Stefanie Bingham
As the lead instructor of the TGR Learning Lab Anaheim, I’ve seen first-hand the power of education.
I’m the first college graduate in my family on my mother and my father’s side. I didn’t know anyone who had been to college, and my family also wasn’t in a position to send me. I’ve always had a passion for basketball, and finding out about basketball scholarships really ignited a world of possibility toward my dreams and a career I love.
Passions & Purpose
I never considered being an educator. I thought I’d be playing basketball overseas or being a physical therapist, but every job that I’ve ever held was working with kids. My first job was as a summer camp counselor when I was 14 years old.
Once I graduated college, I became a substitute teacher at Brooklyn Friends Private School. I also became their girls volleyball and basketball coach. They didn’t have a full-time role for me, but I found one that allowed me to work in the juvenile justice system with incarcerated youth. Later I accepted a role teaching sixth-grade science, joined Teach for America, and I’ve been in the classroom ever since.
I still got to live my basketball dreams playing semi pro through tournaments in Brooklyn. I had a nine-to-five, but I was still hooping almost every day after work all over the city with support from my sponsor and coach. When I moved from New York after the pandemic I prayed to God to allow me to continue to serve students in a non-traditional setting. I truly feel blessed that I am in this position because this is where God wanted me to be.
Fulfilled Promises
When we opened the doors of the Learning Lab on launch day it was surreal to see the looks on students’ faces and the light in their eyes. They were literally running off the bus.
It’s rewarding to see students who haven’t missed a day since we opened and remind me of the promises I made to them during mobile outreach sessions of pre-launch programming.
My favorite memory has to be the first week of our classes when kids were asking for our autograph.
Empowered Students, Empowered Educators
The TGR Learning Lab is a safe space for students to explore their interests, learn new skills and prepare for the future.
We strongly encourage them to try new things with no pressure. I tell them often ‘effort is the only grade that you’ll receive from us. So don’t get a zero.’
I’m already surprised by what they’re doing with exposure to some of the resources that we have and where they’re taking their ideas and passions.
To be able to teach students at the Learning Lab without the pressure of grades, tests, quizzes and expectations to meet core standards truly allows us to put the student first.
I just feel blessed to be able to get to know my students, understand their passions and then provide them with guidance and opportunities to support their career plans. I also enjoy integrating my story, lessons and experience with youth into my classes. I’m looking forward to developing more culturally relevant programming that speaks to the essence of our kids. I love that we have agency to do that at the TGR Learning Lab.
I also love our team. Everybody brings a unique flavor, but nobody’s role is too big or too small to help someone else out. We’re a true team and we all allow each other to play into our strengths with support where we’re needed.
A Lasting Legacy
I want everyone to come to the TGR Learning Lab once because we truly have something for everyone. When we get them once then they’re hooked.
Philly is a strong city and the legacy that we’re starting at the TGR Learning Lab will last for years to come. We’re going to see to the next Charlie Siffords, scientists and leaders developed through our programs and opportunities.
Learn more and join us at Philadelphia.TGRLearningLab.org.
