About Us

Rhode Island is perhaps best known for its miles of coastline and centuries of history. As one of the oldest cities in the nation, Providence, Rhode Island’s capital, continues to function as a cultural hub of greater New England. Today, in addition to its sandy shores and autumn leaves, Rhode Island is renowned for its diverse and delicious cuisine, vibrant communities, and a culture of arts and innovation. Rhode Island is a small state, but it packs a big personality.

We are looking for leaders who are not afraid to tackle challenges that are steeped in nuance and tradition. Once the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island is now struggling to find its identity in the 21st century. The educational landscape has failed to adjust as jobs moved from manufacturing to the service industry, and as a high school diploma and college degree have become increasingly necessary to start a career. Today, educators are embracing innovative learning strategies, including the use of technology, to fully prepare students for careers in an ever-evolving future.

With currently one third of students in the Providence Public School District identifying as English Learners, we have a huge opportunity to educate the next generation of leaders in Rhode Island. However, current education results for English Learners remains disproportionately low. We need leaders who are committed to ensuring that all students in Rhode Island have access to a quality public education.

Since its founding in 2010, Teach For America Rhode Island has worked to empower both corps members and alumni to work for equity. Informed and inspired by their students, many alumni choose to teach in high-need schools and communities beyond their two-year commitments. Others lead from sectors that shape the context and conditions in which schools operate—as school and district leaders, policy makers, founders of advocacy organizations, social entrepreneurs, and business, philanthropic, and civic leaders working to make change. Whether you choose to study policy at the Brown University Education Policy Program Program, or explore your leadership in other ways, as a Rhode Island corps member you will work alongside a community of leaders who are passionate about creating opportunities for Rhode Island’s students.

Teaching Here

With an area of just 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island is our nation's smallest state, but that means your impact can be large. As a corps member working in partnership with veteran teachers, community organizations, and local universities, you’ll be part of a powerful movement to end inequity. You'll experience firsthand that change is possible, and scalable, across the Ocean State.

As part of Teach For America Rhode Island you will be part of a diverse community, building upon almost a decade of partnerships with Providence and Central Falls public schools, as well as charter schools serving students from Providence, Central Falls, and Pawtucket. This year, more than 50 corps members and over 200 alumni are demonstrating what leadership looks like across the state. You’ll join teachers like Erlin Rogel, who, after graduating from Roger Williams University School of Law, returned to teach at Gilbert Stuart Middle School, the same school he attended while growing up in Rhode Island; Jenna Spencer, who worked with her students to launch the state’s first high school chapter of the NAACP; and Ammar Zia, who discovered, after moving across the country for his first year of teaching, that his students are partners and leaders in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all of us.

The majority of corps members teach in Providence, which places you just an hour’s drive from Boston and three hours from New York City. In Providence you’ll find great, affordable housing, food, and entertainment options. From this vibrant city, you’ll find it easy to explore Rhode Island’s beaches and countryside, with 400 miles of coastline and more than 100 public and private beaches that offer a beautiful place for after-school reflection and activity.