Teach For America alumni are using their proximity to the real issues affecting underserved communities to influence the policies that impact our nation’s schools through impactful careers in government and advocacy.
Over 900 Teach For America alumni serve in government, policy, and advocacy leadership roles, where they trailblaze as elected officials, policymakers, organizers, analysts, and civic leaders. These alumni keep their experiences in the classroom front of mind as they advocate for educational equity within systems and policies that shape schools on the state and national levels.
Make an impact and build new skills that will pave the way for a career in policy or government.
“Because of my time in the corps, I was able to see the intersection of so many large policy issues at play. I don’t know where else you get that lens, other than in the classroom.”
Meet Teach For America Alumni Who Are Policy & Government Leaders
Kalisha Dessources
Greater Philadelphia '12
Director
National Collaborative of Young Women's Initiatives
As a policy advisor to President Obama’s White House Council on Women and Girls, Kalisha focused on advancing equity for girls of color. She credits her time as a middle school teacher for preparing her for such a high-profile role.
Rosaline Tio
Metro Atlanta '11
Program Evaluation Analyst
Georgia Governor's Office of Student Achievement
Rosaline says her experience as a high school math teacher has been invaluable in developing a nuanced lens for her role in the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement.
Sunny Liu
New Mexico '13
Senior Fiscal Analyst
New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee
Sunny Liu currently works in the New Mexico Legislature, but got his start with Teach For America.
Miguel Solis
Dallas-Fort Worth '09
President
Latino Center for Leadership Development
After advocating for Dallas students as special assistant to the Superintendent and as Dallas Director for Stand For Children, Miguel became the youngest person to be elected school board president at 28.
Public Policy School Partners
Teach For America partners with public policy and administration schools, as well as other graduate school and professional programs, to offer special benefits to our alumni. Learn more about these partnerships—and see the list of school partners.