Q&A with Tarsha Guillory

Though there is still lots of work to be done, McLain 7th Grade Academy has been quietly raising student test scores since its founding in 2013. Tarsha Guillory, principal at McLain 7th Grade Academy, shares the impact Teach For America has had on her school and what she wants you to know about her team.

Q: How has Teach For America impacted your school?

A: TFA has been integral to the success our school has experienced. Each year, approximately half of the staff (in three of the four core subjects) have been corps members. TFA teachers hold leadership roles in the building, as well.

Note: Teach For America corps members and alumni make up the entire English Language Arts, Math, and Science departments – a mix of first-year, second-year, and alumni teachers who lead in various ways at McLain 7th Grade Academy. They own their roles as department chairs and team leaders; they also offer support through the Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) team and through athletics.

Q: What are the greatest accomplishments you have seen at McLain 7th Grade Academy?

A: Our students’ growth on the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests (the state exams). The number of students that have gone to 8th grade academically prepared to master content has increased each year.

Note: Reading scores went up 6 points from their last year at McLain Junior High to the end of Year 1 as the McLain 7th Grade Academy. Math scores went up over 20 points between Year 1 and Year 2.

Q: What is something you wish Tulsa knew about McLain 7th Grade Academy?

A: That we have the hardest working, most dedicated staff towards student achievement in AMERICA!

Thank you, Tarsha, for taking the time to share your insights about McLain 7th Grade Academy and Teach For America's impact at your school. We appreciate all of your hard work and investment in our students.