20th Anniversary Summit

On February 12, 2011, Teach For America gathered nearly 11,000 alumni, corps members, supporters, and staff for our 20th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C – the largest event in our history. Education, government, and social justice leaders led a weekend of discussion and problem-solving focused on expanding educational opportunity in our nation. Together, we discussed what we are learning, reflected on what more must be done, and recommitted to the role we each will play in maximizing our personal and collective impact in this pursuit.

Hear from Teach For America alumni - including several luminaries in the field of education - as they talk about their experience in the movement to create educational opportunity for all kids.

"The only way we end poverty is to give every child in this country a great teacher and a great education."

"It's not about asking whether we can, the question is how we can ensure that all children have the opportunity to get an excellent education."

"Our children are our legacy. Not some of them. All of them."

The opening plenary session stared off with a bang as Ballou Senior High School Marching Band marched through the hall.
Interim Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya Henderson (New York '92), kicked off the summit with a warm welcome.
From left to right, panelists Joel Klein, Dave Levin, Michelle Rhee, Geoffrey Canada, and John Deasy discuss the current state of education and share their perspectives on what changes are needed to bring about transformational change for our students.
More than 11,000 attendees filled the hall for the morning plenary session.
Teach For America CEO and Founder, Wendy Kopp thanked attendees for coming and reflected on progress made over the last 20 years.
John Schnur, Chairman of the Board, New Leaders for New Schools moderated a panel of leaders in education on what it will take to achieve educational equity.
KIPPsters from the Bronx based KIPP Academy gave a moving final performance.
Kaya Henderson (New York '92), Kristin Ehrgood (Newark '92), and Bruce Villineau enjoy the "post summit glow."
Attendees cheered and celebrated during the closing plenary session.
Attendees cheered and celebrated during the closing plenary session.
President Obama delivered a special congratulatory message to summit attendees.
The Honorable Vincent Gray, Mayor of D.C., welcomed attendees to the city and spoke about alumni leadership and impact in the community.
U.S. Secretary of State, Arne Duncan, gave the keynote address in which he reflected on progress made, the work ahead, and the role which Teach For America corps members and alumni can play to ensure all students can realize their potential.
Performing artist and Teach For America board member, John Legend performs his hit song "Wake Up" accompanied by the KIPP Academy String and Rhythm Orchestra.
Dominique Lee (Newark '07) and Charity Haygood (Newark '96) recounted the genesis of their school BRICK and how they will continue to work to support their students, teachers and broader school community.
Miguel Solis (Dallas '09) reflected on what it means for him to be a teacher and his hopes for he broader alumni movement.
Tina Fernandez (New York '94) shared how she steps up and plays an active role in the movement for educational equity, despite the fact that she no longer works in education.
Evan Stone (New York '07) and Amy Spicer (Baltimore '99) shared their experience as teachers who became frustrated by policies and took action to change them.
John Legend spoke passionately about kids getting lost in the shuffle and the role he can play in giving them a voice and supporting Teach For America's work.
Mike Feinberg (Houston '92) reflected on delivering on sacred promises to students.
Camika Royal (Baltimore '99) talked about the need to support and respect one another and all those involved in this effort to achieve educational equity.
Bill Ferguson (Baltimore '05) recounted how a group of dedicated teachers help him win an unbeatable state senate seat.
Michael Johnston (Mississippi Delta '97) shared how his work in Colorado's state senate stems from a field trip he took years ago with his students in the Mississippi Delta.
Jeremy Beard (Los Angeles '95) challenged attendees to choose to be great and "concern yourself less with your successes" and "more about what you can do to help others succeed."
Images of corps members and their students served as a backdrop for the KIPP Orchestra's final performance.
Images of corps members and their students served as a backdrop for the KIPP Orchestra's final performance.
Wendy Kopp and Fatimah Burnam-Watkins (Baltimore '01) celebrate the culmination of an exciting and energetic weekend.