Washington Our Work

Our History

Since 2011, Teach For America has been relentlessly fighting for educational equity in Washington state. Our region has one of the fastest growing economies in the U.S., and an educational system with elements that are truly world class. At the same time, it remains a deceptively beautiful state. While potential is evenly distributed across lines of race and class, access to opportunity is not, and is particularly limited for students of color and those growing up in poverty-impacted communities.

Building on Accomplishments

As these realities have become clearer at the federal and state level, many efforts have been made to improve educational outcomes for students. The hard work of broad and diverse coalitions throughout the state has garnered a number of successful results, including the adoption the Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, and the Smarter Balanced Assessments. Building upon these accomplishments, Teach For America has continued to help drive systemic change in Washington through our diverse talent pipeline.

Alumni Impact

Over the last five years, we have recruited, selected, and trained more than 125 new teachers. Our alumni network has grown from an initial base of 200 to more than 1,000 today. Three hundred and thirty of our alums are teaching, while another 30 serve as principals, assistant principals, and district leaders. Sixty-seven percent are in education-related fields and many are playing an active role in the fight for equity across sectors such as law, business, and philanthropy. And while the collective effort of our community members, teachers, school leaders, and alumni has been significant, our work is far from over. If we accept the notion that educational equity is a critical ticket to social mobility, we have some heavy lifting to do.

Our Vision

We don’t just strive to make a difference in our state’s educational landscape. Our mission is to transform it. Our vision going forward is one day, all children in Washington will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education through four strategic priorities:

Transformational Talent

We will continue to grow the diverse network of outstanding individuals who believe that one day, all kids in Washington will have the opportunity to receive an excellent education

Transformational Teaching

Ensure the teaching practices of our educators are relevant to the range of cultures in their classrooms.

Transformational Leadership

Position our leaders to collaboratively push for systemic change.

Transformational Advocacy

Help our network stand in solidarity with those who are most impacted by educational inequity.

Connect With Us

210 S. Hudson St., Suite 307
Seattle, WA 98134

Phone: (206)538-5130
Social: Facebook