New Jersey
Change is Happening in New Jersey
Change is Happening in New Jersey
What began in 1993 as a bold experiment has become a cornerstone of the movement for educational equity in New Jersey. Corps members have become some of our state’s leading educators, entrepreneurs, and policy makers.
In 1993, the narrative for students in cities like Newark and Camden was uncertain. Today—thanks to visionary leadership, bold decision-making, and committed partnerships—Newark has more students in "beating the odds" schools than 50 other cities across the country and more students in Camden are graduating from high school than ever before.
Our Work
We started in 1993 with 24 corps members and a single goal: build a future where every child in New Jersey receives the education they need to fulfill their potential.
Today, our network of 1,800 corps members and alumni drive change for low-income students across our state. Corps members and alumni teach in our classrooms, lead our schools, advocate for fair education policies, and work with community-based organizations.
- Our alumni lead 17 of the 23 highest performing schools in Newark.
- Our alumni lead 8 of the 19 highest-performing schools in Camden.
- We stay dedicated to this mission of educational equity in NJ. After their two-year commitment, 85 percent of our corps members stay working in education or related fields that deeply impact opportunities for students.
We believe in bringing talented and dedicated individuals into this work, supporting them as they lead their students in the classroom, and connecting them to a network in New Jersey that's working to expand educational opportunities from every direction. Change is happening here and we won't stop until all kids in this state receive an education that prepares them to pursue their dreams.
Where We Work
North Jersey
North Jersey
Newark, the state’s largest city, is the heart of New Jersey’s arts and cultural worlds. The city is home to the New Jersey State Opera, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and the Newark Symphony Hall. It is also conveniently located just 10 miles from Manhattan’s world-famous array of museums, parks, theaters, and restaurant. Surrounding Newark in North Jersey are the communities of Elizabeth, Jersey City, Paterson, Passaic, and Orange, as well as many others. Each one has its own unique personality and offers a variety of stores, parks, and cultural venues.
The majority of corps members in North Jersey will be placed in Newark.
South Jersey
South Jersey
In the southern part of the state, you will find Camden, a city that once thrived on a booming industrial economy. Camden is once again on the rise, with a revitalized downtown and an attractive waterfront. For the past few years, there has been a large investment in the city, and many of the state’s top minds are devoted to restoring its greatness. If, however, you want a change of scenery on the weekend, Philadelphia is right across the bridge.
All South Jersey corps members will be placed in Camden, in charter schools.
“Teaching in Newark has been the most spectacular experience I’ve ever had. Come meet my children, their families, and our community. Come listen to them read, watch them write, and hear them discuss. Come spend a day in my classroom. Come see the vibrancy I see.”
Local Leadership
Tahina Perez
Executive Director
Teach For America New Jersey
Tahina Perez is a Teach For America alumni and Executive Director of Teach For America New Jersey.
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Support Our Work
Your generosity helps create a future in which all children New Jersey children can learn, lead, and thrive. Read more in our most recent Annual Report.