New Mexico
New Mexico is a place of great beauty, hope, and optimism. Our students are future leaders for the communities we serve including the 23 Sovereign Nations in our state. While we are consistently ranked last in the nation in education, we are also making tremendous progress in both urban and rural communities. We wholeheartedly believe our students have the power to change this narrative.
About Us
About Us
Since 2001, Teach For America New Mexico has worked alongside community partners, educators, and our network of more than 250 New Mexico alumni to expand educational opportunities for New Mexico students. With an unwavering belief in New Mexico and its students, our alumni work in positions as classroom teachers, school leaders, policy makers, nonprofit leaders, and more.
Our Community
Our Community
New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment. The state is known for its sunshine, big sky, desert landscapes, and snow-capped mountains. We are also famous for our green chile, thriving art scene, and International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Native culture remains a vibrant and powerful force in our state, due to the incredible resilience and wisdom of indigenous communities. New Mexico also has the highest Latino/Hispanic population of any state.
New Mexico’s educational outcomes tend to lag far below national averages. According to the 2022 Annie E Casey Foundation Kids Count Report, New Mexico ranked 49th. Our Teach For America New Mexico community is determined to work in partnership to change this reality and support students and families in accessing an excellent education.
Approximately
256
Alumni living in the region.
More than
70
Alumni teaching in classrooms.
Over
25
Alumni leading in schools and systems.
Approximately
256
Alumni living in the region.
More than
70
Alumni teaching in classrooms.
Over
25
Alumni leading in schools and systems.
Get Involved
“I absolutely went through a transformational process while participating in the [New Mexico Teacher Leader] Fellowship. With the skills and support of my coach, I embraced [my new senior] leadership role and am working to make my leadership one that is based on developing the skill-set of my colleagues, as well as making transformative, system-level changes.”
Support Our Work
Support our efforts to connect TFA alumni to opportunities to expand their impact in New Mexico
Donate
Local Leadership
To honor her family and her people, Kayla Begay (New Mexico ’12) built a school in the Navajo Nation where students won’t have to choose—as she did—between their education and their culture.
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South Carolina
South Carolina’s educational challenges are deeply rooted. But together, we can help solve them. Join our growing movement of more than 800 teachers and alumni who are partnering with schools and communities to realize the day when every child in South Carolina has the opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility.
Our Impact in South Carolina
While South Carolina is rich in culture, history, and community, educational opportunity is not spread equally.
Teach For America South Carolina (TFASC) is working to recruit, develop, and retain high-quality teachers who transform student outcomes in the state’s most under-resourced schools. Our movement has grown from placing our first corps of 31 teachers in the Pee Dee region to supporting more than 800 teachers who positively impacted more than 70,000 students across the state since 2011. In addition to serving as role models, nearly two-thirds of our first- and second-year teachers achieved over a year’s worth of academic growth in their classrooms – closing learning gaps at accelerated rates.
Our network of teachers and alumni partner with schools and communities to realize the day when every child in South Carolina has the opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility.
“TFASC's ongoing support helped me to achieve the best results in my classroom, and their resources proved to be effective every single time.”
Over
800
teachers developed by TFASC.
Over
70K
students impacted by TFASC teachers.
Over
60%
of TFASC corps alumni still work in education.
Over
800
teachers developed by TFASC.
Over
70K
students impacted by TFASC teachers.
Over
60%
of TFASC corps alumni still work in education.
Communities Where We Work
Our corps member teach in school districts in the LowCountry, Pee Dee, and Midlands regions
Lowcountry Region
Lowcountry Region
Anchored by Charleston to the north and Savannah to the south, the Lowcountry is home to salty beaches, winding coastal waterways, and Spanish moss-covered towns and cities. The Gullah Geechee culture is strong here, as are opportunities to explore historical sites and experience many of the South’s top destinations.
The Lowcountry is commutable between placement areas. As a corps member, you may choose to live in the greater Charleston area where you will have access to top restaurants, museums, and beaches. Or you may choose to live in Walterboro, Jasper, or coastal Beaufort where you will have access to charming historic towns, endless outdoor activities, and the opportunity to build deep and lifelong connections in your community.
Finally, if you want to make a significant impact in one of our highest-need rural districts, you might decide to live in Allendale County. From Allendale, you'd also be only an hour away from one of Georgia's most vibrant areas, the Augusta metropolitan area, sitting between the South Carolina and Georgia state line.
