Meet the alumni who have decided that the greatest way they can continue making an impact is by remaining in schools as educators or becoming school systems leaders.
After spending two years leading in the classroom as teachers, many Teach For America alumni realize they never want to leave their schools. Nearly 65 percent of Teach For America alumni work directly in education as K-12 teachers, elected school board members, school leaders, and other roles supporting the academic and personal growth of students in under-resourced schools.
Make an impact and develop your skills as a classroom or school systems leader.
“I thought teaching was going to be a stop-over to doing something else. But my calling is to invest in and motivate students.”
Meet Teach For America Alumni Who Are Teachers
These alumni continue to lead in the classroom, where they go above and beyond traditional expectations to support and serve their students.
Aaron Lesser
Greater Delta: Mississippi & Arkansas '12
Founding Math Teacher
Noble Network Of Charter Schools
As a founding math teacher at two different schools, Aaron has fallen in love with his career even though his undergraduate studies initially dictated a different path.
Bailey Farrell
New York '13
Chemistry Teacher
Ransom Everglades School
After earning a B.S. in chemistry from Stanford University, Bailey seemed set for a career in medicine. But after guiding her science students to success as a corps member, she remained in the classroom and continues to change students’ lives.
Micah Joselow
Washington '12
Math Department Chair
DC Prep
Now a founding fifth-grade math teacher and Math Department Chair at DC Prep, Micah uses his passions and skills he gained in the corps to expand his impact as a school leader.
Meet Teach For America Alumni Who Are School Systems Leaders
Many TFA alumni pursue school and school-systems leadership roles and become principals, directors, and school board members in order to create and shape schools where an excellent education is the standard for all students.
Shaina Neal
Phoenix '07
Assistant Principal
Tindley Collegiate
Shaina’s own experience as a student instilled in her the importance of showing all kids that they have incredible potential. She now serves as a school leader and continues to help students appreciate diverse cultures and succeed.
Yesenia Castro
New York '07
Principal
KIPP Raíces Academy
After Yesenia Castro graduated from Stanford and joined TFA, her experience teaching with the corps in New York would transform her trajectory and propel her into the career she holds now as principal at KIPP Raíces Academy in Los Angeles.
Steven Ward
D.C. Region '12
Principal
Aspire Public Schools (Memphis)
Committed to a life of service, Steven Ward was called to teach even before TFA. Inspired to be a role model and give back to his community, he joined the corps to help bring more black male leaders into the public schools that need them.
Education Grad School Partners
Teach For America partners with education schools, as well as other graduate school and professional programs, to offer special benefits to our alumni. See the list of education school partners and principal preparation programs.
Employer Partners
Your time as a TFA corps member can accelerate your leadership trajectory and give you an important foundation for a long-term career in education. Starting as a corps member will give you access to unparalleled training and resources that will help you grow into a strong educator, enabling you to work for change throughout your career.
Teach For America holds relationships with some of our country’s top education organizations to offer corps members and alumni career opportunities. Employers know how much your experience as a corps member will contribute to your ongoing career in education.
Current education partners include KIPP, Uncommon, Fulbright, several regional departments of education, and more. Learn more on Careers After TFA.