Who is eligible to apply to Teach For America?
In order to apply to Teach For America, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university by the first day of summer institute, you must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 2.50, and you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident. Read more about Teach For America's eligibility requirements.
Learn about the Teach For America International Students Pilot Program.
Who is the ideal candidate ?
We seek exceptional students and leaders from all backgrounds and career interests who have a track record of achievement. We also seek individuals who have the potential to achieve based on the skills and strengths that we’ve determined over time lead to success in our classrooms. Read more about who we're looking for.
We look for evidence of these qualities in the online application and in both interviews. Because leaders come in many forms with many past experiences, we do not look for a narrow profile of experience, such as particular academic majors or specific leadership positions.
Can education majors participate
in Teach For America?
Yes. Teach For America accepts applicants from all academic majors and programs, including education. A degree or coursework in education, however, is not required and has no bearing on a candidate's chances of admission. Read more about who we're looking for.
Do you only accept graduating college
seniors?
No. A candidate’s age has no bearing on admissions decisions. Our corps members include outstanding leaders of all ages and experiences, and we encourage anyone who meets our eligibility requirements to apply. In addition to recruiting graduating seniors on college campuses, we actively recruit college graduates currently working in the public and private sectors, as well as those currently enrolled in graduate programs.
Do you only accept recent college
graduates?
No. A candidate’s age has no bearing on admissions decisions. Our corps members include outstanding leaders of all ages and experiences, and we encourage anyone who meets our eligibility requirements to apply. That said, the vast majority of the 2007 of corps members are within five years of their graduation from college in part because, like many employers, we focus our recruitment efforts on college campuses.
All applicants should evaluate their personal flexibility and comfort with Teach For America specifically given that our training includes an intensive five-week summer program on a college campus with dormitory-style living arrangements, and given that regional assignment may involve relocation.
Why don't you accept foreign applicants?
Due to the hiring restrictions of many of our partner school districts, Teach For America may only accept U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents for admission into the corps. Individuals who are in the U.S. under a student, work, or tourist visa are not eligible to become Teach For America corps members. Similarly, individuals who have refugee status but nothing indicating permanent resident alien status are not eligible to become Teach For America corps members.
Learn about the Teach For America International Students Pilot Program.
Who we're looking for
College graduates and professionals
Frequently asked questions
Corps and Alumni