Paying It Forward: Nate’s Journey of Teaching & Shared Successes

Meet NATE KIRSCH,
Class of 2014

Nate joined MTR in 2013 and has spent over a decade teaching and coaching. He views his success as a collective effort, crediting his students' hard work and fellow teachers' influence. For Nate, education is about paying it forward and using his platform to advocate for others, with the ultimate reward being the growth and achievements of his students.

Nate Kirsch joined MTR in May of 2013 after hearing about it from a friend, Kevin Mattice (MTR Class of 2012). At the time, Nate was two years out of undergrad -- during that time, he had studied math in grad school, done missionary work, worked in landscaping and as a data analyst. Something about teaching in Memphis felt right to him, though, specifically with MTR. “MTR would give me opportunities to serve and love people in ways I always dreamed I would.”

Nate began his teaching journey with his residency year at Whitehaven High School, followed by two years at Hamilton High School, before returning to Whitehaven, where he stayed for almost ten years. Over the years, his impact on the community has grown. Former students who learned in his classroom walls are now his colleagues, and one even helped him run MTR’s STEM Camp! Their return is a testament to Nate’s belief that education is about paying it forward.

“Nothing done at a high level is done alone,” Nate says. For him, the achievements of any teacher are the efforts of many. “Teachers don’t win awards without students who are willing to rise to the challenge,” he emphasizes.

It’s clear Nate isn’t one to search for the spotlight, even after winning the prestigious Milken Educator Award in 2019, an incredible honor given to outstanding teachers across the nation. In fact, when asked how it felt to receive the award, he spoke of the students who were ready to be pushed, craving the opportunity to excel. “It’s the kids who did well,” Nate insists. “Teaching awards are weird because the students are the ones who deserve the recognition.”

In Nate’s eyes, his fellow educators share in the credit as much as his students. He’s quick to highlight the teachers who’ve influenced his journey—people like Daniel Warner (MTR Class of 2014) whose authentic approach to education continues to inspire Nate.

As Nate reflects on his years in Memphis, it’s clear his admiration for the community runs deep. “There are a lot of people in Memphis who want to give their talents to help others,” he says, noting Whitehaven math teacher and football coach, Rodney Saulsberry, who uses sports as a vehicle to further students’ education. Coaches like Saulsberry work tirelessly, helping students earn college scholarships through athletics.

Teaching and coaching are intertwined for Nate. “Seeing somebody reach their potential” is the most rewarding part of his job, he says, whether in the classroom or on the track. He began coaching track during his residency year, and while balancing teaching and athletics can be long hours, the joy of witnessing his students achieve their goals is unmatched.

MTR has been a place where Nate’s skills have been able to meet real needs.

He speaks highly of the organization's commitment to providing a top-tier education to every student in Memphis. “The culture of excellence stays the same,” he says, noting that his peers in the Class of 2014 continue to inspire him.

In true Nate Kirsch fashion, he gives so much credit to the people who’ve helped him along the way and, most of all, to the students whose hard work makes teaching feel like more than just a job—it feels like a shared victory. “You don’t get into this to shine,” he says, “but when life gives you a position and platform to speak, you must advocate for and uplift others.”

For Nate, it’s never been about the awards or the recognition. It’s always been about the work, the students, and the people around him.

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