Tampa Bay
About Us
At Teach For America in Tampa Bay, we are committed to expanding educational opportunities for all students in our community. With a steadfast belief in the power of education to transform lives, we are dedicated to cultivating a diverse network of leaders who are working to create a brighter future for Tampa Bay's students.
Through our innovative programs, we recruit, train, and support exceptional individuals to become transformative educators and leaders. These dedicated individuals are placed in schools across the Tampa Bay area, where they inspire, engage, and empower their students.
Over the years, Teach For America in Tampa Bay has witnessed incredible stories of growth and achievement through our alumni educators and leaders. Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, Teach For America in Tampa Bay will welcome its first cohort of corps member teachers who will join our thriving alumni network in schools and classrooms.
As we continue to collaborate with local schools and community stakeholders, our impact only grows stronger, paving the way for a brighter future for Tampa Bay's students.
More than
1500
TFA alumni live and work in Florida
Over
50%
continue to work in K-12 schools
In 2020-21
73
Florida alumni won Teacher of the Year at their school site.
More than
1500
TFA alumni live and work in Florida
Over
50%
continue to work in K-12 schools
In 2020-21
73
Florida alumni won Teacher of the Year at their school site.
Where We Work
Welcome to the gem of the Gulf Coast—Tampa Bay, Florida! Nestled along the serene shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Tampa Bay offers a harmonious blend of coastal and city life. Renowned for its diversity, life here is a dynamic fusion of rich heritage and vibrant culture. In fact, Tampa Bay holds the distinction of being ranked among the top 20 Most Diverse Cities in America.
Each neighborhood in Tampa Bay carries its own unique charm and rhythm. From the historic allure of Ybor City and Seminole Heights, to the thriving districts of Downtown Tampa, Hyde Park, Midtown and Channelside, there's an array of experiences to suit every preference. Whether you're basking in the sun at Clearwater Beach or strolling along the shores of Fort De Soto Park, the coastal lifestyle is always within reach.
Tampa Bay offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for nature enthusiasts. Discover the untamed beauty of the Brooker Creek Preserve, kayak through the serene waterways of the Hillsborough River, or hike the scenic trails of the nearby state parks. Soak in the sun's warmth, savor the cultural diversity, and embrace the spirit of exploration—this is what the Tampa Bay lifestyle is all about.
Certification and Graduate School
Florida offers two types of educator certificates: temporary and professional. It is not required to earn a master's degree in our region.
Florida corps members receive a three-year non-renewable temporary certificate. In order to qualify for the temporary certificate and be hirable by the first day of school, all corps members are required to:
- Pass a Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) Subject Area Exam prior to their first day of teaching
- Provide an official copy of their degree-conferred transcript from ana accredited college or university
- Pay a $75 fee to the Florida Department of Education for each subject area certification applied for
Maintaining Your Certificate
- Pass the Florida Teacher Certification Examination (FTCE) General Knowledge Test by the end of your first year teaching.
Obtaining a Professional Certificate
- Enroll in an alternative certification program and pass the Professional Education Test (PEd) by the end of their third year.
- Additional routes can be found on the Florida state certification page
Teach for America Florida corps members are not required to attend a graduate program during their two-year commitment. However, many of our corps members choose to take advantage of our partnership with Johns Hopkins University’s online master of science in education program (includes nine free credits for your Teach For America pre-service training).
Local Leadership
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Support Our Work
We are extremely grateful for your support. Your generosity has enabled us to build a diverse network of leaders serving our students and working from all angles to ignite the movement for educational equity. Your gifts help to recruit, select, train, and support excellent teachers and leaders for Tampa Bay Area students.
