How much do Teach For America corps
members get paid?
Corps members are paid directly by the school districts for which they work and generally receive the same salaries and health benefits as other beginning teachers. While beginning teacher salaries vary by district, most corps members find that they can live comfortably regardless of their region. Corps members teaching in urban sites typically have higher salaries, ranging from $28,000 to $44,000. Corps members in rural sites, who make between $25,000 and $33,000, tend to have more discretionary income because the cost of living is disproportionately lower in these sites. For this reason, many corps members in rural regions complete their two-year commitments with substantial savings. Learn how a starting teacher's salary compares to salaries for other entry level jobs, and read about the other financial support Teach For America provides.
Does Teach For America provide financial support for
transitional costs?
Teach For America covers major expenses during the summer institute (e.g., housing, food) for all corps members and offers transitional funding awards in the form of interest-free loans and, in many cases, grants. Packages range from approximately $1,000 - $6,000 to those who apply and are designed to help corps members cover moving and start-up costs. Awards are based on an applicant's demonstrated need, cost of living, and other expenses associated with a corps member's assigned region. Learn more about the grants and loans corps members can receive, as well as details about corps member salaries.
Does Teach For America help with student loans
and/or future educational expenses?
Because Teach For America is currently a member of AmeriCorps, our corps members who have not served previously as AmeriCorps members are eligible for the following AmeriCorps benefits:
• Loan forbearance (a period of time during repayment in which the borrower is
permitted to temporarily postpone making regular monthly payments) and interest
payment on qualified student loans during their two years of service
• An education award of $4,725 at the end of each year of service (a total of $9,450 over
the two years), which may be used toward future educational expenses or to repay
qualified student loans
While Teach For America is currently a part of AmeriCorps, we cannot guarantee these benefits for the 2008 corps given the nature of the AmeriCorps competitive grant process and the dependence on Congressional funding cycles. Teach For America anticipates receiving final confirmation on education awards for next year in spring 2008. Learn more about qualified student loans and other financial arrangement information.
Who we're looking for
College graduates and professionals
Frequently asked questions
Corps and Alumni