Ignite Fellowship

Discover how the Ignite Fellowship connects exceptional, equity-minded leaders virtually with students to accelerate learning and foster belonging.

What is the Ignite Fellowship?

The Ignite Fellowship is a part-time, paid tutoring fellowship for equity-minded leaders who are interested in teaching. With the support of a veteran educator to help customize tutoring sessions using their school’s curriculum, Ignite Fellows and students connect one-on-one or in small groups virtually during the school day.

As an Ignite Fellow, you make an immediate impact by leading virtual tutoring sessions that accelerate learning and foster belonging with students. You also develop your leadership skills and expand your network with teachers and other fellows across the country all while getting paid.

“The Ignite Fellowship truly changed my life. I learned so much from my students and trainers, and after these experiences, I am excited to start teaching.”

Ignite Fellow
Main Street Elementary School of Arts and Leadership and Pueblo del Sol Elementary School

How is the Ignite Fellowship structured?

In 2023, TFASC launched the Ignite Fellowship in South Carolina. The Ignite Fellowship builds on TFA’s over 30 years of experience partnering with communities to help students overcome the systemic barriers to an excellent education. The fellowship is structured as follows:

Fellows are supported by a school-based veteran educator who helps individualize tutoring sessions using their school’s curriculum.
Fellows customize elementary reading or middle school math learning objectives with students.
Students and fellows connect one-on-one or in small groups virtually during the school day for around three hours a week.
In addition to the hours with students directly, fellows partner with a veteran educator for about one hour every other week and complete any preparation or independent work for about one to two hours a week.
Each fellow partners with two to four students for 10-12 weeks.
Fellows receive ongoing training and support from TFA and school partners.
Fellows have the opportunity to meet other fellows through virtual live orientations.

97% of fellows said that they gained new insights about the state of education and their role in working toward educational equity.

Who is the Ignite Fellowship designed for?

We seek exceptional, equity-minded leaders who are committed to building meaningful relationships with students, respecting students’ identities, and affirming their capacity to succeed.

The Ignite Fellowship is designed for:

Undergraduate and graduate students who believe in TFASC’s vision
TFA alumni who are interested in returning to the classroom

What are the benefits as an Ignite Fellow?

$1,200 pre-tax award for your service
Ongoing support from a veteran educator, TFA, and school partners
Opportunity to network with other fellows

Are you eligible to become an Ignite Fellow?

Available to work approximately five hours per week (~three hours directly with students and ~two hours learning and preparing for student sessions)
Current undergraduate or graduate student, TFA alum, or renewing Ignite Fellow
At least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA on a 4.0 scale
Authorized to work in the U.S. and at least 18 years of age

Not sure about your eligibility? Learn more >

How can you apply to become an Ignite Fellow?

The application period for the next fellowship cohort will open in fall 2023. Please check back for more information once available.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about the Ignite Fellowship, contact Maya Burney at maya.burney@teachforamerica.org.

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