Our corps members
Placement regions
Corps and Alumni
Newark
As one of Teach For America’s longest standing regions, Newark, New Jersey is poised on the brink of significant social, economic, and educational change. While it still faces significant educational and economic challenges, there exists a palpable sense of optimism and a determination to improve the lives of all citizens in this community. With a large presence in schools throughout Newark, Teach For America corps members and alumni work side-by-side to contribute to an educational renaissance movement in one of the country’s most vibrant urban centers.
| Quick Stats |
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| Site Since: 1993 |
| Corps Size: 95 |
| Average summer temperature: 83 ° Average winter temperature: 41 ° |
| Car: Necessity of car access dependent on location of residence |
| Beginning teacher's salary: $49,000 |
Life
One of the country's best-kept secrets, the greater Newark area offers an eclectic blend of social and cultural opportunities that underscore its urban and rural character. With easy access to New York City (15-20 minutes by train), there are appealing options for those attracted to both big-city life and the advantages of less densely populated areas. For instance:
- Food-lovers flock to Newark and its plethora of ethnic cuisine.
- Sports enthusiasts here are surrounded by 10 professional sports teams and sparkling new stadiums and arenas including the Prudential Center in downtown Newark, home to the NJ Devils.
- Music aficionados find that concert options are as varied as they are numerous, taking full advantage of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
Beyond the city limits, almost two-thirds of New Jersey is comprised of farms and woodland areas, and about half of the state is on a coastal plain along the Atlantic Ocean, offering outdoor explorers ample opportunities to hike, bike, boat, and just "get away."
Northern New Jersey offers all of the excitement and convenience of urban living yet remains relatively affordable. Most corps members choose to live in Newark, Jersey City, Montclair, Bloomfield, or Hoboken. These areas resemble many neighborhoods in New York City in their youthfulness and variety, but at far lower costs.
Corps Culture
The relatively small size of the Newark corps creates a strong sense of commitment and community among its members. Corps members receive ongoing support from program directors and participate in monthly content-specific learning teams to address their particular needs. Many corps members teach in the same school as other corps members or alumni, allowing them to share best practices and support each other on school-specific issues. Furthermore, corps members are invited to participate in social and community events throughout their two years in the corps such as:
- Make a Difference Day
- MLK Day of Service
- Youth Service Day
All events are organized by Newark’s Brick Committee (a group of current corps members seeking to establish connections between corps members and community partners). Not only do corps members live together, share lesson plans, and meet for dinner or coffee, many even take day or weekend trips to the various exciting places that New Jersey has to offer.
