November 17, 2025 — In celebration of American Education Week, the National Center for Teacher Residencies believes in recognizing the contributions of those who may go unnoticed for the work and talent they bring to classrooms. One impactful role that comes to mind are teacher residents. We are shining a spotlight on teacher residents’ passion and contributions to the field of education by amplifying the real voices and stories of teacher residents across the United States.
Meet Ilsa Carrillo Meza, Teacher Resident, Marshall Teacher Residency
How did you come to find out about the teacher residency program?
I came to find out about the teacher residency program through a referral from Rebecca Bekele, a talent specialist at Green Dot Public Schools.
Why did you decide to take part in the program?
I decided to take part in the program because I grew up believing, witnessing, and experiencing education as a powerful tool towards liberation and empowerment. My family immigrated from Mexico with the desire for a better life, which they were able to achieve through education. My grandparents instilled in us the value of education and, with it, the responsibility to utilize it to help uplift one’s community. For me, this program has been a means to continue my grandparents’ legacy of helping others through education.
Before beginning the program, what role(s) did you hold or continue to hold?
Before this program, I worked as an immigration paralegal. I was able to really help my community during times where immigrant rights were under attack. However, I decided to make a career change because my heart has always been in education. I knew that as an educator I could have a positive impact on students’ lives and make a transformative difference within the education system.
How has being part of the program contributed to your life?
This program has completely changed my life for the better. It has been an amazing experience to learn how to be the best educator that I can be from such incredible mentors to then complement coursework with hands-on experience within a classroom has been one of the greatest opportunities in my life. It has brought me so much joy to be able to learn, grow, create, and laugh alongside students.
What does teaching mean to you?
To me, teaching means an act of love. Love for my students looks like an unwavering commitment to instill within them a sense of pride for who they are and where they come from, an unwavering belief in themselves and their dreams, a desire to help others, and a strong sense of curiosity. Love for my community looks like including and valuing students’ parents, uplifting all voices within the school, organizing cultural events, and fostering a safe environment. Love for education means having a passion for learning, celebrating students’ growth, fostering critical thinking, and most importantly, believing in its power to make positive change.
What are you looking forward to most upon completion?
Upon completion, I am most looking forward to having my own classroom, especially decorating my classroom and meeting my very first round of students. I am also eager to build community at that school, with the parents, other staff, and administration. And most of all, I cannot wait to give back to my community as an educator. I know that this is my purpose in life.
We invite you to read more stories of teacher residents from our NCTR Network teacher residency programs.
Photo provided by Ilsa Carrillo Meza