December 2025 Blog

What We’re Talking About

Welcome to TFA’s Connection Blog. A space to bring you the latest news, resources, and events happening among the Teach For America Community. Here is what we’re talking about in December:

📰 Celebrating Impact in 2025

This year, we’re celebrating the 68,000 alumni who are innovating from both inside and outside the classroom and leading us into the next 35 years of progress. Read on for the top 5 alumni stories of 2025.

⭐ Purpose in Action: Insights from Aneesh, TFA’s CEO

Aneesh shows what’s possible when we pair students’ limitless potential with opportunity and equip emerging leaders with pathways to purpose-filled careers in this Work Shift article. Look out for new storytelling platforms from Aneesh in the new year.

🔩 Spotlights


Building Broad Partnership

TFA alumni and staff attended and presented at the Black Male Educators Conference and ExcelinEd’s National Summit on Education. Alongside rich learning, region-hosted celebrations created space for great conversations and new connections – energizing our community and collected leadership ahead of the 35th Anniversary Summit.

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🎓Alumni Highlights

  • Lord Ryan Lizardo (Hawaii 2014)As Vice President of Education for the Chamber of Commerce HawaiÊ»i, Lord Ryan bridges businesses and schools to promote work-based learning opportunities. He was named a “40 Under 40” honoree by Pacific Business News’ for is work to empower HawaiÊ»i’s youth through meaningful educational and workforce pathways.  Read more about Lord Ryan’s work.
  • Jill Baldemor (New York City 1995) Jill, a Senior Vice President and Regional Field Executive at Teach For America, was named one the “Top 50 Women Leaders” of Hawaii for 2025 by Women We Admire. She was recognized for developing a thriving executive director team to maximize impact in local communities.Read more about Jill’s work.

📚TFA in the News

  • Transforming the Teaching Profession Anajah Philogene (St. Louis 2010) shares how Gen Z teachers are reimagining their careers and education in The 74.  
  • Rebuilding After Disaster Tanya Bryant’s (Greater New Orleans 2003) 20+ years in education are highlighted in Education Week’s coverage of Hurricane Katrina.
  • Taking the Helm The Associated Press covers Victor Wakefield (Chicago 2007) stepping into state leadership as Nevada’s new superintendent. 
  • Designing for the Future Sunanna Chand (South Louisiana 2010) joins the Remaking Tomorrow Podcast to discuss the power of philanthropy in modern learning landscapes. 
  • A Launchpad to Leadership Gloria Brown (Metro Atlanta 2012) shares how AmeriCorps Education Awards support teachers and other rising leaders in Word in Black.

*Note: In pursuit of our vision of One Day and our 2030 impact goal, Teach For America has built a  broad coalition, and we work alongside over 300 communities across 37 states, the District of Columbia, and sovereign nations. To meet the needs of the children we serve and our participants, we partner with several other organizations and entities to establish a repertoire of resources and supports. While we review these resources, we recognize the content of links may shift, change, or be not fully aligned with our complete view, values, or vision. The inclusion of any link is intended to direct users to potentially useful information. Teach For America encourages users to exercise their own judgment when accessing linked websites.


🙌 Opportunities

AI for Job Seekers Bootcamp (Job Insiders x TFA)

A two-week virtual program focused on translating your TFA experience to broader sectors, strengthening your resume and LinkedIn profile, improving your application strategy, and preparing you with strong interview stories.

Jan 20–29, 2026
Early Bird Deadline: Jan 7

Kode With Klossy: Paid Summer Instructor Roles

Get paid to leverage your curiosity, facilitation skills, and a passion for helping young people build their confidence in computing. This is a two-week summer camp with approximately 40 hours asynchronous training. No coding background required! 

Application Opens: December 9th

Application Deadlines: Priority: Jan 4  Final: Jan 11

Prove What’s Possible with Braven

TFA is partnering with Braven, a national nonprofit that empowers college students with the skills, experience, confidence and networks to land a strong first job after graduation. Braven is offering two virtual volunteer opportunities where TFA alums can continue to facilitate growth for the next generation of leaders after their time in the Corps! Each of the roles below are intentionally designed to ensure that you both grow professionally and make an impact on college students embarking on their early career paths:

Leadership Coach Program (January–May)
Coaches facilitate Braven’s Accelerator course, guiding small groups of Fellows through career-building experiences and a real-world business challenge. Braven does all of the planning and provides all the materials you will need. This is a strong opportunity for anyone interested in developing or improving their leadership skills, especially people management skills. Volunteers meet weekly on Zoom at a set class time and build their own management and team leadership skills in the process. Learn more.

Professional Mentor Program (February 16 – May 8)
Mentors provide one-on-one support to college students who are navigating the job or internship search. Volunteers help Fellows strengthen their professional materials, build connections in their fields of interest, and gain confidence. This is a strong opportunity for anyone looking for the chance to build their skills in providing feedback and one-on-one support. Learn more.

Leadership Coach Role Final Deadline: 12/11/25

Professional Mentor Role Final Deadline: 12/22/25. 

Scripps National Spelling Bee

All TFA partner schools can now enroll in the Scripps National Spelling Bee for free through the new “Beelieve” initiative. Watch Scripps Executive Director, Corrie Loeffler explain why.

What’s Happening This Winter

Stay Connected

Whether you just joined the Corps or completed your service decades ago, there are many ways to find your fellow Corps members and friends and connect. We provide both an alumni directory for looking up your old friends and a career networking platform – TFA Connect – for when you want to expand your career network, and several networking events each year. You can even join the national TFA Alumni group on LinkedIn! Wherever you go, the TFA alumni network is accessible and ready to support you.

By Teach For America
Teach For America