PAPER 1 QUESTION (MAXIMUM 450 WORDS): Teach For America works toward the day when every child will receive an excellent and equitable education. The circumstances children are born into predict the opportunities they will have in life.
But Teach For America has learned that dramatic progress is possible. It takes bold, grounded leaders working together, inside and outside of schools, fighting for the aspirations of children and their families. Why are you motivated to join Teach For America?
Growing up in a low-income community and attending a school serving predominantly students of color, experienced firsthand the educational disparities that many students face. My school lacked resources, faced chronic underfunding, and struggled with systemic challenges that made success more difficult. Despite these barriers, was determined to pursue higher education, knowing it would provide me with the tools to change my life and, eventually, give back to my community.
This drive to change the narrative led me to earn both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). Through my studies, I gained a deeper understanding of the systemic issues affecting underserved communities, particularly in education. realized that while social work provided me with valuable skills to support individuals, Teach For America offers a unique opportunity to directly influence students’ lives and advocate for meaningful, long-term change within the education system.
My own educational journey deepened my belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Teach For America’s mission resonates with me because it goes beyond teaching; it’s about fighting for systemic change and ensuring that students from low-income communities are given the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. want to be part of that solution, using my background in social work to advocate for both academic achievement and the holistic well-being of students.
believe education is about more than academics. It’s about addressing the whole child—emotionally, socially, and mentally. want to be the kind of educator who not only helps students excel academically but also helps them build resilience, confidence, and self-worth—empowering them to overcome the challenges they face. Teach For America offers a chance to make this a reality by helping to close the opportunity gap and supporting students who face obstacles outside the classroom that impact their learning.
Ultimately, my goal is to return to my community with a deeper understanding of how to create lasting, meaningful change. Teach For America will provide me with the platform to apply the skills I’ve gained through my education and life experiences to support students, ensuring they have access to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. am eager to be part of a network of passionate educators and advocates working together to ensure that all children—no matter their background—have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
PAPER 2 QUESTION (MAXIMUM 300 WORDS): Our corps members achieve extraordinary results in their classrooms. We’d like to learn more about one of your greatest accomplishments in the last 3 years. It can be in academics or in a role you have held as part of an organization, company, team or club. Please describe the following in your response:
What was the outcome you were working towards?
Why was this outcome important to you, others, and/or the organization you were a part of?
What were the steps you took to accomplish this and what was the outcome?
One of my greatest accomplishments over the past few years occurred during my role as a Case Planner at Children’s Aid in the Bronx. managed a caseload of approximately 10 children with varying mental health needs, working toward the goal of ensuring timely permanency for these children—whether through reunification with their birth families or foster care placement. This outcome was critical because stability and emotional well-being for children in foster care are closely tied to finding a permanent home where they can feel safe and supported.
This outcome was important not only for the children but also for their families and the organization. For children in foster care, reunification with their birth families is vital for reducing trauma and restoring a sense of security. For the families, it was crucial to receive the support and resources needed to work toward reunification. For the organization, meeting permanency goals ensures that children are placed in the most nurturing environment for their long-term development.
One of the most rewarding moments came when was able to make overnight visits possible for a mother and her child. After working with the family and ensuring the mother met all necessary requirements, successfully arranged unsupervised weekend visits. The organization provided petty cash to help support their time together, enabling them to enjoy a meal and do grocery shopping. Both the mother and child expressed immense happiness at being able to spend quality time together. It was fulfilling to see how the mother’s commitment to meeting the required steps allowed them to reconnect in such a meaningful way.
To make this happen,coordinated with weekend staff and ensured all necessary logistics were in place for the visit. monitored the mother’s progress and collaborated with her to ensure she had the resources she needed. The petty cash from the organization helped the family bond over meals and grocery shopping, further strengthening their relationship and providing them both with a sense of stability.
Although I ultimately had to leave the role due to my own mental health, Iremain deeply proud of the positive impact had on that family. Witnessing their emotional growth and the mother’s progress was a powerful reminder of the importance of support, patience, and practical resources in family reunification.
This experience deepened my understanding of the challenges families face and solidified my passion for supporting children and families through difficult transitions. It also strengthened my commitment to working in fields that create lasting, positive change, particularly in education, where consistent support can help every child reach their full potential.
PAPER 3 QUESTION (MAXIMUM 450 WORDS): Is there any additional information you were not able to share on the application that you think might be relevant to our Selection Committee? If so, you may share it here
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While shared much of my background in this application, I’d like to highlight a few additional experiences that have strengthened my commitment to supporting vulnerable communities and advocating for educational equity.
My Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Social Work from Lehman College, along with my work as a Social Work Intern at the Lehman College Speech & Hearing Center, have deepened my understanding of the challenges children and families face. worked closely with families navigating speech delays and mental health challenges, gaining invaluable skills in communication, empathy, and crisis intervention. These experiences further solidified my passion for working with underrepresented communities, especially in educational settings.
Currently, as a Student and Family Affairs Manager at Public Preparatory Network, manage systems that support a positive and safe school environment, focusing on behavioral expectations and transitions for students. work directly with families and staff to ensure that students have the tools they need to succeed, reinforcing my belief in the transformative power of education when all students have access to the support they deserve.
Additionally, my role as a Community Outreach Intern at Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy allowed me to connect with families in an educational setting and support their engagement with school resources, further strengthening my skills in outreach and collaboration.
These experiences, combined with my background in social work, have solidified my desire to pursue a career dedicated to creating equitable opportunities for all students excited about the chance to bring my skills, passion, and experiences to Teach For America, where can continue advocating for children’s right to a quality education.
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