Who we're looking for
Corps and Alumni
Math, science and engineering
Our nation's urgent need for math and science education
- Read up on the "quiet crisis" in America's education system
- Find out about the coordinated federal effort to help ease the breakdown of science and technology education in Rising Above the Gathering Storm
- Read how a Teach For America alum is Inspiring a New Generation of Chemists
- Read about other options after graduation
Hear corps members and alumni speak about the critical need for math and science teachers, how you can make an impact, and how teaching fits in with your long-term career goals.
The urgent need for math and science teachers
In 2006, the United States ranked 24th and 25th, respectively, of 30 nations in science and mathematics learning and problem-solving ability1. This issue is even more critical in our low-income communities, where by the end of third grade, only 58% of students can solve simple multiplication and division problems, compared to 84% of their peers in higher-income communities2.
As a math, science, or engineering major or minor, you have the power to eliminate these gaps. You can inspire students to make connections between their math and science education and the real world and further enable them to pursue careers in these fields.
Learn about Teach For America's math and science initiative.
You can make an impact
Teach For America will provide the necessary training, resources, and support to help you apply your content knowledge and succeed in the classroom. In an annual survey of principals who manage Teach For America teachers, nearly two out of three principals (63 percent) rated corps members’ training as better than that of other beginning teachers.
As a math, science or engineering major or minor, you are uniquely positioned to lead students to achieve extraordinary academic growth in math and science. A study conducted by the Urban Institute3 showed that Teach For America teachers are more effective, as measured by student exam performance, than traditionally prepared beginning teachers. Results were particularly strong for math and science classes. Learn more about Teach For America’s impact.
In 2006, Amgen joined Teach For America as its founding National Math and Science Partner. Each year, 50 math, science, and engineering majors are awarded Amgen Fellowships, which provide each recipient with a $2,000 signing bonus for joining Teach For America. In addition, as part of a special partnership between the Amgen Foundation, DonorsChoose.org, and Teach For America, fellows are eligible to receive funding for valuable student learning materials and innovative math and science classroom projects.
Teaching and your long-term career goals
Our alumni say that the Teach For America experience was invaluable and built skills that helped them excel in graduate school and achieve their career goals. In addition, they value the career opportunities, mentoring, and collaboration that are available through our alumni network. Read first-hand experiences from some of our alumni currently pursuing careers in math and science academia or industry, medicine/public health, and engineering.
Graduate school and employer partnerships
Many graduate programs in math, science, and engineering partner with Teach For America and grant two-year deferrals and other benefits to admitted applicants who wish to join Teach For America before beginning their graduate studies. We also partner with leading employers in the science and technology, financial services, management consulting, and law sectors. These partners value the leadership skills and experience that distinguish Teach For America corps members, and actively recruit our alumni. If you are interested in requesting a deferral from a program that is not on the current list, e-mail us at msegraddeferment@teachforamerica.org.
Summer research opportunity: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Teach For America corps members are eligible to apply to:
- The NIH Summer Internship Program (for the summer between their first and second years of teaching)
- The NIH Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award Program (for the year immediately following their two-year teaching commitment)
Teach For America corps members interested in either program can receive further information about applying by contacting Dr. Patricia M. Sokolove, Director of Interdisciplinary Training Programs and Acting Director of the Fellowship Training Program, Office of Intramural Education, NIH at sokolovp@mail.nih.gov.
* National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2007 Mathematics Assessment and 2005 Science Assessment
1 The Economic Impact of the Achievement Gap in America's Schools, McKinsey&Company, 2009
2 National Science Board, Science and Engineering Indicators 2008, Chapter 1 (http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/seind08/c1/c1s1.htm)
3 The Urban Institute/CALDER, 2008
