Marion Franklin Cannon Marion Franklin Cannon

You Are A Careerist

You thrive on facts and logic. As an analytical problem solver you’re all about using critical thinking to come up with innovative answers to complex problems. But that doesn’t mean you approach life with zeroes and ones. You care deeply about the growth and development of yourself and others – and use your innate curiosity and ambition to find ways to make our shared world a better place.

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Key Strengths

Solving for X requires curiosity, determination, and innovative thinking. Good thing Careerists like you possess all these traits (and more) and know exactly how to use them to ideate solutions to our biggest social issues.

Career Suggestions

As a Careerist, you’ll find fulfillment on a career path that encourages you to ask, “Why not?” while fostering your ability to identify problems and possible solutions so that others around you can flourish and thrive. A career in education policy or administration, technology, engineering, medicine, or finance could be a great fit for you.

Take The Next Step

Want to use your analytical skills to improve education outcomes for students? Consider a career in the classroom and help find ways to solve for education inequity in schools.

Explore the various leadership and career paths our alumni take to create systemic justice
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Explore Careerists Like You

Ai-jen Poo

Ai-jen Poo is an inspiration for her tireless efforts to solve the problems of workers' rights and caregiving in America. As the founder of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Caring Across Generations, she has been a driving force in the fight for dignity and respect for caregivers and domestic workers. Through her work, she has tackled some of the most pressing challenges facing our society and has found innovative and collaborative solutions that have made a real difference in people's lives. Ai-jen Poo's approach to problem-solving reminds us that, with determination, creativity, and a commitment to working together, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges and create a better world for all.

Matthew Aiken

As a 2010 Teach For America corps member in St. Louis, Matthew learned the importance of accountability and developed leadership skills that would later serve him in his career. Through his work as a math department chair and assistant football coach, he was able to make a positive impact on his students both inside and outside the classroom. Matthew continued to use the skills and beliefs he developed during his time as a corps member throughout his career, including as the research director for the Civil Rights Law project, and most recently, associate counsel at the White House. His experience as a teacher uniquely prepared him to be a leader by instilling in him a sense of responsibility and ownership of his successes and failures. Matthew's journey serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of others.

Kimberlé Crenshaw

Kimberlé Crenshaw's analytical problem-solving skills have been crucial in advancing critical race theory and intersectionality. She has tirelessly worked to understand and address the complex issues of inequality and social justice, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. Crenshaw's ability to identify and analyze the intricate ways in which different forms of oppression intersect has been a game-changer in the field of social justice. Her approach to problem-solving encourages us to consider the root causes of systemic issues and to work collaboratively towards solutions that benefit all members of society. Crenshaw's dedication to this work reminds us that with the right skills and determination, we can create meaningful change in the world.

Marie Curie

Marie Curie's groundbreaking work in the field of physics and chemistry has inspired generations of scientists and innovators. Her determination to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge paved the way for discovery and advancement in nuclear physics. Despite facing significant discrimination as a woman in the male-dominated field of science, Curie persisted in her research and became the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize, and the first person to receive two Nobel Prizes in different scientific fields. Her legacy continues to inspire us to pursue our passions and push beyond the limitations imposed by societal expectations. Curie's life and work are a testament to the power of perseverance, curiosity, and innovation in shaping the world around us.

You Are A Champion

You are a collaborative team player with stellar people skills. Working with others brings you joy and your ability to build relationships and collaborate with colleagues is second-to-none. As a Champion, you put other people first – and those around you see you as an advocate.

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Key Strengths

Empathy is your secret strength. It’s your caring, learning-oriented nature and ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes that make you such a great relationship-builder.

Career Suggestions

As a Champion, you’ll thrive in a career that allows you to tap into your listening skills, patience, emotional depth and authenticity. A career in education, human resources, counseling, psychology, physical therapy, or project management could be the perfect fit for you.

Take The Next Step

Interested in education? Put your skills to use working alongside others to improve education and support students.

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Explore Champions Like You

Malala Yousafzai

Malala has become a global icon for her advocacy for education and women's rights. She is known for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity, and her ability to inspire others to take action and create positive change.

Kaya Henderson

As the former Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools, Kaya (NYC ‘92) is an inspirational leader who has dedicated her career to improving education for all students, particularly those from underserved communities. Kaya serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to make a difference in the world. Her impact on the lives of countless students and families will be felt for generations to come.

Ruby Bridges

Despite facing violent opposition, Ruby Bridges became the first African American child to attend a desegregated elementary school in the United States. Her bravery in the face of hatred and violence inspires us to stand up for what we believe in, even when it is difficult. She teaches us that education is a right that should be available to everyone, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic background. Her courage continues to inspire generations to come.

