View the profiles and career paths of young professionals who made a career switch and entered the classroom as Teach For America corps members.
Whether you are just starting out in a job or looking for a meaningful career change after a few years in the workforce, your experience can help shape the future of students’ lives and communities.
As a Teach For America corps member, you’ll teach for at least two years in a low-income community, where you’ll show students what’s possible when they work hard and dream big. As your students grow and achieve, you’ll see changes in yourself, in ways you never imagined, and find a renewed sense of purpose as a professional.
View the profiles below of TFA alumni who entered the corps as young professionals.
Lorea Barturen
Colorado '09
Product Marketing
Lorea first got to see the everyday work, mission, and life of a corps member with TFA through her roommate. Soon after, Lorea traded in her consulting job at Accenture to join the corps, teaching high school Spanish—an experience that would lead to a purpose-driven career.
Steven Ward
D.C. Region '12
Principal
Prodeo Academy
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.
Rashid Williams
Charlotte-Piedmont Triad '09
School Lead
Blue Zones Project - Jacksonville
Raised by an educator, Rashid learned from an early age the power of an excellent education. Continuing his commitment to being a role model for African-American boys, he has focused his career on school leadership.
In 2018, more than a quarter of all corps members were in the workforce before joining. They entered the classroom from various backgrounds and experience levels, but all with a deep belief in the potential of all kids and a commitment to doing whatever it takes to expand opportunities for students.
“Being in Teach For America is a constant source of motivation to continue to contribute to the mission of ending educational inequity. TFA alums and current corps members are relentless, inspiring individuals, and they often renew my drive to stay involved in my former school and other local nonprofits.”
Juliet GarciaBEFORE THE CORPS: Facilities Engineer, Encana Oil and GasColorado Corps Member 2009