There is an urgent need for excellent math and science education in our nation. As a math, science or engineering major, you are uniquely positioned to make a real difference.
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To ensure that our country continues to thrive and innovate in a global environment, we need to fill the shortfall in our scientific and technical capabilities. In order to accomplish this, our system needs more excellent math and science teachers, specifically in low-income communities where there is a disproportionate need.
By the eighth grade, students in low-income areas are on average two to three grade levels behind their higher-income peers in science, and on average three grade levels behind their higher-income peers in math (source: National Center of Education, Statistics, National Assessment of Education Progress, 2005). You can help inspire them to pursue careers in these fields, thereby helping to build a pipeline of future scientists. Further, there is proof that students excel in math and science when they are taught by teachers with degrees in that subject area.
Hear from alumni who majored in math, science or engineering on why they joined Teach For America.
Individuals who have a set career path may struggle with the idea of spending two years teaching rather than going straight to
graduate school, industry, or other sector. However, our alumni tell us that the experience was worth it and that it didn't
hold them back from attaining their career goals. In fact, many alumni tell us that the corps experience helped them get more
out of graduate school and gave them added credibility that comes from having taught in a low-income community. In addition,
they value the career opportunities, mentoring and collaboration that come along with being part of our alumni network.
Hear first-hand experiences from some of our alumni currently pursuing careers
in math and science academia or industry, medicine/public health and Engineering.
Our science, technology, engineering, and mathematics workforce is the backbone of our innovation economy and the source of our economic and national security. We must value science, those who do it, and those who teach it—and we must tap all of the talent this nation has to offer. Success begins in the classroom. Teachers who are prepared, equipped, and passionate about the possibilities of science and mathematics offer our best hope for the next generation. Teach For America seeks to bring that sense of possibility, that passion for discovery, that spark of hope into underserved mathematics and science classrooms, and our nation will be stronger for it.
- Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.
President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Former Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (1995-99)
Many graduate programs in math, science, and engineering, such as the physics program at Harvard University and the chemistry program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, have partnered with Teach For America to grant two-year deferrals and offer other benefits to admitted applicants who wish to join Teach For America before beginning their graduate studies. Learn more and obtain a full list of our graduate school partnerships for math, science, and engineering majors. If you are interested in requesting a deferment from a program that is not on the current list, e-mail us at msegraddeferment@teachforamerica.org.
Young people join Teach For America to make an impact, but they often find that they gain just as much as they give. I can think of no greater accomplishment than to change the life prospects for students who are far too often left behind. And the professional institutions of this world—medical schools and other graduate programs—positively want to see evidence of public service, social commitment, and an interest in people.
- Roald Hoffmann
Frank H.T. Rhodes
Professor of Humane Letters Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Cornell University
Winner of the 1981
Nobel Prize in Chemistry
Teach For America has developed partnerships with a number of leading employers in the financial services, management consulting, law, and science and technology arenas. These partners value the leadership skills and experience that distinguish Teach For America corps members.
Teach For America corps members are eligible to apply to:
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.
Who we're looking for
Math, science and engineering majors
Corps and Alumni
