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Becoming an exceptional teacher

Over the past 18 years, through continuous research and improvement, we have developed a clear understanding of how successful teachers in urban and rural communities attain exceptional results with students. With this knowledge base, we help corps members prepare for teaching during our summer institutes and continue working to support and develop them throughout their two year commitment to ensure success for their students.

We have come to see teachers as leaders – as people who establish a vision for where their students will be academically at the end of the year, and who invest students, parents and others in working hard to realize that vision. Effective teachers plan purposefully and work relentlessly with a sense of urgency to maximize class time in pursuit of the vision, and continuously increase effectiveness to reach the vision in spite of the multiple challenges and obstacles along the way. Knowing this, we carefully select individuals from different backgrounds and with a variety of experiences who we believe have demonstrated strong leadership and therefore have potential for success in the classroom.

While we cannot make teaching easy, Teach For America has developed a network of support and resources designed to help you move up the inevitable learning curve as quickly as possible. As a result, more and more corps members are becoming powerful role models who are having a greater impact on students than typically would be expected in a year.

Hear corps members and alumni talk about what it's like to be a teacher.