Who is eligible to apply to Teach For America?
In order to apply to Teach For America, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by the first day of summer institute, you must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.50, and you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Read more about Teach For America's eligibility requirements.
On a limited, trial-run basis, Teach For America will accept applicants who are foreign citizens currently attending a U.S. college or university on an F-1 visa. Learn about the Teach For America International Students Pilot Program.
Who is the ideal candidate ?
We seek individuals of all backgrounds and career interests who have demonstrated high levels of past achievement in academics, extracurricular activities, and/or work and family responsibilities. We are looking for individuals who have the potential to excel as teachers in low-income communities based on the skills and strengths that we’ve determined over time lead to success in our classrooms. Read more about who we're looking for.
We look for evidence of these qualities in the online application, the phone interview, and the in-person interview. Because individuals who have what it takes to excel as teachers and to exert broader societal influence come in many forms with many past experiences, we do not look for a narrow profile of experience, such as particular academic majors or specific leadership positions.
Can education majors participate
in Teach For America?
Yes. Teach For America accepts applicants from all academic majors and programs, including education. A degree or coursework in education, however, is not required and has no bearing on a candidate's chances of admission. Read more about who we're looking for.
Do you only accept graduating college
seniors?
No. A candidate’s age has no bearing on admissions decisions. Our corps members include outstanding leaders of all ages and experiences, and we encourage anyone who meets our eligibility requirements to apply. In addition to recruiting graduating seniors on college campuses, we actively recruit college graduates currently working in the public and private sectors, as well as those currently enrolled in graduate programs.
Do you only accept recent college
graduates?
No. A candidate’s age has no bearing on admissions decisions. Our corps members include outstanding leaders of all ages and experiences, and we encourage anyone who meets our eligibility requirements to apply.
All applicants should evaluate their personal flexibility and comfort with Teach For America, specifically given that our training includes an intensive five-week summer program on a college campus with dormitory-style living arrangements, and given that regional assignment may involve relocation.
Why don't you accept foreign applicants?
Teach For America generally cannot accept individuals who do not already posses a valid work visa in the U.S. as they would be ineligible for employment by Teach For America’s partner school districts. Moreover, individuals who are not citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are ineligible for participation in the AmeriCorps program in which Teach For America participates.
However, on a limited, trial-run basis, Teach For America will accept applicants who are foreign citizens currently attending a U.S. college or university on an F-1 visa. Learn about the Teach For America International Students Pilot Program.
Who we're looking for
FAQ's in English
Corps and Alumni