NEW YORK, October 30, 2024—Teach For America (TFA) today released a list of colleges and universities contributing the greatest number of alumni to its teaching corps. This year’s corps of more than 2,300 diverse leaders hail from over 650 colleges and universities; 43% are first-generation college graduates, and 60% identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color. TFA teachers come from all backgrounds, majors, sectors, and identities; what connects them are common mindsets, skills, and a belief that all students deserve the opportunities that a high-quality education yields. Teach For America bases its recruitment efforts on research that shows a corps member who significantly expands opportunity for students often possesses the following characteristics:

• a deep belief in the potential of all kids;
• demonstrated ability to create meaningful change and a bold vision beyond the status quo;
• a strong commitment to learning;
• and respect for individuals' diverse experiences and the ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.

Among large schools, Arizona State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley contributed the greatest number of alumni to the TFA corps, with more than 120 graduates combined leading classrooms this school year. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Yale University, and Howard University topped medium-sized schools, contributing more than 50 alumni collectively. Among small schools, Spelman College and Agnes Scott College rank highest, with more than 20 total alumni joining the corps. The newest corps expands Teach For America’s network to over 70,000 leaders committed to working alongside many others in rural and urban communities across the country to ensure that every child has an education that prepares them to learn, lead, and thrive. 

“We’re inspired by the bold leaders stepping up to transform public education across the country. They bring diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives from a variety of college campuses, yet they all share a commitment to educational excellence and equity,” said Darin Lim Yankowitz, Senior Vice President for Recruitment at Teach For America. “For nearly 35 years, Teach For America has been dedicated to finding, developing, and championing some of our nation’s most talented early-career leaders to teach. Welcoming these new teachers from remarkable colleges and universities nationwide into the Teach For America community—now 70,000 strong—is truly energizing and brings us closer to a future where every child can thrive.

About Teach For America

Teach For America works in partnership with communities across the country to expand educational opportunities for children. Founded in 1990, Teach For America finds, develops, and supports a diverse network of leaders who expand opportunity for children from classrooms, schools, and every sector and field that shapes the broader systems in which schools operate. Today, Teach For America is a force of over 70,000 alumni, corps members, and Ignite fellows working in pursuit of profound systemic change so that one day every child has an equal opportunity to learn, lead, thrive, and co-create a future filled with possibility. Teach For America is a proud member of the AmeriCorps national service network. For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact

Natalie Laukitis
(646) 369-7306
natalie.laukitis@teachforamerica.org
Teach For America

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