Join a community of leaders who are challenging the status quo and innovating within the education sector to create new opportunities for children in San Antonio.
San Antonio is the seventh most populous city in the United States, but maintains a small-town feel. Demographers point to the city’s population as an indicator of the future for the United States. San Antonio is now where Texas will be in a decade and where the U.S. will be in 20 to 30 years. Since San Antonio is ahead of the curve, it has an opportunity to be a model for how the rest of the country can transform education to meet the needs of changing demographics.
Unlike other large cities, San Antonio does not have a single traditional school district. Instead, it’s home to over 17 different school districts. The barriers between these districts formed due to inequitable systems that separated communities by race and class. Today, San Antonio has the infamous designation as the most economically segregated city in the United States according to the Pew Research Center. The urban core is home to disproportionate percentages of students of color and students growing up in poverty. Indeed, San Antonio ISD (SAISD), the school district in the heart of downtown San Antonio, serves a 97 percent Latino and African American student body, 93 percent of which are considered economically disadvantaged. Students growing up in the urban core face significant and persistent challenges that impact their ability to obtain an equitable education.
In recent years, transformation in San Antonio has been driven, in part, by a growing desire for innovation. An increase in innovative school models including in-district magnets, and charter schools has allowed for more autonomy and creativity in the construction of educational experiences for our students. Many of these schools, powered and led by the talent of our corps members and alumni, have demonstrated proof of what is possible for youth who have been dismissed for generations.
Learn more about teaching in San Antonio, including where Teach For America places corps members within the state, salary information, and details on certification and training.
6%
Students graduating HS in San Antonio’s urban core are “college ready” (EIS Report 2016-17 SY) vs 29% city-wide
99%
New jobs created in Texas since 2008 require post-secondary (14 years) of education.
“I educate in San Antonio because I understand that there is a need to uplift all communities and I am passionate about creating possibilities for our students that are beyond the lines of economic segregation.”
Neighborhood Highlights
Corps Member Hotspot: Mi Tierra Café and Bakery
As the neighborhood with the fun choices of high-rise apartments and lofts, Downtown San Antonio also boasts some of the city’s most famous tourist attractions, excellent shops, nightlife spots, and restaurants. The San Antonio River snakes lazily here through the heart of the city, proving great locations to jog, stroll, or sight-see with friends.
Corps Member Hotspots: The Friendly Spot, Madhatters & La Tuna
San Antonio’s King William District, a part of Southtown, wears many hats: old, new, and hip just to name a few. What was once an elegant 19th-century neighborhood left to decay has been revitalized with new art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. Living accommodations include historic single family housing and scattered apartment complexes.
Corps Member Hotspots: La Panaderia, Snooze, Max’s Wine Dive & Florio’s Pizza
Though not technically a San Antonio neighborhood, the incorporated City of Alamo Heights is appealing place for many corps members to live in San Antonio. Comfortable single-family homes and apartments are within walking distance to the fun boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants which dot the streets in this thriving business district.
Corps Member Hotspots: Gallo Pizzeria, Panifico Bake Shop & YATZiL Mexican Restaurant
With its rich history and welcoming atmosphere, it is no wonder many families love to live in this area. It is in the inner west side of town and filled with many local family-owned restaurants. The community pride seeps out of every crevice of this neighborhood. The Spurs' flags and other art decorate many houses during basketball season. Corps members live in cozy houses and have a yard to show your San Antonio pride.
Corps Member Hotspots: The Cove, La Botanica & Candlelight Café
This charming little neighborhood is located just north of Downtown and is centrally located within SAISD. Many of the older homes here have been renovated into multiple housing units, making them fun affordable options to share with multiple housemates. N. Saint Mary’s Street’s eclectic mix of bars and cafés satisfies both foodies and night owls alike.
Corps Member Hotspots: Pasha’s Mediterranean Grille, Taqueria Data Point & Snopioca Taiwanese Shaved Ice and Bubble Tea
Conveniently located near Six Flags Fiesta Texas, UTSA, and the South Texas Medical Center, this area is a bustling hub of restaurants and shopping centers that cater to all wallet sizes and tastes. The abundant selection of townhomes, condos, and duplexes make this a great choice for corps members with families.
Corps Member Hotspots: Tucker’s Kozy Korner, Alamo Beer Company & Toro’s Tacos
According to the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association, this area is steeped in history, and named after Dr. Anthony Michael Dignowity, a Czechoslovakian immigrant who was a public official, medical doctor, and abolitionist who immigrated to the U.S. in 1831. There are a lot of lively night spots with live music and good eats.
Corps Member Hotspots: Pearsall Park
This is a spacious area where lots of families, both military and non-military, live. There have been many additions to this community—the new Pearsall Park stretches across 505 acres and offers both fitness and recreational amenities as well as space for group gatherings. A new YMCA will be built in the next year.
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SA Reads
SA Reads, a project of Literacy San Antonio
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HEB
H-E-B Grocery
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.
- Trinity University
- Johns Hopkins
- SAISD
- KIPP
- IDEA
- Compass Rose
- Whataburger
- Starbucks