Teaching with Purpose: Stories from MTI Scholars—Ashley Barajas-Galan

The Minority Teachers of Illinois (MTI) Scholarship isn’t just about financial support, it’s about building a future where every student sees themselves reflected in their educators. Across Illinois, MTI recipients are shaping classrooms, inspiring young minds, and making a lasting impact on their communities.

In this blog series, we’re highlighting the journeys of MTI scholars: how the scholarship has supported them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the successes they’re achieving in classrooms across the state. Their stories underscore why programs like MTI are vital to ensuring a strong, diverse teacher workforce in Illinois. By elevating these voices, we hope to shed light on the power of representation in education and the role that dedicated, diverse educators play in student success. Through their experiences, we see firsthand how equitable access to the teaching profession strengthens schools, enriches learning, and transforms lives.

Hear from Ashley Barajas-Galan, Current Teacher, Depaul University Graduate: 

What inspired you to become a teacher? What subject or grade level do you work with? 

I was inspired to become a teacher because I’ve always loved making music and helping others. I started playing the violin in fourth grade at my public school, and my music teacher played a huge role in shaping my path. He was a Latino, and despite our different cultural backgrounds, I saw myself in him. That representation made a lasting impact on me. Now, I teach K-8 general music and 4th-12th grade orchestra in Chicago Public Schools, and I feel incredibly grateful to give back to the same educational system that shaped me. 

Are there barriers that you recognize or experienced to becoming a teacher? 

There were definitely barriers I faced on my path to becoming a teacher. No one in my family had studied music or education, so I had to navigate much of the application process on my own, including figuring out the financial aspects without guidance. Once I was in a higher education institution, I struggled to find role models who looked like me, talked like me, or shared a similar story. I didn’t have the mentorship of someone who truly understood the challenges I was facing, which made the journey feel isolating at times. Despite these obstacles, I pushed forward, knowing that I could one day be that representation and support for future students like me. 

How have you used the MTI scholarship to assist you on your path to becoming an educator? 

The MTI scholarship played a crucial role in my journey to becoming an educator. It was one of the few scholarships that didn’t feel exclusive or out of reach, which made a huge difference for me. The application process wasn’t overwhelming, and for once, I didn’t feel like there were major barriers just to be considered. Because of this scholarship, the financial burden of higher education didn’t feel as daunting. Since I had to figure out the financial aspect of college on my own, receiving this support gave me the stability to focus on my studies and my passion for music education. It helped me stay on the path to becoming a teacher, despite not having role models or mentors who shared my experiences (I had a few professors who told me I should quit my job to focus on school). Now, as an educator, I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back and support students who may face similar challenges. 

How did you learn about the MTI scholarship? 

Financial Aid Office