Are you searching for a teaching position in Appalachia?

If you are eager to be part of the educational progress in Kentucky, Teach For America (TFA) could be a great option for you. TFA offers a unique opportunity to make an impact in students’ lives and serve the Appalachian community.

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Teach For America’s Approach

TFA recruits outstanding leaders from all backgrounds and career sectors to become TFA “corps members.” That includes recent college graduates, people who have taught for several years, and those interested in making a career change.

Corps members commit to teaching for two years, where they are full-time, salaried employees of local public schools and confront both the challenges and joys of expanding opportunities for kids. Many choose to continue teaching after their two-year TFA commitment ends. Corps members develop into strong classroom leaders who go beyond traditional expectations to advance students’ academic and personal growth while helping to strengthen schools. They work in the districts and schools most impacted by educational inequity.

In partnership with nonprofit organizations and businesses in Appalachia, corps members receive initial training, ongoing professional development, and access to an unparalleled resource and support network.

TFA has more than 3,000 corps members, reaching nearly 250,000 students in over 1,500 schools.

You'll be placed in your preferred region so long as there's space and you meet the local requirements. Read more below about our placement process.

Corps Member Eligibility

To be considered for a position with TFA, you must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 and either have U.S. citizenship, national/legal resident status, or be a DACA recipient or EAD holder. You are not required to have a background in education.

In addition to these eligibility requirements, we seek people have a deep belief in the potential of every child, a strong record of achievement, and perseverance in the face of challenges, among other key values and experiences. Read more about the characteristics of strong corps members.

Redefine Your Career

Applications to teach in Appalachia will open in August 2024. In the meantime, take our quiz to discover your dream career.

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Teaching in Appalachia

As a corps member, you must complete steps to become highly qualified in the subject(s) you’ll teach and work toward full teaching certification during your two-year commitment. Learn more about earning your teaching license and getting hired at a school.

Salary

As a corps member in Appalachia, you’ll receive salary and benefits from the school district, charter school, or pre-K center where you work. You’ll be paid the same as other beginning teachers working for the same employer. Salaries for new teachers in Appalachia start between $32,000 and $38,000.

Benefits

As a full-time TFA teacher, you are entitled to medical benefits through your school or district. Plans and costs vary, depending on where you teach. Read more on salary, benefits, and cost of living in Appalachia.

You may also be eligible for additional financial incentives exclusively available to TFA corps members. Learn more about financial aid, including transitional funding packages.

Teaching Certification

During your time as a corps member in Appalachia, you’ll receive a temporary, provisional teaching certificate during your two-year commitment. You’ll be eligible to earn a full credential during their third year in the classroom.

Master’s Degree Option

If you choose to, you can work toward a master’s degree while you are a corps member. However, note that TFA Appalachia does not have formal partnerships with universities. If you do choose to pursue a master’s degree, you may be able to finance it using AmeriCorps Education Awards and partial tuition reimbursement benefits from your district. 

Learn more about certification and training in Appalachia. 

After Two Years

After your two-year commitment with TFA, you may choose to stay in the classroom for additional years of teaching. Some TFA alumni go on to work in school leadership, and many others go on to impact educational equity from another sector.

We are dedicated to making sure you have the resources and support you need to lead and continue to work towards change, with a dedicated TFA Appalachia support staff. Learn more about life after the corps.

Our Placement Process

TFA places corps members in more than 40 regions throughout the U.S. During the application process, you can select up to three regions. Then, after interview week concludes, you'll have an opportunity to change your regional selections if you wish. Read more about our placement process.

Make an Impact in Appalachia

Teach For America has been in Appalachia since 2011. As a corps member, you’ll work alongside alumni, staff, and fellow educators to challenge educational inequity and build a strong community. Most importantly, you'll help more kids access an excellent education and the life opportunities that come with it.

You’ll join a tight-knit community committed to helping work toward a future in Appalachia that goes beyond the legacy of coal mining and energy production. As a corps member, you’ll teach in one of 16 districts throughout the region, including large consolidated schools, independent city districts, and small isolated community schools. You’ll use your background and leadership skills to drive students to academic success and transform lives.