Our Foundations
Our Mission
Teach For America finds, develops, and supports a diverse network of leaders who expand opportunity for
children from classrooms, schools, and every sector and field that shapes the broader systems in which
schools operate.
OUR CORE VALUES
Our core values define who we are at our best and guide our work together.
Pursue Equity: We work to change practices, structures, and policies to realize educational equity for
all children. As we do so, we actively examine our roles in perpetuating inequitable systems.
Strengthen Community: We assume responsibility for our collective strength by developing
relationships, building diverse and inclusive coalitions, and challenging one another to be our best.
We act with empathy and extend grace to ourselves and others.
Achieve Impact: We pursue ambitious, meaningful outcomes that lead to access and opportunity
for all children. We hold ourselves to high standrds, make data-informed decisions, and orient to
long-term success.
Choose Courage: We act on our beliefs and values, especially when it’s hard. We center our efforts on
the aspirations of our students and their families.
Act with Humility: We acknowledge the limitations of our perspectives. We seek different points of
view and historical context to evolve our thinking and actions.
Demonstrate Resilience: We see every challenge as an opportunity to think expansively about
solutions. When faced with obstacles, we deepen our resolve, adapt, and persist with optimism.
Learn Continuously: We operate with curiosity and embrace new ideas to innovate and constantly
improve. We take informed risks and learn from successes, setbacks, and each other.
Read the entire Foundations Document here and learn more about our commitment to diversity and equity in the fight for reaching One Day.