Professionals Who Joined TFA

View the profiles and career paths of professionals who made a career switch and entered the classroom as Teach For America corps members.

Whether you are just starting your career or looking for a meaningful change after a few years in the workforce, your experience can help shape students' lives and the future of 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.

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. & Virginia '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.

Jonathan Cook

Massachusetts '11

Machine Learning, Strategy & Product Operations

Google

Dr. Jonathan Cook’s love for science led him to TFA, where he taught the subject as a corps member.

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.

More than a quarter of all corps members joined Teach For America after spending some time in the workforce. They came from diverse backgrounds and experience levels, but all shared a deep belief in every kid's potential and a commitment to doing whatever it takes to expand students' opportunities.

“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 Garcia

Former Facilities Engineer, Encana Oil and Gas

Colorado Corps Member 2009

Alumni Career Paths: Eric Canosa

Eric (Rio Grande Valley '12) worked in both nonprofit and higher ed before joining TFA. He shares how his classroom experience continues to shape his career.