From Math Major to Education Advocate: Ja’Maya King’s Breakthrough Journey
In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, a movement in education equity is taking place. Ja’Maya King stands in it, a shining example of how a passion for teaching can transform lives and communities. As we dive into Ja’Maya’s story, we’ll explore how Breakthrough Birmingham is transforming education through relationships, growth, and exposure.
Discovering a Calling in Education
Ja’Maya’s journey began at Spelman College, where she initially pursued a math major with her sights set on finance. However, a chance encounter with Breakthrough Birmingham on Instagram changed the course of her career and life. “After talking to Mariohn (Breakthrough’s Executive Director), before even doing my summer teaching fellowship, I knew I had to change my major to educational studies,” Ja’Maya recalls.
This pivotal moment highlights the power of exposure in shaping career paths – a theme that resonates deeply with Ja’Maya’s vision for education equity. “As a first-generation college student, I didn’t know college was possible. Exposure is crucial for all students, especially those from urban schools who may not see these opportunities,” she explains.
The Breakthrough Experience: More Than Just Teaching
Breakthrough Birmingham offers a unique summer teaching fellowship that immerses college students in the world of education. For Ja’Maya, this experience was transformative. “Being in the classroom changed my perspective on education,” she says. “I learned much from Jessica’s mentorship, working with kids and staff. I took those values and applied them to my junior year at Spelman, becoming an advocate for Breakthrough Birmingham.”
The program’s impact extended far beyond a single summer. Ja’Maya returned for a second year, taking on more of a leadership role and setting an example for new teaching fellows. “The continuous support from the Breakthrough staff is amazing, even when I’m not there. The relationship piece was so important to me,” she shares.
Bridging the Education Gap
Breakthrough Birmingham’s mission aligns perfectly with Ja’Maya’s passion for education equity. “We bring opportunities to students who don’t have opportunities,” she emphasizes. “We’re closing the educational gap in the US, doing so much work around the country.”
This focus on equity is crucial in Birmingham’s educational landscape, where access to resources and exposure to diverse career paths can vary greatly. Ja’Maya’s experience as a Teaching Fellow in 9th-grade science and math has given her firsthand insight into local students’ challenges and opportunities.
The Power of Mentorship
Throughout her Breakthrough journey, Ja’Maya has been profoundly impacted by the mentorship she received, particularly from Jessica (Breakthrough’s previous recruitment manager). “She really took a chance on me,” Ja’Maya reflects. “Even when I had struggles, I took my lessons from summer ’23 to summer ’24. The leadership aspect of being the only returner at Woodlawn was challenging, but the relationship with the staff was so important for me.”
This emphasis on mentorship and personal growth is a cornerstone of Breakthrough Birmingham’s approach, fostering the next generation of educators who are not only fulfilled teachers but also passionate advocates for their students.
Looking to the Future
Did you know that ¾ Teaching Fellows will pursue a career in education after they graduate?
Ja’Maya’s Breakthrough experience has set her on an exciting path. She’s now part of the Teach for America pipeline and will be moving to Birmingham in May to continue her work in education. “Breakthrough has really transformed my life,” she says. “It has helped me find my purpose within education and in my community.”
As she prepares for this next chapter, Ja’Maya has a vision for transforming education: “I feel really strongly about exposure. It’s more than just college—it’s about seeing different family dynamics, socioeconomic statuses, internships, and job opportunities. We need to make what seems impossible possible for all students.”
Ja’Maya King’s journey from math major to education advocate is a testament to the power of programs like Breakthrough Birmingham. By providing opportunities for college students to explore teaching careers and supporting underrepresented middle school students, Breakthrough creates a ripple effect that aims to set scholars on a path to post-secondary success.
For those interested in joining this educational transformation, whether as a teaching fellow or a middle school scholar, Ja’Maya’s message is clear: “Breakthrough is the place to be. You’re going to have so much fun while learning. This is going to be the best experience you could ever think of.”
To learn more about how you can get involved with Breakthrough Birmingham and be part of this inspiring journey towards education equity, visit our website, follow us on social media, or give today! It is time to transform education with every dollar.
