Teaching Jobs in Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana
Searching for the perfect teaching position in the Chicago metro area or Northwest Indiana for the school year?
Teach For America (TFA) could be a great option for you. Whether you’ve taught for several years, you’re making a career change into education, or just graduating from college, TFA is a unique opportunity to make an impact in students’ lives and serve communities in the Midwest.
Teach For America’s Approach
TFA recruits outstanding leaders from all backgrounds and career sectors to become TFA “corps members.” Corps members commit to teaching for two years, where they are full, 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 local university partners, such as Relay Graduate School of Education, nonprofit organizations, and businesses around Chicago and Northwest Indiana, 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 who 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 Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana will open in August 2024. In the meantime, take our quiz to discover your dream career.
Teaching in Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana
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
You’ll receive a 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 range from $45,000 to $58,000 in Chicago-Northwest Indiana.
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 living costs in Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana.
You may also be eligible for additional financial incentives exclusively available to TFA corps members. Learn more about financial aid, including transitional funding packages.
Master’s Degree Option
While corps members in Illinois are required to complete a master’s degree to receive their license, that’s not the case for teachers in Northwest Indiana, where a master’s is optional. If you pursue a master’s degree, you can do so through the region’s university partner (Relay Graduate School of Education).
Corps members typically use their AmeriCorps Education Award and partial tuition reimbursement benefits from their district to finance tuition. Learn more about Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana's Certification and Training.
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 ensuring you have the resources and support you need to lead and continue to work toward change with a dedicated TFA Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana alumni 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 Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana
Teach For America has been in the region since 2000, placing thousands of corps members in Chicago, East Chicago, Gary, and Hammond. A majority of alumni—67 percent—work in education after their time in the corps. Many alumni serve as policymakers and lead high-impact education organizations in Chicago, such as OneGoal, The Chicago Public Education Fund, and the Noble Network of Charter Schools.
As a corps member, you’ll join a passionate community of leaders dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students in Chicago and Northwest Indiana. You’ll use your background and leadership skills to drive students to academic success and transform lives.