, and Diane Terrell, staff vice president, Strategic Communications, FedEx Corp.
The guest teachers from FedEx will volunteer in schools in Memphis, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Washington.