Sir David Attenborough

BBC presenter, wildlife filmmaker, zoologist, naturalist, and environmental activist, David Attenborough is known worldwide for his dedication to the continued research, documentation, and protection of the natural environment. In 2022 he was named a ‘Champion of the Earth’ and honored with the UN Environment Programme’s Earth Lifetime Achievement award in recognition of his ‘outsided impact on the global environmental movement.

You Are An Advocate

You are a social change maker. You possess a unique ability to put your passion into action. That’s why Advocates like yourself are often creating catalysts for the types of positive change that can leave lasting impacts on the world.

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Key Strengths

As an Advocate, traits like passion, empathy and purpose come naturally. Using these inner strengths can fuel your ability to motivate others and walk-the-talk for the greater good.

Career Suggestions

Advocates often find careers that let them be flexible, embrace big ideas with conviction, and collaborate with others to serve humanity to be particularly fulfilling. A career in education, nonprofit management, environmental law, or social work could be a great fit for you.

Take The Next Step

Ready to take the first step toward driving the change you seek? Put your passion in action by launching a career with impact.

Use leadership to generate ideas and solutions to our nation's most pressing issues
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Explore Advocates Like You

Brittany Packnett-Cunningham

Brittany Packnett-Cunningham (DC '07) is an inspiring leader who has dedicated her life to justice. As a prominent activist, writer, and speaker, she has been at the forefront of many social movements. Through her work, she has inspired others to take action and make a difference in their communities.

DeRay McKesson

DeRay Mckesson is a prominent civil rights activist, author, and podcaster. His bold vision, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice have earned him widespread respect and admiration. Through his work, DeRay has inspired countless individuals to strive to make a difference in the world.

Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg is an inspirational young climate activist who has captivated the world with her courage, passion, and unwavering commitment to protecting our planet. Despite facing intense criticism and backlash, Greta remains steadfast in her mission to fight for a sustainable future for all. Her voice has inspired millions of young people around the world to take action and make their voices heard. Greta's powerful advocacy reminds us that even the smallest voices can have a big impact and that we all have a responsibility to protect our planet for generations to come.

You Are An Idealist

You are a natural and innovative leader with the ability to inspire those around you. Your talent for communication, thinking outside the box, and finding new solutions to complex problems is unique – just like you! As an Idealist, you thrive in creative spaces where you can challenge the status quo and propose new ideas.

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Key Strengths

Embrace your Idealist traits. Lean in to your confidence, ambition, and passion – and start your path toward creating a positive impact for future generations.

Career Suggestions

Idealists are free thinkers who often find fulfillment in careers that allow their open hearts and minds to open up new opportunities for themselves and others. A career in education advocacy, instructional design, marketing, multimedia illustration, civil rights law, or entrepreneurship could be the perfect fit for you.

Take The Next Step

Don't just imagine a better tomorrow - help create solutions. Let your idealistic leadership grow and thrive.

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Use leadership to generate ideas and solutions to our nation's most pressing issues
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Explore Idealists Like You

Clint Smith

Clint Smith (DC '11) is an educator and writer who uses his skills to inspire and engage others. Through his work, Smith reminds us that change is possible and that we all have a role to play in creating a better future. His unwavering commitment to amplifying marginalized voices serve as an inspiration to all those who strive for a world in which everyone can thrive.

Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem's leadership has paved the way for generations of women to come. Her unwavering commitment to women's rights has been a source of strength and inspiration for those who seek to challenge the status quo and make the world a better place. Gloria Steinem reminds us that change is possible, and that our voices and actions can make a difference in the world.

Oprah Winfrey

As a media mogul, Oprah has built an empire by challenging the traditional ways of doing things in the entertainment industry. She is also a philanthropist and activist, using her platform to create positive change in the world.

Your Teach For America Roadmap

We're glad you're here! Teach For America helps young entrepreneurs, creators, and social justice advocates connect their passions and aspirations by launching careers of impact. Whether you’re looking to become a teacher, pursuing ways to achieve social justice, or transitioning into a meaningful career, we can help you effectively champion underserved students in the classroom and beyond. Check out the resources below to learn more!

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Learn The Basics of Teach For America

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Teaching, And So Much More – With the Purpose and Impact You've Been Searching For

Launch an impactful career with Teach For America and join a movement committed to providing every kid access to an excellent education.

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On This Page

Financial Benefits Career Benefits Opportunity for Impact Location Options Training and Support

What Begins with Teaching in an Underserved School Turns into a Lifelong Mission

Join 3,500 current corps members and over 35,300 diverse alumni leaders working to create necessary change inside and outside the classroom. Your journey starts with two years of teaching in an underserved classroom and guidance from your regional team to foster deepened connections, build leadership skills, and elevate student outcomes to make a positive impact in the lives of learners throughout your career.

