The George Washington University is one of the top 20 medium universities that contributed students to Teach for America’s 2013 teaching corps, according to the sixth annual list released by the nonprofit today.
GW took the fifth spot on the list, marking the second year in a row the university has been recognized among top contributors. Approximately 7 percent of GW graduates applied to Teach for America, and 37 of them were selected for the incoming corps. Over the last 23 years, 317 GW alumni have worked as Teach for America corps members.
“As they embark on their teaching careers, our GW graduates are committed to helping kids in low-income areas earn an excellent education and expand their opportunities for academic success,” said Peter Konwerski, senior associate provost and dean for student affairs. “Being recognized as a top contributor is yet another sign of the deep commitment and passion for change GW students demonstrate upon graduation.”
Teach for America recruits seniors and graduates from all academic backgrounds on more than 850 college campuses. Their recruits are student leaders interested in ending educational inequity. They devote two years to teaching in high-need classrooms. This fall, more than 11,000 first- and second-year corps members will be teaching across 48 urban and rural regions, according to the release.
“We are grateful to the outstanding colleges and universities that cultivate graduates with the leadership skills and deep commitment necessary to expand educational opportunities for students facing the challenges of poverty,” said Elisa Villanueva Beard, co-chief executive officer of Teach for America. “Our corps members bring a vast array of experiences and accomplishments to the classroom, and they are poised to make a meaningful impact in the high-need schools and communities where they will be teaching.”