About Teach For America
Teachers in the Rio Grande Valley are faced with a steep challenge. For every 100 students entering a public school classroom in South Texas today, only 12 will receive a college degree within six years of graduation. As early as third grade, students in South Texas are performing behind their peers in higher income communities and this disparity persists into college for those students who are able to further their education.
Since 1991, Teach For America has brought more than 1,500 leaders to South Texas schools. Due to the partnership and sustained efforts of district teams, committed families, engaged community partners and supportive elected officials, student outcomes have improved significantly during this time. The high school graduation rate has risen from 78 percent to 91 percent, exceeding the state average. This is an exciting time to live and lead in the Valley, where we are part of a movement working to change the region’s educational landscape and expectations for achievement.