Connecticut
About Us
Our program is centered around our vibrant urban centers in Connecticut: Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport. Our City Teams foster partnerships with leaders and organizations in their cities to build coalitions. They are working in partnership with students, families, educators, and community leaders to develop a contextualized vision for student success. The result? Deeper relationships, community centered, stronger networks, and greater impact.
Our network extends beyond city limits as more than 800 alumni are contributing to long-term leadership in classrooms, in school and district leadership, in nonprofits, civic leadership, and across sectors to influence positive progress toward our state’s promise an excellent education for all kids.
A growing number of examples prove that when students’ needs are supported, when they are held to high expectations, and when their leadership is recognized, all students have the potential to succeed. Alongside our school communities and in partnership with champions across the state, we are working to ensure that these examples are no longer the exception, but the rule.
Where We Work
New Haven
New Haven
Corps members living in New Haven think of their new home as a small city with big city offerings, and enjoy its multifaceted culture, affordable housing options, and proximity to the schools in which they teach. A vibrant city, New Haven hosts numerous unique events throughout the year, from festivals on the Green to exhibits at the many local museums to a variety of Yale-related activities. New Haven's eclectic food scene is equally exciting, with delicious options ranging from Turkish to Indian to, of course, some of the best pizza you may ever eat.
Bridgeport
Bridgeport
Bridgeport is officially nicknamed "Park City," due to its 35 public parks, taking up 1,300 acres, including two large ones. The city is rich in culture and is home to 3 museums, the University of Bridgeport and Housatonic Community College. Bridgeport has a variety of beaches and parks, including Seaside, one of the finest in the state. The city boasts an array of music, cuisine options, infrastructure, and a beautiful coastline. Bridgeport has direct access to Long Island via the Port Jefferson Ferry and is just over one hour from New York City via Metro-North rail.
Hartford
Hartford
Hartford is Connecticut’s state capital and is referred to as the “Insurance Capital of the World.” Founded in 1635, the city is home to the second oldest secondary school in the United States, Hartford Public High School. It is well known for first-rate attractions such as the Wadsworth Atheneum, Bushnell Park, and the Mark Twain House. Hartford is home to the minor league baseball team, the Hartford Yard Goats. It is home to the University of Hartford, Trinity College, and UConn Hartford. A historical city, the colonial witch hunt began in Hartford in 1647.
Living Here
Connecticut might be only 170 miles long, but it's packed with charming towns, scenic country roads, and vibrant urban centers. Whether it's enjoying the dynamic food and culture in our capitol city of Hartford, some of the best pizza in the country in New Haven, or spending summer days along the shoreline you will always find plenty of activities. In fact, your students and their families will give you the best highlights of all. From the best soul food and Caribbean food in Bridgeport to the International Festival of Arts and Ideas on the New Haven Green near Yale University, or the incredible farm-to-table coffee spots in Hartford, you'll discover all the gems within our urban centers. Connecticut is also full of lakes, hiking trails, vineyards, beaches, and year-round activities. A quick hike along the Appalachian Trail or a weekend of paddle-boarding is only a short walk or drive away. No matter where you reside, you’ll be part of a tight-knit, welcoming, and adventurous community.
“TFA has had an incredible impact on my life. It showed me that I have a role to play in making changes in the education system. I continue to teach because I believe in my students and love my city for all its history, flaws, beauty, and people. Change is rooted in communities. As educators, we will play a lot of roles in students’ lives, including helping students find their voice and be ready to function in the world, and in their families.”
Local Leadership
Dolores Garcia-Blocker, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Teach For America Connecticut
Dolores Garcia-Blocker, Ed.D. is a lifelong educator with more than 30 years of experience working in public school systems. She started as a teacher in Washington, D.C., led schools in New York and Connecticut, and has held district leadership roles for the last 10 years in Connecticut.
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