The Power of Community: Building Connections in Atlanta



This December, I spent an incredible week in Atlanta connecting with our Moreland community — teachers, alumni, candidates, mentors, district leaders, and even international partners. The purpose of the trip was clear: to build and strengthen connections, celebrate our educators, and showcase Moreland’s commitment to supporting teachers not just at the start of their careers, but throughout their entire professional journeys. 

From classroom visits to a community gathering and an international job fair, this week affirmed what I believe at my core: teachers thrive when they are supported by a strong, caring community. In this blog post, I’m excited to share my experience and learnings with you all.  

Classroom Visits: Rolling Up Our Sleeves in Atlanta 

The week began with visits to eight schools across the Atlanta metro area, where I had the joy of meeting 15 Moreland candidates, alumni, and mentors. Each visit was unique, offering a glimpse into the inspiring work our educators do every day.

Two special moments reminded me just how meaningful it is to be in the classroom

  1. Co-Teaching in Gwinnett County: At an elementary school in Gwinnett County Public Schools, I joined a Moreland alum to help first graders explore basic addition and subtraction equations, figuring out if each one was “true” or “false.” Midway through, we had an unexpected fire drill. As I stood outside with the class on a chilly December afternoon, I felt a wave of nostalgia. These are the moments — both big and small — that make teaching such a powerful, relationship-driven profession.
  2. Jumping in to Help in Clayton County: In Clayton County Public Schools, I visited an alum who teaches elementary special education. With his paraprofessional out for the day, we quickly pivoted from our planned sit-down conversation to dividing and conquering tasks in the classroom. Assisting this teacher in helping students gain access to their online lessons was a highlight of my day. 

Sometimes, rolling up your sleeves and working alongside teachers is the best way to show appreciation. 

I also visited Atlanta Public School’s North Atlanta High School, a stunning 11-story building surrounded by 57 acres of forests and ponds. From there, I explored two international schools — International Community School of Georgia and Atlanta International School — where alumni and candidates are teaching diverse, globally-minded student populations. 

Teachers come from all walks of life, and Moreland’s community is a testament to that. I was honored to spend time with two incredible Moreland alumni: Dr. Chaunda McDavis is an English literature PhD now teaching at Maynard Jackson High School, and Jinna Estrada Jordan is a general physician specializing in occupational medicine from Colombia who teaches bilingual IB science at Sutton Middle School. Career changers bring expertise and passion to the classroom, and I was proud to see their impact.

A Night to Celebrate: Moreland’s Holiday Mixer 

On December 12, we gathered at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis for the Moreland University Holiday Mixer: Celebrating Atlanta’s Teaching Stars. This evening was all about uplifting and honoring the hard work of classroom teachers. 

With more than 43 attendees — including educators from six districts, HR leaders from four public school partners, and our partner ISS — the energy in the room was electric. Everyone showed up looking like the stars they are, and we made sure they were celebrated as such with games and prizes, a delicious holiday spread complete with a custom cocktail (the Moreland EmpowerMINT), and a heartfelt toast to teachers — recognizing the invaluable role they play in shaping students’ lives. 

We laughed, shared stories, and even shed a few tears as teachers reflected on their journeys. This was more than just an event; it was a moment of community connection. Current candidates and alumni shared how valuable this gathering was for building connections that foster professional support and growth. Many expressed eagerness to refer others to Moreland and participate in our Referral Program. Our district partners in attendance were impressed by the exceptional talent within the Moreland community! 

That’s the magic of community. It uplifts, supports, and grows — one connection at a time.

Global Reach: Supporting Teachers Worldwide 

I wrapped the week up by participating in the International Schools Services (ISS) Job Fair, where I connected with Moreland alumni exploring opportunities to teach around the globe. 

There, I delivered two professional development sessions: 

  1. AI for Personalized Learning: Safe, Ethical, and Effective Strategies to Drive Student Engagement: I explored how educators can harness AI to analyze student performance, personalize learning pathways, and enhance classroom efficiency — all while ensuring safety and ethical use.
  2. Elevate Your Teaching Career Globally: A Guide to International Success: I provided actionable strategies for educators to thrive in international teaching, including navigating licensing, advancing careers through leadership and certifications, and building a global professional presence. 

Both were attended by participants eager to grow their practice and explore the ever-evolving field of education. I also assisted teacher candidates with resume reviews and interview preparation — ensuring they felt confident and ready for their next steps.

The Impact of Face-to-Face Connection 

This week in Atlanta was a testament to the power of connection. From co-teaching lessons and celebrating teachers at a community mixer to engaging with international school leaders, I saw Moreland University’s mission in action at every turn: to equip, enable, and empower teachers around the world

Because we are committed to supporting teachers throughout the lifetime of their careers, our community is vast and dynamic. In addition to our candidates and alumni, we also engage with their mentors, district leaders, and global partners who all play a role in helping teachers thrive. 

Atlanta is just the beginning. Connecting with educators where they live and work will guide Moreland as we expand our partnerships and deepen our impact in communities across the country and around the world.  

To all the educators, leaders, and partners I met in Atlanta: thank you for inspiring me. Together, we’re building a future where every teacher feels seen, supported, and celebrated — every step of the way.


Are you ready to join a community that supports you throughout your teaching journey? Visit www.moreland.edu to learn how Moreland can help you take the next step in your educator career. 

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