Pee Dee Region
Pee Dee Region
Named for the indigenous Pee Dee tribe and nestled in the northeast corner of the state along the watershed of the Pee Dee River, the Pee Dee region balances a charming small-town feel with many opportunities for entertainment, culture, and outdoor adventures, along with proximity to larger metropolitan areas such as Charleston, Charlotte, Columbia, and Greenville.
Many of our teachers choose to live and congregate in Florence, a mid-size town that is located centrally among the other Pee Dee counties. Near Florence, you can visit Lake City, a small town with a fine arts and entertainment scene that rivals any big city. Florence is also less than 80 miles from Myrtle Beach – ideal for day trips throughout the nearly year-round beach season!
Midlands Region
Midlands Region
Located in central South Carolina, the Midlands region is home to delicious barbeque, devoted football fans, and endless festivals, markets, and museums. The Midlands is also home to our most urban placement partner, Richland County School District One, making it a great option for those interested in living and working in Columbia, our state capital.
Corps members in the Midlands may enjoy attending football games at the University of South Carolina (go Gamecocks!), exploring Main Street, the lively shopping and entertainment district, or venturing outside the city to the many trails and lakes within easy driving distance. With its central location, the Midlands is also proximate to the LowCountry, Pee Dee, and Upstate regions of the state, making it a great base for weekend trips to explore South Carolina's beaches, mountains, and cities.
“TFASC teachers infused a momentum in our school culture that was unstoppable and undeniable for the good of our students, our school, and our community.”
Our Programs
Our programs are designed to support you through every stage of your leadership journey—from early exploration into the possibilities of a career in education to targeted development for roles in educational leadership and beyond.
The Teacher Corps is South Carolina’s premier alternative teacher preparation and development program that provides first- and second-year educators with the professional, social, and financial support needed to launch an impactful career in the classroom.
As a corps member, you make a two-year teaching commitment at one of our partner school districts in the Lowcountry, Midlands, or Pee Dee communities. During this commitment, you receive ongoing training, coaching, and professional development from TFASC that enables you to transform student outcomes in schools with the greatest needs. We also provide you with a pathway to teacher certification and a statewide network of education advocates.
Corps Members will:
- Receive full salary, vacation, and health benefits provided by your school district.
- Obtain a transitional grant to help offset transition and summer training costs (as well as other financial incentives based on eligibility).
- Benefit from our graduate school and employer partnerships, such as deferrals, scholarships, fee waivers, and internships.
- Receive extensive coaching and professional development opportunities alongside your cohort.
- Develop connections with a cohort of corps members across the state and with a network of 60,000+ alumni and staff across the nation.
- Obtain exclusive career and networking website access.
Am I Eligible?
The Teacher Corps is designed for the below applicant types. Click here for more eligibility requirements.
- Undergraduate and graduate students who did not take a traditional education route but are interested in teaching
- Undergraduate and graduate students who did take a traditional education route and believe in TFA’s vision and model
- Non-certified employees in South Carolina schools and school districts, including paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and substitute teachers
- Career changers who are interested in teaching
How Do I Apply?
Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently open - click here to apply!
Ignite is a national tutoring corps designed to accelerate learning and foster belonging with students. Ignite builds on Teach For America (TFA)'s over 30 years of experience recruiting and developing leaders to partner with schools across the country to help students learn and thrive. Leveraging research-based best practices for high-impact tutoring, the Ignite Fellowship brings exceptional leaders into classrooms virtually to immediately add value with students and schools through customized learning. In South Carolina, fellows support students in two rural school districts during the 2025-2026 school year.
As an Ignite Fellow, you will:
- Lead small group, virtual learning experiences with students.
- Be supported by a school-based, veteran educator.
- Work approximately 3-5 hours per week during regular K-12 school hours.
- Receive a $1,200 (pre-tax) award upon successful completion of the Fellowship term.
Am I Eligible?
The Ignite Fellowship is designed for applicants who are one or more of the following:
Click here for additional eligibility requirements.
- A current undergraduate or graduate student (both full-time or part-time students are eligible)
- Accepted to the 2026 TFA corps
- A renewing Ignite Fellow
- TFA alum
How Do I Apply?
Submit your application for the next Ignite cohort!
