Northwestern Contributes Most Graduates to Teach for America

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Northwestern University has been among the top contributors of new Teach For America (TFA) teachers among medium-sized schools for the last five years -- and this year Northwestern claims the top spot.

Sixty-three members of the Class of 2012 have joined the TFA corps. Throughout TFA’s 22-year history, 479 Northwestern alumni have taught as corps members.

“The continued high number of corps members really has to do with Northwestern students’ strong desire to leave an impression and make an impact,” said TFA recruitment manager Eliza McNabb. “It’s a theme that runs through the undergraduate experience here.”

Ten percent of the 2012 graduating class applied to TFA. 

McNabb herself was a successful applicant to the program, becoming a TFA corps member in Phoenix after graduating from Northwestern, with a history major, in 2010. 

Among outreach efforts to current students, Northwestern and TFA are hosting Education Transforms Week Oct. 15 through 19. The information sessions cover issues in education and TFA itself, as well as an opportunity for local high schools to visit a university and learn what it takes to get into college. (See schedule below).

The presence of so many social justice student groups on campus gives education inequality and other issues high visibility at Northwestern, McNabb said.

“The educational crisis in low-income communities is something Northwestern students are aware of, and they really want to take on that challenge and make a difference in that area,” she said.

After an intensive summer training program, TFA members teach for two years in low-income urban and rural public schools. Coming from a variety of academic backgrounds, they are top college graduates and professionals who demonstrate high achievement and leadership.

Education Transforms Week events: 

• The Real Deal About Teach For America Panel, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 16, in Harris Hall, L07

• Diversity in the Classroom: A Round Table Discussion, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 17, Evans Room, Norris University Center

• Chicago students visit NU, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in Patten Gym and Annenberg Hall

To learn more about TFA and the application process, visit their website.