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Top 9 Reasons To Join An Urban Region

Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of an urban center or the laid-back lifestyle of a rural setting, one of Teach For America's regions will meet your needs.


By The TFA Editorial Team

August 1, 2017

If you were recently admitted to join Teach For America—congratulations! You are a part of a diverse force of leaders shaping the future of our nation.

One of your first tasks as an admitted corps member is to think about where you would like to teach. When considering one of our 51 regions across the country, we recommend you weigh factors such as cost of living, certification timelines, and the opportunity for impact. Do you thrive in the hustle and bustle of a big city or do you prefer the laid-back charm of rural landscapes? Every region has a distinct story and opportunity for impact, but here are nine reasons to join one of Teach For America’s urban regions.

1. History

Urban regions have rich histories that are part of the essential fabric of life in those areas. As a corps member, you'll have the opportunity to learn those histories from the people and communities that embody them. 

2. Diversity

Individuals of all backgrounds live in large urban areas. This diversity brings with it an opportunity for corps members to broaden their perspectives and collaborate with amazing people.

3. Support inside and outside the classroom

Due to their size and scale, urban regions boast a wealth of support for corps members searching for tips on their latest lesson plan or that local haunt where they can unwind at the end of the school day. 

4. Culture

Memphis and Kansas City are just two urban regions that are known for their vibrant, homegrown music scenes. Art, music, and theater abound in urban regions and provide a key gateway to a community’s heart and soul.

5. Accessibility

Traveling to urban regions, with hub airports and accessible train stations, often proves more convenient for corps members—all the better to sway your friends and family to visit!

6. Alumni networks

Urban regions like Dallas-Fort Worth have strong alumni networks in place to help provide advice to corps members as well as professional guidance for after the corps.

7. Public transportation

Ditch the car—and take advantage of urban regions’ public transportation or even walk to work in some areas.

8. Food

In the mood for Mexican food? Or is it a BBQ night? Perhaps sushi is more your speed. No matter because you’ll find all of it and more in urban regions like Greater Tulsa that provide a wide variety of food options to tempt your palate.

9. Impact

Whether you end up teaching in an urban or rural region, you’ll have a new role that lets you affect others in a meaningful way and you’ll grow every day as a leader and problem-solver.

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