The Accelerator Academy provides development and context-building to aspiring TFASC corps members by supporting participants with the resources needed to be competitive TFA applicants and, ultimately, impactful SC educators. The program is designed for aspiring TFASC corps members with an explicit desire to teach and lead in South Carolina and who would benefit from additional support, development, and community before applying to the TFA corps.
Accelerator Academy participants attend an in-person or virtual course. As a participant, you will:
- Receive leadership development and coaching from veteran educators.
- Obtain targeted application and interview preparation.
- Join exploratory activities to build context around the educational landscape in South Carolina.
- Connect with an assigned TFA alumni mentor during one-on-one engagements.
Am I Eligible?
The Accelerator Academy is designed for applicants who meet the below requirements. Please reach out to Dr. Fraronda Green (fraronda.green@teachforamerica.org) with any questions.
- Are interested in applying to the TFA corps and would benefit from additional support and development before beginning the application process.
- Have an explicit desire to teach and lead in South Carolina.
How Do I Apply?
The program is offered twice per year in the Fall and Spring. Reach out to Tess Holt at Tess.Holt@teachforamerica.org for more information.
TFASC's Impact Fellowship is a two-year commitment that enables Teach For America alumni to commit to two additional years in classrooms across the state and provides a unique opportunity for them to expand their skills and leadership capabilities through targeted professional development.
A completely different experience from your time in the corps, the program currently has professional development pathways in Educational Leadership through the Education Leadership M.Ed Program at the Citadel and mid-level leadership opportunities through a program and school of your choice through our Aspiring to Lead pathway. All fellows receive tuition assistance of $4500 per year for the two-year commitment paid directly to the institution.
Additional programmatic elements include targeted cohort PD workshops, career coaching, and mentorship opportunities.
Am I Eligible?
The SC Impact Fellowship is designed for applicants who meet the below criteria:
- TFA or TFASC alum in good standing
- 2+ years teaching experience (Aspiring to Lead pathway) or 3+ years teaching experience (Educational Leadership pathway)
- Willing to commit to teach for an additional 2 years in a high-need SC school
How Do I Apply?
Applications to the 2026 fellowship cohort will open this Winter - check back for more information.
TFASC brings our expertise in new teacher development to all first- and second-year educators in partner school districts through the New Teacher Academy (NTA). By providing teachers with crucial support, development, and community, NTA retains an average of 90% or more early career educators in South Carolina’s rural and high-need school districts typically impacted by teacher turnover.
As a participant, you will:
- Engage in monthly professional development sessions on classroom management, data-driven instruction, student engagement, and teacher wellness
- Receive 1:1 coaching sessions with experienced coaches to target individualized areas of growth
Am I Eligible?
We’re proud to partner with Richland One and Colleton County School District during the 2025-2026 school year, providing development to more than 175 teachers. If you’re a school or district leader interested in learning more about the New Teacher Academy, please reach out to Tori Carle at tori.carle@teachforamerica.org.
Alumni Innovators
Deion Jamison
Deion Jamison
Deion Jamison (TFASC ’17) was named “2023 South Carolina Teacher of the Year” by the South Carolina Department of Education. A year earlier, he received TFA’s “Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teacher Leadership Award.”
“I want my students to see someone who looks like them. I also want them to see teachers who don't look like them. We all benefit from diversity,” said Deion.
Rachel Brailov
Rachel Brailov
Rachel Brailov (TFASC ’15), dean of academics at Compass Collegiate Academy, always knew she would be a teacher. But what she learned about teaching – and herself – through TFASC vaulted her purpose to a whole new level.
“TFASC helped me realize the power I have as an educator – partnering with families and transforming communities,” she said.
Quenton Martin
Quenton Martin
Quenton Martin (TFASC ’17), teacher at Hopkins Elementary School, felt drawn to where there is a greater need of service.
“I believe every child can – with modifications,” he said.
Ali Roberts Van Valkenburg
Ali Roberts Van Valkenburg
Meeting Street Academy Teacher Ali Roberts Van Valkenburg (TFASC ’13) valued the support from TFASC as an early career educator. This support inspired her to become an instructional coach – ultimately impacting more students.
“I truly believe in the transforming power of a good teacher,” said Ali.
Get Involved
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Support Our Work
Support our efforts to connect TFA alums to opportunities to expand their impact in South Carolina.
