Phoenix is a dynamic city of 325 sunshine filled days with Mexican, Native American, Central American, African-American, Spanish, and Wild West influences. This vibrant state boasts more Native American reservations than any other state in the nation. In addition to all of the cultural influences unique to Arizona, Phoenix is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas emerging as a prime destination for young workers and recent immigrants. As the fifth largest city in the country, Phoenix has a progressive urban plan, including a new light rail transit system that is scheduled to take its first riders in December 2008.
| Quick Stats |
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| Site Since: 1994 |
| Current Corps Size: 384 |
| Average yearly temperature: 72.6° |
| Car: Access to a car is essential |
Salary: See cost of living  |
The part-city, part-desert nature of Phoenix allows residents to take in a set at a Manhattan-style downtown jazz club one night and view the red rocks of nearby Sedona the next. Close proximity to Tempe, home of Arizona State University, provides Phoenix residents with easy access to all of the educational and cultural offerings connected to the large university community.
Want to know more about life as corps member? Visit our corps member perspective page for videos, photo galleries, and more
Life
Teach For America • Phoenix corps members enjoy various affordable living options. Most choose to reside near their school sites, whether in Central, South, or West Phoenix. During their regional induction, corps members have the opportunity to view a wide sampling of affordable housing choices. Downtown includes Phoenix's historic neighborhoods, Encanto Park, the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, and various theaters housing several theater companies as well as the symphony, opera, and ballet. South Phoenix boasts some of the oldest migrant communities in the Southwest and a vibrant community culture centered on family and rooted in long-standing traditions.
The rapidly growing West Valley is home to upscale new communities such as Verrado and Glendale, some of the most up-and-coming areas in the country. With many popular attractions including golf courses, historic ranches, and the new stadiums for both the Coyotes and the Cardinals, the West Valley is also home to inequality evidenced by designated section 8, low-income, and refugee housing. Beyond engaging in the communities in which we serve, corps members also enjoy vibrant social lives, and take full advantage of the benefits of a metropolitan area as well as the desert, mountains, and forests of Arizona. Some corps members like to spend their free time dancing in hip hop, salsa, or '80s clubs; others prefer day trips to old mining towns, or scenic hikes in the mountains; and still others head for the ski slopes in Flagstaff, the bright lights of Las Vegas, or the cool beaches of California and Mexico. It is safe to say that whatever the interest, the Phoenix area can provide an outlet for it.
Corps Culture
The Teach For America • Phoenix program focuses on student achievement and collaboration by utilizing the leadership of corps members and alumni. Corps members meet monthly for professional development events facilitated by Teach For America alumni and staff. Because corps members teach across 13 different school districts, several second-year corps members and alumni are invited to serve as District Policy Representatives. District Policy Representatives help guide the direction of the organization by attending district governing board meetings, creating activities to enhance corps culture, and working with the regional staff on a regular basis to meet the goals of our region.
The Phoenix corps comes together several times a year for policy exposure events, featuring prominent leaders in Arizona education and ensuring corps members are able to participate in the dialogue on policy changes and trends in education. Along with this network, corps members lead extracurricular activities, participate in community service events together, and share best practices from their classrooms. Often, corps members live in the same apartment complexes and host Sunday night potlucks or weekly study sessions. They are also active in planning corps social events, such as pool parties, barbecues, and outdoor adventures.
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