Teach for America

We are a major supporter of Teach for America (TFA), whose mission is to eliminate educational inequity by harnessing the talents of our nation's most promising future leaders. TFA recruits outstanding recent college graduates from all backgrounds and career interests to commit to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools. TFA provides the training and ongoing support necessary to ensure their success as teachers. Beyond, TFA alumni bring strong leadership to all levels of the school system and every professional sector, addressing the extra challenges faced by children growing up in low-income communities, building the capacity of schools and districts, and changing the prevailing ideology through their example and advocacy.

In 2011, TFA increased its presence in high-needs areas that continue to demand new teachers, including special education positions within the New York City Department of Education, and public charter schools. Thanks in part to our grant, TFA was able to bring in approximately 335 first-year teachers for the 2011 New York corps for a total teaching corps of nearly 550 during the 2011-2012 school year. With 335 incoming corps members, the New York region has the largest incoming Teach for America corps in the Country. These future leaders serve approximately 5,000 additional students in New York City classrooms. As a result of a challenge grant from the Foundation, TFA was also able to recruit new sponsors for its Sponsor A Teacher program in 2011.