Welcome to Teach For America Massachusetts
The Story of Our State
Massachusetts is widely known for its place in U.S. history, its reputation as the ultimate “college town,” and for being home to some of the very best education our nation has to offer. Yet despite these assets, the Bay State is fraught with inequity—home to some of the largest educational attainment gaps in the country, as well as some of the very largest gaps in earnings and wealth. Despite the state’s beautiful landscapes and unique cultural offerings, social inequity is pervasive.
However, many here believe that if true educational equity at scale is going to happen anywhere, it will happen in Massachusetts. Our state enjoys a unique combination of resources—a rich tradition of prioritizing public education, a strong pipeline of talent, numerous colleges and universities, a forward-thinking state Department of Education, a rich nonprofit sector, and a generous philanthropic community. Massachusetts also is home to innovative and promising approaches to lasting improvements within traditional districts, such as school and district turnaround and transformation efforts, alongside arguably the strongest charter public school sector in the US.
Our Three Regions
Greater Boston
Boston, Lawrence, Lynn, Salem, & Chelsea
Our Greater Boston Subregion includes cities as far north as Lawrence and as far south as the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston. The region is also home to the nation’s strongest charter public school sector, as economically disadvantaged students regularly outperform their affluent suburban counterparts. A vibrant nonprofit sector supports our students and their communities with a wide range of resources, supported by a community of over 50 colleges and universities.
Western Massachusetts
Springfield & Holyoke
Our Western Massachusetts community is growing quickly. Nestled alongside the scenic Berkshires, just a couple hours from New York City, the cities of Springfield and Holyoke present a unique combination of opportunity for impact and an affordable lifestyle in a beautiful setting. The district has formed a partnership with Empower Schools to work with its struggling middle school in a new initiative called the Springfield Empowerment Zone (SEPZ).
South Coast Massachusetts
Fall River & New Bedford
A former international maritime hub about an hour south of Boston, the South Coast of Massachusetts is full of rich history and culture. Corps members and alumni alike enjoy the tight-knit community of the South Coast, home to proud Portuguese and Azorean heritage, while also accessing a comfortable lifestyle. A dynamic charter sector is combining innovation and time-tested practices to provide a transformational education for South Coast kids.
