Appalachia
Our Community
Appalachia has long been misunderstood, underestimated, and even left out of the public narrative. Teach For America Appalachia supports corps members, alumni, and our local network to empower students to achieve unprecedented results and shift that public narrative to one of power, possibility, and a limitless future for students. In our 11th year of partnering with communities across the mountains, students and faculty members know and deeply value the impact that corps members and alumni are capable of having.
Our corps members and alumni are welcomed in ways that are hard to capture in words. Our communities operate as true ecosystems, with tight knit connections and deep belief in our neighbors as the foundation. Seen as critical contributors to their communities, corps members and alumni here operate both in schools and the broader ecosystem to impact systems level change. Whether they’re achieving unparalleled gains in their classrooms, leading nonprofits, coaching sports teams and leading extracurriculars or serving in local government, there is a place for everyone to shine here.
More than
200
teachers placed since 2011.
More than
300
region-wide alumni.
Approximately
3K
students served each year.
More than
200
teachers placed since 2011.
More than
300
region-wide alumni.
Approximately
3K
students served each year.
Make an Impact in a Tight-Knit Community
Make an Impact in a Tight-Knit Community
Our teachers are operating in complex and dynamic systems. Because they’re often part of small school teams, they have the opportunity to influence entire generations of students and fill opportunity gaps. Often, our teachers are the only qualified Advanced Placement, STEM, or Foreign Language instructors who apply for open roles. Post-COVID and the devastating floods of 2022, students need a steady, passionate, and talented classroom leader more now than ever.
If You're From Here
If You're From Here
It means the world for our students to know that someone with a leadership track record like you is coming home to teach and lead. After decades of being told that the best and brightest must leave the region to succeed, your presence and impact are a powerful statement of their own potential to live, lead, and thrive at home.
If You're New to Appalachia
If You're New to Appalachia
For 11 years, we’ve seen corps members fall in love with the region, with many choosing to remain past their two-year commitment to build a life here. There is no succinct way to describe the beauty, potential, and hospitality of our region. While the needs are profound, the possibilities are endless for leaders who want to share their own diverse perspectives while learning from their students, families, and community members.
Getting Certified to Teach
Teach For America Appalachia is the certifying agent for corps members in Kentucky. Corps members receive a temporary, provisional certificate at no cost to them during their two-year commitment and are eligible to earn a full credential during their third year in the classroom. We award that full license at the end of the third year for an $85 fee.
We have no formal partnerships with universities in our region. A master's is not required.
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Support Our Work
Thank you to our current donors. Your generosity helps create a future in which all children in Appalachia can learn, lead, and thrive.