Teach for America
Who Can Apply: Seniors, Recent Grads – US Citizens, Permanent Residents (Non-US Citizens see notice below) – GPA of 2.5 or higher required (3.0 or higher recommended) – All Majors
IMPORTANT: If you are an international student with a background in math or science, you may be eligible to join the Teach For America International Students Pilot Program.
Description: At Teach For America, we are working with a great sense of urgency to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort. We recruit outstanding recent college graduates of all majors and career interests and working professional to commit two years to teach in urban and rural public schools, and we invest in the training and professional development necessary to ensure their success as teachers in our highest-poverty communities. Our teachers, also called corps members, go above and beyond traditional expectations to lead their students to significant academic achievement, overcoming the challenges of poverty despite the current capacity of the school system. Additionally, in succeeding with their students, corps members show that children in low-income communities and children of color can achieve at high levels, thus influencing the prevailing ideology.
Service Obligation: Teach for America corps members make a two-year commitment.
Award Amount: Corps members receive the same salaries and health benefits as other beginning teachers, and they are paid directly by the school districts for which they work. Salaries range between $30,000 and $51,000, depending on the placement location.
National Deadline: multiple deadlines per year
Program Preferences: We seek individuals – from all backgrounds and career interests – who have what it takes to excel as teachers and to ultimately exert broader societal influence in our nation.
There are many ways to demonstrate these qualities, and we view applicants holistically by looking for evidence of:
• Demonstrated past achievement: achieving ambitious, measurable results in academics, extracurriculars, and/or work leadership
• Perseverance in the face of challenges
• Strong critical thinking skills: making accurate linkages between cause and effect and generating relevant solutions to problems
• Ability to influence and motivate others
• Organizational ability: planning well, meeting deadlines, and working efficiently
• Understanding of and desire to work relentlessly in pursuit of our vision
• Respect for students and families in low-income communities
Lastly, we seek evidence that applicants operate with professionalism and integrity, and meet basic writing standards.
IMPORTANT: At the same time that we value each individual who commits to our mission, we also place a particular focus on attracting and developing individuals who share the racial and/or socioeconomic backgrounds of the students we teach.