A Bostonian through and through, Marley is a journalist-turned-school reform advocate who earned dual degrees in political science and U.S. history from the University of Rochester.
During her time as a city reporter, Marley’s favorite aspect of the job was hearing the stories of her sources—from business owners and politicians to everyday folks. Learning about the problems they faced in their daily lives sparked her curiosity for how she could help and serve her fellow citizens. Marley was still pondering that question when she attended an event that would ultimately change the trajectory of her professional life—an event for then—presidential candidate Barack Obama. His inspiring vision for America’s future helped her realize that she no longer wanted just to write about policy—she wanted a hand in making it and contributing to a solution for the nation’s biggest problems.
Marley set her sights on the country’s policy hub, Washington, D.C., and spent two summers in the offices of Massachusetts Congresswoman Niki Tsongas and Senator Ted Kennedy. While working on school legislation on Capitol Hill, Marley developed her deep passion for closing the achievement gap—and she decided to get even closer to the ground, joining Teach for America to effect change in underserved classrooms.
As a TFA corps member, Marley taught middle school history for two years in a Title I Arizona public school and won recognition as the 2012 Teacher of the Year for her work in her community. She comes to 50CAN from the classroom to change not only the lives of her own students, but to help determined advocates across the country create the public policy environment that will allow all kids to achieve their dreams.
I aspire to be like Abraham Lincoln. Here’s why:
Today we recognize Abraham Lincoln as one of our nation’s greatest presidents—but he could have been remembered far less favorably. Without his political savvy, perseverance and clear vision for the future of our country, our nation may have split in half.
Instead Abraham Lincoln held fast to hope and vowed to keep the Union together, because he knew that our nation’s strength rested in its diversity. Abraham Lincoln made a promise that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” And he was right.
Politicians and advocates today face a divided nation, as well. And at 50CAN, we run campaigns in states with unique geographies, politics and demographics. Yet we’re fighting for a common cause at the end of the day: great schools for all. Like Lincoln, we must keep our positive vision at the forefront of our minds and recognize diversity as one vital tool in solving even our most complicated problems.
In short, because I’m inspired every day. At 50CAN, I work among an ever-growing network of relentless advocates for kids. Even better: my job is to use my policy and teaching experience to unify our state campaigns and ensure that we’re fulfilling our vision of great schools for all. When I think back to my days in the classroom, I feel good knowing that people like my 50CAN colleagues are fighting for students across the country.
Not only did I serve as a public school teacher through Teach for America, but I was lucky to attend amazing public schools growing up that taught me to think critically and fulfill my civic duty as an engaged citizen, all while preparing me for college and my career.
I believe that great public schools are the foundation of any true democracy—and if America hopes to honor its founding premise, of liberty and justice for all, our public schools must be great, and they must provide all of our kids with equal opportunity. A child’s destiny should not be determined by his parent’s income, the color of his skin or his ZIP code. There is neither liberty nor justice in that.
Kofi Annan once said, “Education is, quite simply, peace-building by another name. It is the most effective form of defense spending there is.” I couldn’t agree more. And if we truly want an America with less crime, less wasteful spending and more peaceful, healthy communities, we must hold ourselves—and our public schools—to a higher standard.
It’s not something I’m bad at, per se, but here’s a quirk of mine: I talk to everything, including inanimate objects—my car, the ATM, my phone, the TV. They’re all fair game. My friends and family have been privy to full-fledged conversations with my GPS—“Turn left there?! Are you crazy!?” So if you ever see me pleading with the printer, don’t be alarmed.
This is the country that I love, and I want to see it reach its best, most full potential—not just for a few, but for all. 50CAN can help make that happen.