Educational inequity is the reality that where a child is born determines his or her educational opportunity and life prospects.
- By the time they reach 4th grade, children from low-income communities are, on average, two to three grade levels behind their higher income peers.
- Only half of students in low-income communities will graduate high school by the time they are 18. Those who do graduate will perform on average at an 8th grade level.
- Overall, only 1 in 10 students growing up in poverty will graduate from college.
Inequality in education is one of the greatest injustices of our time. It is also extremely costly to the our nation's economic and social progress.
- A study by McKinsey & Company revealed that educational inequity costs America $500 billion dollars each year, which is the equivalent of a permanent national recession.
Teach For America is a national non-profit organization committed to fighting this injustice by recruiting outstanding college graduates to commit two years to teaching in 39 rural and urban regions across the country. Over 8,200 teachers, called corps members, are working relentlessly to even the educational playing field for their students - and seeing incredible results. To read more about how TFA teachers are making a tremendous impact, visit http://www.teachforamerica.org/about/research.htm
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Teach For America a volunteer opportunity? Is it a financially viable option for college graduates?
Teach For America offers corps members a full salary and benefits, as well as some additional financial perks. For example, corps members are eligible to receive an Americorps award, which can be used to finance graduate school or pay off undergraduate student loans. Salary and cost of living information by region is available on the Teach For America website.
Do I have to have a background in education, or a desire to pursue a career in education, to join the corps?
Absolutely not. Teach For America provides full training and support, and encourages majors from all backgrounds to apply. Teach For America's mission is twofold. First, we expect corps members to spend two years working hard to achieve results for their students. Second, we hope to foster a movement for educational equality in all sectors of the community - including business, law, and medicine. Therefore, students with all different backgrounds and career aspirations are able to make a tremendous impact.
How is Teach For America compatible with my career goals (in finance, law, medicine, etc.)?
While some corps members choose to stay in the classroom past their two year commitment, many graduates of the program go on to pursue graduate school or employment in many different fields. In fact, TFA partners with many schools and organizations, which actively recruit from the corps. Information about Teach For America's compatibility with your career goals can be found on our website.
Where will I be placed? Will I be able to indicate my regional preference?
Applicants to Teach For America will have an opportunity to rank their regional preferences as well as their grade level and subject preferences (i.e. 3rd grade math, high school history, early childhood education, special education, etc). Placements are available in 39 regions, both rural and urban, everywhere from New York City to Hawaii to the Mississippi Delta. Detailed information about each region is available on our website. In placing candidates, Teach For America staff consider preference as well as need. Every teacher, wherever their specific placement, has the ability to make a significant and lasting impact.
What is the application process like? Is there an admissions deadline?
To apply for the 2011 corps, or learn more about the application process timeline, please visit the "Apply" section of our website or follow the link on our "Additional Resources" page. We have five deadlines for admission: August 20th, September 17th, October 27th, December 17th, and February 4th. Applicants will be expected to submit an online application, indicate regional/grade level/subject preferences, and complete several interviews. Applicants can expect the entire process to take a few months.
