Grit, Grind, and Gratitude: Jordaan’s newfound love for her hometown of Memphis

Meet Jordaan Mccray,
Class of 2018

Jordaan McCray, a fifth-grade teacher, reflects on her unexpected journey from being a medicine graduate to a passionate educator. Guided by her mentor and driven by the mission of MTR, Jordaan sees the challenges and rewards of teaching as a beautiful path toward growth in her life. Her story highlights resilience of Memphis and how she grew to re-fall in love with her home city.

Jordaan McCray sat in her fifth-grade classroom at Lucie Elementary, looking around with pride. Born and raised in Memphis, Jordaan had never imagined herself back here, but now knows this is exactly where she is meant to be.

Her journey to the classroom was anything but straightforward. After graduating from Vanderbilt with a degree in medicine and a minor in African American studies, Jordaan felt unsure of what to do next. Her pastor suggested that she would be a great teacher, but Jordaan didn’t know how to approach that path. At the Teach 901 job fair, she discovered MTR and felt an immediate connection.

For six years, Jordaan dedicated herself to the craft of teaching and found a love for fifth grade Language Arts.

"I didn't always have a positive mindset about Memphis," Jordaan reflected. "In high school, I dreamt of becoming a professor in Houston, Texas. But my perspective shifted when I started to see the potential in what was growing right here in Memphis.

This city is full of people with vision and tenacity, and they're implementing that vision right here, not taking it somewhere else. It’s called Grit and Grind for a reason."

"My whole life changed because of MTR," she shared.

Her mentor, Alexia, played a crucial role in Jordaan's development as a teacher. Alexia taught her the balance of being "warm-strict," a blend of kindness and firmness that Jordaan initially struggled with during her first residency year.

One student, Renee, tested Jordaan's growth in ways she hadn't anticipated during her first year. Renee pushed her to her limits, often bringing her to tears. "I didn't know how to love kids beyond how they made me feel," Jordaan said. "But Renee taught me to grow in love. She was one of the first to do that. Over time, my heart grew so much for her.” Seeing her students grow, even in small ways, is the most rewarding part of Jordaan's work. 

For Jordaan, MTR's mission went beyond just teaching. It was about embodying the love of Christ through patience, kindness, and gentleness. "Christian love requires me to transform," she explained. "It's not just about showing love to kids but about my own growth and learning. It's a journey of humility."

Throughout her years with MTR since 2017, Jordaan witnessed the program's unwavering commitment to equipping teachers. She shares how MTR ensures that teachers are prepared to be effective in the classroom. The organization is committed to making a difference, not just for MTR teachers, but for all teachers.

Jordaan's love for her students and her city had transformed her in ways she never imagined. "Being a teacher isn't just a job," she said. "It's about making a real impact. The kids I teach have changed my life, and I will never forget them. This work is important, and it should be done with care and dedication."

Memphis, with its grit and grind, had become Jordaan’s home…again.

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