Teach For America

Teach For America (TFA) is a highly selective alternative route to teacher certification that places non-traditionally trained teachers in high-need public schools for at least 2 years. TFA targets recent college graduates and professionals, many holding bachelor's degrees from selective colleges and universities in fields outside of education. Before beginning teaching, TFA teachers receive 5-7 weeks of in-person training over the summer that includes teaching summer school under supervision, receiving feedback from instructional coaches, participating in small-group practice sessions, receiving instruction in lesson planning, and completing coursework in instructional planning and delivery, classroom management, diversity, literacy development, and leadership principles. This is followed by 1-2 weeks of regional orientation. During their 2-year teaching commitment, TFA teachers receive ongoing professional development and one-on-one coaching from TFA staff, may meet in regional learning teams, and have access to toolkits with sample tests and teaching resources. TFA teachers are full-time employees of their public schools and receive the same salary and benefits as other first- or second-year teachers in their district.