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.

Continue scrolling to see more of your results.
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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.

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. 
Clint Smith Photo

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.
Gloria Steinem Headshot

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.
Oprah Winfrey Headshot

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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Deals and Discounts for Teachers

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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.
Apply Now
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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

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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

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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

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

Career Benefits

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Grad School and Employer Partnerships

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

Grad School and Employer Partnerships

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

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A Diverse and Supportive Network

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

A Diverse and Supportive Network

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

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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

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

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Skill-building and Fellowship Opportunities

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

Skill-building and Fellowship Opportunities

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

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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

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

Opportunity for Impact

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.
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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.
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Tenika Holden-Flynn Tenika Holden-Flynn

A woman in a black blazer smiles for a photo in a classroom.

8 Career Paths for Creating Change

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