How can I explain what Teach For America is to my family and friends?
TFA is a diverse network of leaders who confront educational inequity through teaching and work with unwavering commitment from every sector of society to create a nation free from this injustice.
As a collective force—educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community members—we fight for the aspirations of students and families.
Our aim is to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, influence, and lead.
Read more here.
As a collective force—educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, policymakers, community members—we fight for the aspirations of students and families.
Our aim is to realize the day when every child has an equal opportunity to learn, grow, influence, and lead.
Read more here.
Can you tell me more about AmeriCorps?
Of course! Check out the AmeriCorps FAQs on the AmeriCorps page!
Where can I find information to help me plan my move?
You can find information to help your transition in the "Moving to DFW" guide, which includes resources such as in-depth descriptions of DFW neighborhoods, apartment locators’ contact information, and other critical information to help facilitate a smooth transition to your new home. Please keep in mind, however, that you should focus your energy on passing your test and completing all onboarding action items for now.
When is Institute?
Institute will be held from June 6th - July 25th, 2018 in Dallas-Fort Worth. However, you should expect to be in Texas from early June until the first day of school, as many of our districts begin training immediately after Institute.
Where do most corps members live, and when will I find housing?
Most corps members find housing during Institute, as we strongly recommend getting to know the area as well as your school placement before finding housing. Corps members may explore housing options on the weekends during Institute. Some corps members prefer getting recommendations from current corps members and alumni, while others may begin their housing searches through DFW apartment locators.
If landlords require proof of employment before the school year begins, our staff can provide you with a letter stating that you will be employed as a teacher.
If landlords require proof of employment before the school year begins, our staff can provide you with a letter stating that you will be employed as a teacher.
Can Teach For America - Dallas-Fort Worth be a financially viable option for me?
Yes. First-year teachers in DFW earn a salary starting at $46,000, which is among the top starting salaries across Teach For America regions. Additionally, DFW has become one of the fastest growing cities in the US in part due to a lower cost of living compared to most major cities. Please note that the salary has not yet been finalized for the 2018-19 school year.
Will I need a car?
Yes. You will need a car to get around the DFW area. We suggest that you purchase/lease a vehicle prior to, or during, Institute, as it is helpful in getting around the Metroplex.What if I cannot attend Institute?Institute is MANDATORY. Our Institute training provides corps members with the tools necessary to be effective in the classroom on the first day of school. Additionally, the hours acquired in training will be required for certification.
Will I have time off during the summer?
You should not expect to have any breaks in training once you arrive in Dallas-Fort Worth for Institute. Over the summer, you will be receiving essential professional development and the opportunity to teach your first group of students. These hours you acquire will go toward attaining your certification. You should expect to be in Texas from early June throughout the entire summer. Based on your district placement, you may have a short window of time off, but you should not plan for that.
We understand that you may have pre-arranged, once-in-a-lifetime events (e.g., wedding/graduation of yourself or a family member) that require you to miss a small amount of time during training, and you will submit this through an Institute Leave Request form that you will receive in the spring. All absences must be pre-approved by our leadership team, and you would only be granted up to 24 hours due to certification requirements. The Institute attendance policy will be shared with you during the spring so that you can prepare.
If you would need to miss more than 48 hours during Institute, please let us know, as you may need to request a deferral to the 2019 corps.
To access the Institute Leave Request form click here.
We understand that you may have pre-arranged, once-in-a-lifetime events (e.g., wedding/graduation of yourself or a family member) that require you to miss a small amount of time during training, and you will submit this through an Institute Leave Request form that you will receive in the spring. All absences must be pre-approved by our leadership team, and you would only be granted up to 24 hours due to certification requirements. The Institute attendance policy will be shared with you during the spring so that you can prepare.
If you would need to miss more than 48 hours during Institute, please let us know, as you may need to request a deferral to the 2019 corps.
To access the Institute Leave Request form click here.
Can I choose where I teach?
No. Since our priority is to place corps members where they are most needed, it will not be possible for us to guarantee you a placement in a specific district, grade, or content area. In the District Strategy Survey, you will be able to note your preferences and working styles, but we cannot make any guarantees, as we work to fulfill the needs of our districts. We do our best to honor extenuating circumstances, but cannot guarantee a particular placement for any corps member.
When will I find out my placement school and what grade I will be teaching?
Corps members are tentatively assigned to a certification area prior to matriculation. In the spring and into the summer, corps members will interview with district personnel for job openings that match their certification area. This hiring process is an ongoing one that typically runs throughout the summer and varies depending on district needs.
Will I be working toward certification while I am teaching?
Yes. It is mandatory that DFW corps members will become certified through one of our educator preparation partners. You will receive more information on program specifics as the region works toward placement with our district and charter partners. There are multiple steps required during the certification process, so be on the lookout for forthcoming information.
If I am already certified to teach in another state, do I need to enroll in the certification program?
If you are already certified to teach in another state, you will have a one-on-one conversation with Brittany on the Onboarding team to determine your individualized next steps to transfer your certification. You will be able to apply for certification in Texas based on your out-of-state credentials. You should expect a $180 processing fee (subject to change) for the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to review your credentials and transcripts. You will also need to take a TExES exam after being approved, and should expect a $131 fee per exam (fee amounts are subject to change). You can learn more about the out-of-state credential review process on TEA's website.
How can I find a spiritual home in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Teach For America - Dallas-Fort Worth encourages all corps members to strengthen community by using our wonderful network of alumni and current corps members to locate a place of worship if they so desire. For an example resource we have put together in previous year, click here: Spiritual Affinity Group Resources
What does LGBTQ Support look like in Dallas-Fort Worth?
Great question! Teach For America - Dallas-Fort Worth is proud to support all of our corps members in building safe, brave, and equitable classrooms for all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ. We also put Intentional support behind our LGBTQ community (students, corps members, alumni, donors, etc.) because of the powerful, unique potential this group of leaders has to work collectively toward improving our community and the lives of students. You can learn more about LGBTQ Support here.