OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Tierney Washington never planned to become an educator. Despite her family’s deep roots in education – particularly at Forest High School – she initially set her sights elsewhere.

Washington was focused on marketing in high school and later earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of South Florida. She even considered a career in cosmetology, enrolling in a dual program. But despite her initial reluctance, she eventually found her calling in the classroom.

Familial Ties and a New Direction

Washington’s journey led her back to Forest High, where she was named Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2021-2022.

“I think my passion stems from growing up,” Washington said. “My mom is an educator. She’s been here at Forest for 33 years. Our grandfather was a guidance counselor here, and I knew for sure that I didn’t want to be in education.”

Her mother involved both her and her brother in academic programs like the College Reach-Out Program (CROP), which played a key role in her academic success. After college, she returned to Ocala and began teaching intensive reading to ninth graders at Forest.

“At that moment, it was like a light bulb went off,” she said. “These kids, they don’t lack intelligence; they just lack the structure behind the intelligence.”

Understanding Through Experience

Washington knows firsthand the struggles many students face. Although she had an educator parent, she herself struggled with comprehension in high school.

“I was able to relate to the kids,” she explained. “‘I’ve been in this seat before. These are different strategies that helped me. Maybe we should try it.’”

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Before launching her program, Culture Prep, Washington noticed parents struggling with tools like Skyward. Her connection with families caught the attention of Forest High Principal Lamar Rembert.

“He said, ‘Let’s get you on the 504 team, the guidance team,’” Washington recalled. “Any time that I talk to someone about my program, they are so willing to help because they know the demand that we need for successful individuals in the future, and it starts now, exposing children to different career paths.”

Making an Impact

Building Culture Prep wasn’t easy, but Washington’s determination helped her overcome the challenges.

“You want to help so many people,” she said. “But now that I’m in the position that I am now, I see that I should’ve never been afraid. Just like how I’m assisting the kids, there are people in the community who are assisting me just the same way.”

Washington now acts as a liaison between students, parents, and schools.

“I just lead the kids to the water and instruct them how to fish,” she said. “I think they value my knowledge, they value my word, and they value my resources because I won’t set them wrong. I’m straight up. I’m forward and it’s almost like a reality check.”

Meeting Students Where They Are

Washington works closely with students from diverse and often underprivileged backgrounds. Her approach is personal and adaptive.

“I try to remind them I didn’t come from where you came from, now that you have this opportunity, let’s explore these things,” she said. “I started off by going to cosmetology school and then I went to college for communications, but now I’m an educator. What we think is our path, may not be the ultimate path.”

Patience, she emphasizes, is key.

“A lot of kids think everything is instant,” she said. “But you have to be prepared. Progress looks different for everyone. The first thing to do is try.”

The Vision Behind Culture Prep

The name Culture Prep reflects Washington’s mission to shape not only academic growth but personal development.

“I said, ‘I’m prepping the culture—prepping their minds,’” she explained. “Culture is not only where you come from, but who you are.”

Culture Prep is open nationwide and offers tutoring both in-person and via Zoom. Washington hopes to expand partnerships with local colleges and trade schools.

“I would love to have a partnership with the local college, even the local trade schools here. maybe to have a bridging program,” she said. “We do a lot of post-secondary services for the students. If you’re not local, I can help tutor via Zoom. If you’re local, we can meet at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. I’m also at the public library.”

Looking Ahead

Washington credits her mother as her greatest influence.

“She did everything she could for my siblings and I to get an education,” she said. “She’s a very hard worker… and just to see the passion that she has for them and the relationships she built with the students really influenced where I am today.”

Culture Prep will host a parent event on Aug. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place. It’s an opportunity for families to better understand high school readiness, NCAA requirements, Bright Futures, and how to support their students.

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