South Louisiana gets a record number of corps teachers

Teach For America is placing a record 115 new teachers in South Louisiana this fall—nearly triple the number of new educators it brought to the region last year. These teachers are part of a national corps of 4,100 new teachers, the largest incoming class in the organization’s 20-year history. Teach For America corps members commit to at least two years in urban and rural public classrooms. Corps members work to close the academic achievement gap for students in low-income communities. “I see Teach For America as the fuel to change the economy of South Louisiana,” says State Supt. Paul Pastorek. “By more than doubling the number of corps members in South Louisiana, we can not only begin to level the playing field for students who are behind, but also attract other reform-minded leaders to the region to sustain positive changes for our students over the long term.” South Louisiana is now home to more than 70 Teach For America alumni.