Financial and logistical worry shouldn’t hold you back from making meaningful impact as a teacher. As a TFA corps member you'll receive resources, support, and a robust compensation and benefits package that includes the following:

Financial Benefits

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Full salary, vacation, and health benefits

These come from your school district and salaries range up to $72K per year depending on the region.

Full salary, vacation, and health benefits

These come from your school district and salaries range up to $72K per year depending on the region.

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Baseline Stipend

All incoming corps members automatically qualify for a $3,000 to $6,500 Baseline Stipend, varies by region.

Baseline Stipend

All incoming corps members automatically qualify for a $3,000 to $6,500 Baseline Stipend, varies by region.

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Need-Based Support

Corps members who received a Pell Grant or demonstrate additional need may be eligible for additional funding and no interest loans.

Need-Based Support

Corps members who received a Pell Grant or demonstrate additional need may be eligible for additional funding and no interest loans.

Career Benefits

Grad School and Employer Partnerships

Including deferrals, scholarships, fee waivers, internships, and more.

Grad School and Employer Partnerships

Including deferrals, scholarships, fee waivers, internships, and more.

A Diverse and Supportive Network

A community of lifelong allies, committed to making a difference through education equity.

A Diverse and Supportive Network

A community of lifelong allies, committed to making a difference through education equity.

A Career and Networking Website

Exclusively for our network, which includes a job board and the opportunity to connect directly with hiring managers.

A Career and Networking Website

Exclusively for our network, which includes a job board and the opportunity to connect directly with hiring managers.

Skill-building and Fellowship Opportunities

Intended to accelerate impact in school leadership, social entrepreneurship, elected leadership, and more.

Skill-building and Fellowship Opportunities

Intended to accelerate impact in school leadership, social entrepreneurship, elected leadership, and more.

Membership in Leadership for Educational Equity

A nonpartisan, nonprofit that supports leaders with classroom experience to engage civically and politically.

Membership in Leadership for Educational Equity

A nonpartisan, nonprofit that supports leaders with classroom experience to engage civically and politically.

Opportunity for Impact

From the moment you step into the classroom, you'll have tangible opportunities to make a difference in the lives of students and your community. As a corps member you'll start to change the narrative for students by bringing your own experiences to life and helping students create their own realities from them.

Imagine the impact you can have:

Teach For America will give you the tools and support you need to earn a living and shape the future, right now
You'll positively impact children's lives while working to create a more equitable world
We work in partnership with communities and the country's top leaders to remove systemic barriers to education and put students on a path toward success
After your two-year commitment, you'll join a network of nearly 70,000 like-minded alumni and corps members working together to make a positive impact in schools, communities, and industries that shape the world our children live in

Apply Now

You Have the Power to Choose Where You Teach with TFA!

When you apply for Teach For America, you can choose the direction of your impact by choosing the place you’d like to teach. You can apply to up to three regions where you’d like to call home. Here’s what you need to know:

There are over 40 regions across the United States to choose from – from rural to urban communities
You can select the region you want to apply to most, with the option to select one or two alternatives that interest you
Your choices won’t impact your chance of acceptance
You’ll get an offer from one of the regions you select!

Explore More

For more information on the regions where corps members teach, including the ability to filter regions by your specific needs, visit our Corps Member Placement Map powered by Avela.

Explore Places to Teach

Training & Support

From summer training to ongoing professional development, virtual learning to in-classroom practice, we will support you as you prepare for the first day of school, and beyond.

Lesson Plans for Teaching Sustainability
Build a strong foundation with training experiences like planning and rehearsing lessons, collaborative learning exercises, concept and teaching models introductions – and more
Connect with other corps members across America during summer pre-service training
Your teacher coach and regional team will partner with and guide you throughout your hiring process and school year

Additional Support

As a Teach For America corps member, your mental and social wellness are our top priority. We'll provide you with the financial, training, and community support you need to thrive in the classroom. Plus, many regions have additional mental health and wellness resources to support their corps members.

Financial support: We offer transitional and needs-based financial assistance to help you make the transition to teaching
Training: We'll train you to create a positive learning environment for your students while also balancing your own needs
Community: You'll be part of a thriving, supportive community of peers and mentors who will be there for you every step of the way

Join TFA and Open Doors to Opportunity for All

Ready to apply to Teach For America?

Our application is specifically designed so we can get to know you better! In addition to basic information, we’ll ask you to share your experiences with 300-400 word written reflections and required documents, so we can thoroughly assess you as a candidate before a possible interview.

Apply Now