Make an impact on students and schools by seeking a teaching job in South Texas’ culturally diverse Rio Grande Valley.
Searching for the right teaching position in Rio Grande Valley for the school year?
Teach For America (TFA) could be a great option for you. Whether you’ve taught for several years, are making a career change to education, or are just graduating from college, joining TFA will allow you to make an impact on the lives of students in the Rio Grande Valley.
Teach For America’s Approach
TFA recruits outstanding leaders from all backgrounds and career sectors to become TFA “corps members.” These 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 nonprofit organizations and businesses around Rio Grande Valley, 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 more than 1,500 schools.
You'll be placed in your preferred region so long as there's space and you meet the local requirements.
Corps Member Eligibility
In order 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
Learn more about teaching in Rio Grande Valley, and apply to teach as part of the Teach For America corps today.
Working in Rio Grande Valley
As a corps member, you will be required to 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 and Benefits
You’ll receive a salary and benefits from the school district, charter school, or pre-K center where you work.
Corps members are paid the same as other beginning teachers working for the same employer. Salaries for new teachers in Rio Grande Valley start at $45,000-$49,500, but vary depending on the grade and subject level you teach.
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. Find out more about salary and benefits in the Rio Grande Valley.
You may also be eligible for additional financial incentives geared toward TFA corps members. Learn more about financial aid, including transitional funding packages.
Master’s Degree Option
Many Rio Grande Valley corps members begin a graduate program in their second year of teaching. Popular programs include the local University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley or the Johns Hopkins University online program for Teach For America.
To finance tuition, corps members typically use their AmeriCorps Education Awards and partial tuition reimbursement benefits from their district. Learn more about certification and training in the Rio Grande Valley.
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 Rio Grande Valley 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'll have the opportunity to select up to three regions. Then, after interview week concludes, you'll be invited to change your regional selections, if you desire. Read more about our placement process.
Make an Impact in Rio Grande Valley
For more than 30 years, since 1991, Teach For America Rio Grande Valley has worked to build a formidable leadership pipeline.
The Rio Grande Valley is vast—stretching across 43,000 square miles—so Teach For America prioritizes placing corps members together in groups.
Corps members teach in the state’s three southernmost counties in eight different districts and over 40 different schools. TFA Rio Grande Valley places corps members in both traditional public schools and public school charter networks. As a corps member, you’ll use your background and leadership skills to drive students to academic success and transform lives.
Watch our Rio Grande Valley video to learn about the specific impact TFA corps members are having in South Texas, and start your application to join the work today.