Teach For America Phoenix is committed to improving educational opportunities for students across the state. Join our passionate community of leaders dedicated to making a difference.
The Phoenix area is home to a diverse and thriving community. Over 4.6 million people call the Greater Phoenix area home. Sprawling across over 2,000 square miles and still growing, there is something for everyone in this vibrant metropolis. From food trucks to hiking trails to spring training games to art exhibits, staying busy is easy. And with over 300 days of sunshine and an average winter temperature in the 70s, outdoor activities are a must.
Communities in Arizona are increasingly focused on education with the majority of voters considering it the most important issue in the state. Arizona has one of the fastest improving education outcomes in the United States. Many elements of our educational system are truly world class. We are home to some of the nation’s top school—these include 12 gold, 38 silver, and 70 bronze medal schools in the 2018 U.S. News & World Report ranking of the nation's best high schools. More than 90 low-income schools have earned an A grade. Arizona students have seen significant gains in reading and math in both fourth and eighth grade, closing the gap with their peers nationwide and leading the country in improvement. Graduation rates are also up with 77 percent of students now graduating from high school. But there is still work to do.
40%
Arizona high schools sent 10 or fewer graduates to any form of post-secondary.
18%
Arizona ELL students graduate from high school—the lowest rate in the country.
1/5
Arizona students are enrolled in a quality early learning setting.
25
Points separate Hispanic and white students' fourth grade reading scores (with white students scoring higher)
“I grew up in a single parent Hispanic household. When I found out that Phoenix was one of my options for Teach For America I recognized that I would have the opportunity to serve students and communities who grew up very similar to the way I did.”
Phoenix at a Glance
Visit the Desert Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden of over 50,000 desert plants cultivated along outdoor walking paths and exhibits. The garden is committed to teaching and inspiring visitors while providing a space for research to understand and protect the desert’s natural beauty.
photo by: Michael & Sherry Martin/Flickr
The Heard Museum in Central Phoenix uses its collections and first-person voice to tell the stories of American Indian cultures while at the same time celebrates the diverse achievements of today’s artists.
photo by: bobistraveling/Flickr
Phoenix offers multiple opportunities to get outside and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Hiking trails are located right in the city at Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak, and South Mountain. Only a short drive away you can climb the Superstitions, the White Tanks, and more!
photo by: Ted Eytan/Flickr
Phoenix is home to six professional sports teams and also hosts MLB Spring Training. Year-round sporting events means there’s always the chance to catch a game.
photo by: k/mc/Flickr
Phoenix offers an array of evening attractions and weekend activities. Wander down Roosevelt Row on First Friday to take in the colorful murals and shop local artisan goods. Take in the emerging craft beer scene by stopping by one of the 30+ local breweries. Or relax on one of the many outdoor patios at restaurants across the Valley.
photo by: Chris English/Wikicommons
Neighborhood Highlights
Downtown Phoenix is home to many high-rises, businesses, and art museums. It's also where the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks play. Arizona State University’s Downtown Campus has revitalized the downtown Phoenix scene with hip restaurants and fun events appealing to young professionals. The Central Corridor contains a combination of local businesses and locally owned restaurants, mom-and-pop stores, and coffee shops, offering both historic neighborhoods and apartment living where a range of socioeconomic levels exist.
Stretching out to include the suburbs of Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and Tempe, the East Valley is quickly expanding. Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona and offers a dynamic educational, recreational, and business environments. Tempe is the home of Arizona State University’s flagship campus and has a busy, college-town atmosphere.
Home to a very rapidly growing population, the West Valley is home to the communities of Glendale, Avondale, and Tolleson. Glendale is home to the Arizona Cardinals Stadium and a vibrant Main Street. While the economy has eased new construction, rural areas on the far western fringes have transformed into new urban communities and housing developments.
South Phoenix is home to a diverse neighborhood of lively restaurants and community groups. Original farmland property still remains in this area, which includes some of Phoenix’s oldest neighborhoods. Residents of South Phoenix form a tight-knit community focused on family and celebrating the history of the region.
Our Regional Partners
We value our partnerships with local schools, districts, universities, businesses, and other organizations. Our partners play a critical role in creating opportunities for children in our communities.
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University
Agua Fria Union High School District
ASU Prep
CASA Academy
Empower College Prep
Glendale Elementary School District
Isaac School District
Littleton Elementary School District
Maryvale Prep
Phoenix Elementary School District
Phoenix Union High School District
Roosevelt School District
Victory Collegiate Academy
Vista College Prep
Western School of Science and Technology