Donate
Tutor with Ignite
It’s virtual. It’s paid. It’s impactful. It fits your schedule.
Teach For America Ignite is a rewarding, meaningful way to gain unique, hands-on experience as you put your passion for educational excellence into action.
Get paid to spark learning, belonging, and connection with kids as a part-time, online tutor with Ignite. Apply by April 29 for our Fall 2026 cohort.
Teach For America Ignite is a rewarding, meaningful way to gain unique, hands-on experience as you put your passion for educational excellence into action.
Get paid to spark learning, belonging, and connection with kids as a part-time, online tutor with Ignite. Apply by April 29 for our Fall 2026 cohort.
As an Ignite fellow you will:
- Instruct and mentor a small group of kids, usually 2-3
- Tutor online, connecting over Zoom, Teams, or similar tools
- Work 3-5 hours per week for a term (14 weeks):
- Weeks 1 + 2: Build your skills through onboarding
- Weeks 3-14: Partner directly with a small group of students
- Build relationships and foster belonging with kids
- Accelerate learning in in elementary reading, middle school math, and high school post-secondary access
- Receive a financial award for your semester of service
What Fellows Are Saying About Ignite
Requirements for Participation
Requirements for Participation
At a minimum, fellows must:
- Be current undergrads, grad students, TFA alums, or renewing fellows
- Have at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA (or 3.0 high school for college freshman)
- Be available to work up to 5 hours per week during K-12 school hours
- Be authorized to work in the U.S. and at least 18 years old
Qualities we look for are:
- Deep belief in kids and families facing systemic barriers
- Bold vision setting and the ability to create meaningful change
- Effective collaboration with people from different backgrounds and perspectives
- Desire to learn from people, experiences, and self-reflection
Tutor With Purpose
All kids deserve individualized learning to meet their unique needs. Ignite fellows provide personalized learning that helps students increase their achievement and fosters greater belonging in the classroom. Research shows that tutoring is one of the most effective ways to improve educational achievement. This school year, TFA Ignite will reach 7,000 students across 43 communities in 160 schools.
Among our students
95%
said that Ignite fellows taught them in the way they learned best.
Among our partner schools
95%
reported Ignite fellows had a positive impact on students' academic growth.
And among our partner schools
94%
said that Ignite fellows had a positive impact on students' engagement in school overall.
All kids deserve individualized learning to meet their unique needs. Ignite fellows provide personalized learning that helps students increase their achievement and fosters greater belonging in the classroom. Research shows that tutoring is one of the most effective ways to improve educational achievement. This school year, TFA Ignite will reach 7,000 students across 43 communities in 160 schools.
Among our students
95%
said that Ignite fellows taught them in the way they learned best.
Among our partner schools
95%
reported Ignite fellows had a positive impact on students' academic growth.
And among our partner schools
94%
said that Ignite fellows had a positive impact on students' engagement in school overall.
What Kids and Teachers Say About Ignite
Become an Ignite Fellow
Join a paid, part-time tutoring fellowship that suits your strengths, availability, and passions—and maximize the undeniable impact and meaningful difference you can make with students.
California Capital Valley
In the capital of California, corps members, alumni, and community leaders are uniquely positioned to help create state-wide policy change in education.
About Us
The California Capital Valley launched in 2012 with 15 corps members in Sacramento and throughout the first 10 years grew to include partnership with schools throughout the Central Valley. Today, the CCV is home to over 500 alumni many of whom began their journey with Teach For America in a different region.
Based in Sacramento, The CCV provides a unique experience for Teach For America alumni to engage in all aspects of education policy at the local and state level. Alumni have a front-row seat to the legislature, governor, and state administrative offices determining public policy on key education issues every day.
Our 2030 Goal
Last year, TFA set an ambitious goal to harness the power of our alumni network and partners and accelerate student learning: by 2030, twice as many students in Sacramento will read on grade level by 3rd grade indicating they are on a path to economic mobility and co-creating a future filled with possibility
Together with educators, school partners and leaders, advocates, and community organizations, we are championing the use of evidence-based reading and bringing together a high-powered coalition focused on improving third grade reading outcomes for Sacramento’s students.
Our Community
The California Capital Valley consists of vibrant communities across Sacramento, Stockton, and the Central Valley. Over the last 100 years, the California Capital Valley has transformed through large-scale agriculture, suburban sprawl, and population growth. It is now home to hundreds of thousands of talented and exceptional students positioned to become the designers and leaders of the future.
