September 28, 2009—Don Fisher was an extraordinary champion of Teach For America. He changed our trajectory, ultimately impacting the lives of millions of children in high-poverty communities and generating tremendous momentum in the movement to ensure educational opportunity for all children in America.
In 2000, when Teach For America had 1,000 corps members across 13 regions, Don challenged us to grow. He launched each of three growth funds with sizeable grants, joined our board, and became deeply engaged personally, giving generously of his time and advice. Today, as a direct result of Don’s vision and commitment to our work, more than 7,000 corps members are teaching across 35 communities, reaching nearly 500,000 students each day and gaining the experience and perspective that will make them lifelong leaders for educational excellence and equity.
Don and his wife Doris have made an extraordinary impact in the effort to strengthen public education. Their strategic, catalytic investments -- more than $100 million to KIPP schools and to Teach For America alone -- have afforded a better education for millions of children in urban and rural areas, shown that it is possible for children growing up in the most economically disadvantaged circumstances to excel when given the chances they deserve, and built a growing leadership force in pursuit of educational excellence and equity.
Don was a wonderful source of inspiration to many at Teach For America and to me personally. It was inspiring to have strong moral support and sage perspective from such an incredible entrepreneur, and also to see how deeply grounded he remained in what truly matters -- his family and making a genuine difference in the world. He was gracious, kind, and always treated our staff, alumni, and corps members with genuine respect. We will miss him.
Our collective work meant a great deal to Don, which provides some solace as we reflect on and celebrate his great life.
Wendy Kopp
Founder & CEO
Teach For America
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