Teach For America • Dallas-Fort Worth began in 2009 as the largest charter region in the organization’s history with 100 corps members. We began seeing immediate results in the classroom during the first year, which allowed us to more than double the size of the corps in 2010. 

While we are excited about the work to bring about change in the Dallas-Forth Worth region, we’re faced with the reality that the status quo is unacceptable for students who grow up here. In the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), only 1 in 14 students go on to graduate from college, and we see a stunning drop out rate that is comparable to most large urban districts. With 94% of the student population identified as people of color, and 90% on free or reduced lunch, it’s clear our achievement gap is falling along racial and socioeconomic lines. We are working towards being part of a collaborative effort to close that gap – as we know that all children held to high expectations, given an outstanding instructional leader, and having access to resources, can achieve on an absolute scale. 

We have a corps culture of entrepreneurialism, pioneering, and adventure. In the beginning years of a charter region, we attract a unique kind of individual who is looking to help set the precedent and reputation for the corps, and be a vital player in the reform movement in the city. Now a few years into this, we will have our first Teach For America • Dallas-Fort Worth alumni entering our alumni movement ready to further Teach For America’s impact in the region.