Lili Filppu is set to embark on an educational journey this autumn, beginning her role as a corps member with Teach for America in her hometown of New Haven, Connecticut. At just 23 years old, Lili follows in the footsteps of her mother, Monica Filppu, who was also a Teach for America member over thirty years ago. This family legacy highlights a commitment to community engagement and educational service.
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Lili, a graduating student in psychological sciences from the University of Connecticut, is eager to inspire the same passion for learning that she observed throughout her childhood. “They were a real part of my childhood and showed me, early on, what it looks like to care deeply about students and communities,” she reflected, referring to the positive influence of educators in her life. She will teach high school biology, following a path that has integrated both her academic background and her personal experiences.
While Lili acknowledges the profound influence of her mother’s career in education—Monica currently serves as the CEO of Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County—she insists that her choice to teach stems from her own journey. “I’ve gone through the ebbs and flows of what I want to be when I grow up,” Lili noted, affirming her desire to carve out her unique identity in education.
Her involvement in peer mentoring at her university, specifically within the Academic Achievement Center, further ignited her passion for teaching. “Working with students who were on academic notice and helping them get back on track motivated me to give back to my own community,” Lili explained. She views her upcoming role with Teach for America as not just a job, but a meaningful contribution to the lives of young people in her area.
Lili emphasised the essential qualities of teaching: “At the end of the day, it’s about heart, it’s about connection, it’s about serving your community.” She understands the struggles that many students face as they transition from primary and secondary education to college, often feeling overwhelmed and lost. This empathy drives her commitment to teaching.
Despite the rewards associated with being an educator, Lili is aware of the numerous challenges that accompany the profession. Teacher shortages and a common sense of being underappreciated are ongoing issues within the education system. Monica, reflecting on her own experiences in the field, stressed the need for recognition of teachers as individuals who take on demanding roles with genuine intentions. “Teachers are human beings… we have to learn and adapt,” she remarked, reiterating the complexities of the profession.
Monica’s own journey through single parenthood adds another layer to their family narrative. Having raised Lili and her siblings largely on her own, she expressed gratitude for the educators who supported her children. “Some of the people I love the most in the world are the teachers who took care of my kids,” she said, highlighting the collaborative relationship between parents and teachers in nurturing the next generation.
Growing up immersed in the Teach for America community has deeply influenced Lili’s outlook on her chosen path. “They were a real part of my childhood,” she said, recognising the role these educators played in shaping her values. As she enters this new phase in her life, she acknowledges the meaningfulness of becoming part of a programme that has long been woven into the fabric of her upbringing.
Ultimately, Lili’s decision to join Teach for America feels both personal and collective. “Choosing TFA feels like a decision I made for me, shaped by my own experiences, but deeply grounded in a community that’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” she reflected. Through her upcoming teaching role, she hopes to give back to the community that has given her so much, fulfilling her lifelong ambition to connect with and inspire young learners.