In our nation's smallest state, Teach For America is part of a community working to create big opportunities for all Rhode Island students.
With an area of just 1,214 square miles, Rhode Island is our nation's smallest state, but that means your impact can be large. As a corps member working in partnership with veteran teachers, community organizations, and local universities, you’ll be part of a powerful movement to end inequity. You'll experience firsthand that change is possible, and scalable, across the Ocean State.
As part of Teach For America Rhode Island you will be part of a diverse community, building upon almost a decade of partnerships with Providence and Central Falls public schools, as well as charter schools serving students from Providence, Central Falls, and Pawtucket. This year, more than 50 corps members and over 200 alumni are demonstrating what leadership looks like across the state. You’ll join teachers like Erlin Rogel, who, after graduating from Roger Williams University School of Law, returned to teach at Gilbert Stuart Middle School, the same school he attended while growing up in Rhode Island; Jenna Spencer, who worked with her students to launch the state’s first high school chapter of the NAACP; and Ammar Zia, who discovered, after moving across the country for his first year of teaching, that his students are partners and leaders in creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all of us.
The majority of corps members teach in Providence, which places you just an hour’s drive from Boston and three hours from New York City. In Providence you’ll find great, affordable housing, food, and entertainment options. From this vibrant city, you’ll find it easy to explore Rhode Island’s beaches and countryside, with 400 miles of coastline and more than 100 public and private beaches that offer a beautiful place for after-school reflection and activity.
14%
Providence seventh grade students are proficient in reading
8%
Providence seventh grade students are proficient in math
31%
Providence middle schoolers and 51% of Providence high schoolers miss more than 18 days of school each year
37.8%
Rhode Island public school teachers miss more than 11 days of school
Rhode Island at a Glance
WaterFire is an award-winning fire-sculpture installation, created by a local artist, that's held on the river in downtown Providence.
photo by: Heather Katsoulis/Flickr
RISD Museum is affiliated with the Rhode Island School of Design. The museum was founded in 1877 and is the 20th largest art museum in the United States.
photo by: Mark Skrobola/Flickr
Located in Providence, Roger Williams Park and Zoo is of the oldest zoos in the country.
photo by: konstantine1982/Flickr
Newport Cliff Walk is a world-famous public access walk along the Atlantic Ocean, with views of Newport's mansions, which date back to the gilded age.
photo by: Eric Savage/Flickr
McCoy Stadium is a Minor League baseball stadium in Pawtucket that's home to the Pawtucket Red Sox, a Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox.
photo by: Doug Kerr/Flickr
AS220 is a community arts organization located in downtown Providence.
photo by: Jef Nickerson/Flickr
Neighborhood Highlights
Whether you choose to graze Benefit Street or head up Thayer, you will find great things on College Hill, where historic architecture meets college atmosphere. Home to Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, many corps members choose to live in this area or nearby for its close proximity to downtown Providence, great access to nightlife, beautiful architecture, and array of restaurants.
One of the most diverse neighborhoods in Providence, the West End boasts historic architecture, as well as the West End Community Center and Armory District Park. West End is an eclectic, hipster haven that's home to funky shops and great restaurants, and has developed one of the most tight-knit communities within the city limits. The West Broadway Neighborhood Association is one of Providence’s strongest!
Home to the State House and close to downtown Providence, Smith Hill is in the northern part of Providence with easy access to delectable dining on Federal Hill and shopping at the Providence Place Mall. Historically a predominantly Irish neighborhood, Smith Hill is probably best known for their St. Patrick’s Parade. It's also famous for the Newport Creamery, one of Rhode Island’s most iconic ice cream shops. This neighborhood has access to an abundance of local favorites and has been experiencing a strong revival this past year.
A former mill village with artistic flare that's located just north of Providence, Pawtucket is home to a growing art scene and many historic mills that have been converted to apartments and businesses. Of particular interest is the Hope Artiste Village, home to a winter farmers market. In 2010, Money magazine named Pawtucket as one of the best small cities to live in.
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Serve Rhode Island - AmeriCorps
Serve Rhode Island (SRI) is Rhode Island’s leading resource for volunteerism and community service. As Rhode Island’s Commission for National and Community Service, SRI coordinates thousands of nonprofit volunteer placements and community service project opportunities that address needs in the state. This year, Teach For America Rhode Island and ServeRI partnered to carry out a service project on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Driven by King’s imperative question of “What are you doing for others,” TFA corps members joined other AmeriCorps members to help repaint the hallways of Nathanael Green Middle School, as well as providing input for programming at the Providence Children’s Museum.
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.
- Millennial Rhode Island
- Providence Public School District
- Central Falls School District
- Achievement First Mayoral Academy
- Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy
- International Charter School
- Woonsocket School District
- Skip Nowell Leadership Academy
- Paul Cuffee Schools
- RISE Prep Mayoral Academy
- Amica
- Arpin Charitable Fund
- Bank of America
- Bank RI
- Fidelity