Memphis, TN – September 26, 2024 – Janet Alvarez’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and community. A lifelong Memphian, she graduated from the University of Memphis in May 2024 and immediately sought to give back to the school that shaped her.

Alvarez now walks the halls as a first-year ESL teacher at American Way Middle School, the same school she walked the halls as a student. She recalled her first Hispanic teacher in 10th grade, who came from Panama. 

"It was the first time I had someone I could truly relate to," she said. 

This experience ignited a passion within her to become a teacher so she could inspire and empower students from a similar background.

“During the district hiring fair, Ms. Alvarez proudly approached our team, expressing her heartfelt desire to teach at the school that molded her,” said Principal Larissa Jackson. “She embodies enthusiasm, optimism, and a deep passion for shaping the future.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Alvarez is deeply connected to her family and cultural heritage. Every December, she travels to Nayarit and Jalisco, Mexico, to visit her grandparents and other relatives. Her parents, who emigrated from Mexico 25 years ago, have been a constant source of inspiration. Growing up as their translator, she witnessed firsthand their unwavering determination to learn English. 

Alvarez's dedication to her students is evident in her innovative teaching methods and her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. She hopes to inspire others to pursue careers in teaching and to make a positive impact on their communities as she continues to grow as an educator. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope for students from all backgrounds, demonstrating the power of education to transform lives.