February 2026 Blog

Dr. Lily Laux (Memphis ’06) has been named the next Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. She is the third TFA alumnus in the last six months to be named a state education leader.

“We share the same powerful commitment to ensuring New Jersey’s students are prepared not only for college and careers, but have access to real opportunities to personally thrive. A high-quality education does not just open doors and create opportunities, but can inspire young people to pursue their dreams,” shares Dr. Laux.
Learn more about Dr. Laux’s vision to accelerate literacy rates, empower educators, and build community partnerships.

• A Growing Network: TFA’s 43% increase in incoming corps members over the past three years was spotlighted by FORTUNE.
• Creativity with Purpose: The creativity of Christina Louis (Phoenix ’12) powers a new show on PBS Kids that supports early literacy skills for preschoolers.
• From Teacher to Strategist: Samantha Alvita (Greater Philadelphia 2015) talks to Authority Magazine about the throughline in her career from teacher to strategist and learning designer.

• *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.

Mission Collaborative Career Design Fellowship

A can’t miss if you want clarity and proven processes for planning your next career step! Build an actionable plan with a better understanding of the career paths that fit your skills, purpose, and goals.

Feb 28–Mar 30, 2026

Free Career Coaching with LEE

LEE offers free, supportive career coaching and advising to TFA members committed to impact in education policy, advocacy, or organizing.

Braven Opportunity

Help a promising college student shine in their next interview! Teach For America is proud to partner with Braven again to support their Mock Interview Program this spring. Our teammates really enjoyed these events in the fall and it is a great way to make a large impact in very little time—plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to stay proximate to students who may be applying to TFA in the future.

We’re looking for team members to spend just 2.5 hours giving back to the next generation of leaders. You’ll conduct practice interviews with Braven Fellows and provide feedback to help students prepare for internships and full-time roles. There’s a training included and you’ll be given all the materials you need to be successful.
Details:

• When: Daytime and evenings in March. Choose one or more!
• Where: Virtual on Zoom
• Commitment: 2.5 hours (includes 30 minute training)
• Sign up here: https://link.braven.org/SIPS-MIV
• Sign up deadline: 3/8

Learn more about the opportunity and see the schedule here. Hope to see you make a lasting difference in a college student’s career journey!

Celebrate 35 Years

Feb 12: Lead with Emotional Intelligence: Skills for a More Human Workplace

Feb 19: Leadership Panel-Challenges & Opportunities in School Leadership

Feb 19: Leaders in Action

Feb 25: The Leaders We Need – Los Angeles

Mar 4: Loyola Maryland School of Education Information Session

Mar 12: Organizing Leadership Network’s (OLN) Strategy Lab: Goal Setting

Mar 26: Her Seat at the Table