Nearly
570
Alumni living in the region.
More than
150
Teachers in the classroom.
Over
15
Alumni are leading in schools.
Nearly
570
Alumni living in the region.
More than
150
Teachers in the classroom.
Over
15
Alumni are leading in schools.
Our Work
School Leadership Lab
TFA CCV’s School Leadership Lab is a year-long program designed to provide high-quality leadership development, coaching, and instructional support to school leadership teams. Specifically, the Lab partners with school leaders and their teams to co-create professional development and coaching experiences that improve teachers’ instructional practices and elevate student achievement.
To ensure program fit, we partner with schools who are focused on instructional improvement and flexible to the different needs of educators and students.
Summer Reading Camp
Forty-three percent of California’s third-grade students met the state’s reading standards. That number falls to only 31% when looking at students from low-income backgrounds. TFA CCV and The Armstead Academic Project started the Summer Reading Camp to help address the region's literacy gap. The Summer Reading camp is a high-quality Science of Reading-based program designed to support educator professional development while closing foundational literacy gaps that serves students, educators, and communities.
Ignite
Ignite, Teach For America’s national tutoring corps, accelerates learning through virtual, small-group tutoring so that all students can learn, lead, and thrive. Ignite tutors (referred to as Fellows) customize elementary reading or middle school math learning objectives with students and are supported by a school-based veteran educator. TFA CCV partners with Aspire Rosa Parks Elementary School in Stockton, where Ignite Fellows work directly with students to close academic learning gaps. Read about TFA CCV’s Ignite program in the Stockton Record.
Sacramento Literacy Coalition
TFA CCV is an active member of the Sacramento Literacy Coalition which brings together local and statewide organizations, non-profits, government officials, and other partners to advance literacy in Sacramento. TFA CCV cohosts the annual literacy summit and champions evidence-based reading across our alumni network.
Alumni Resources
TFA CCV works from every angle to fight for excellent educational opportunities for every student in California, from the Capitol building to classrooms. Our greatest lever for change is our expanding alumni base of exceptional leaders, bonding in their shared belief that a high-quality education is a right, not a privilege. TFA CCV provides local alumni with professional development, community building opportunities, fellowships, group learning experiences, and resources to foster their development as changemakers and leaders. Connect with us to learn about our current offerings.
Support Our Work
Support our efforts to connect TFA alums to opportunities to expand their impact in California Capital Valley.
Donate
Our Team
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San Diego
In "America's Finest City" we are part of a movement delivering on an education to match our motto.
About Us
Expanding educational opportunity requires individual and collective leadership working from inside and outside of the education system. TFA’s San Diego region launched in 2013 with 19 corps members in San Diego. Today, San Diego is home to over 600 alumni working to open doors for all students as teachers, educators, advocates, elected officials, and leaders.
Our Focus
Our Focus
Teachers, school leaders, and other educators work on the frontlines to create more opportunities for students, but they ultimately belong to larger schools and systems. That is why TFA San Diego focuses on recruiting, retaining, and developing alumni educators to work in high-need schools in San Diego. TFA alumni go above and beyond to positively transform the education system for our students and communities because they know a high-quality education is the gateway to choice.
Our Work
Our Work
Our San Diego alumni educators go beyond traditional expectations to advance the learning and personal growth of their students and help strengthen their schools. We support their development by providing access to exceptional training, coaching, professional and leadership development, fellowships, community building, and networking opportunities.
Our Community
Over
600
Alumni living in the region.
More than
140
Teachers in the classroom.
Over
20
Alumni leading schools as principals and mid-level leaders.
Over
600
Alumni living in the region.
More than
140
Teachers in the classroom.
Over
20
Alumni leading schools as principals and mid-level leaders.
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking for a new role in education, hoping to build your network, exploring professional development and learning opportunities, or looking to get involved with TFA San Diego, we'd love to hear from you!
Sean Gilley | Director, Alumni Strategy & Engagement
Local Leadership
Lida Jennings
Executive Director
Teach For America Southern California Regions: Los Angeles and San Diego
Support Our Work
Support our efforts to connect TFA alums to opportunities to expand their impact in San Diego
Donate
Connect on Social Media
