

2023-2024 Yearbook










I am thrilled to present Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth's version of a 2023-2024 Yearbook. Yearbooks have always been a cherished reminder of the connections and moments that shaped a school year. For me, they captured the joy of reflecting on a chapter filled with growth and memories. As you explore the pages of our “yearbook,” I hope you feel pride and excitement, knowing that your support was instrumental in our success this year. If you’re reading this, your championship played a vital role in ensuring Teach For America DFW continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact on our network of corps members, Ignite tutors, alumni, and ultimately, the students they serve.
Within these pages, you’ll find stories and data that showcase the extraordinary progress we ' ve made not just last year but over the past 15 years in North Texas, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our TFA community. Our greatest achievement continues to be ensuring a highquality education for students in under-resourced schools. With the strength of our team last school year — over 130 corps members and a growing 1,450+ alumni in the region—Teach For America is making real change happen.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, our bold goal is to double the number of students in our Community Impact Zones who graduate from high school career, college, or military ready by 2030. To meet this ambitious goal, we’re recruiting top-tier talent, supporting alumni who continue to lead in education and mission-aligned work, and offsetting pandemic-era learning loss through our Ignite tutoring program.
The collective power of this community is what fuels our progress and sets our students on a path of endless possibility. North Texas is stronger because of your investment in public education, and I’m deeply humbled by your passion for and commitment to creating a vibrant metroplex filled with possibility. I invite you to continue supporting and celebrating with us as we shape the future, together.
With immense gratitude,

Bibi Yasmin Katsev Executive Director



By 2030, twice as many students in our Dallas-Fort Worth Community Impact Zones will achieve college and career readiness, indicating that they are on a path to economic mobility and a future filled with possibility.




Deepen relationships with non-profit leaders, principals, district leaders, and alumni, who are working to increase CCMR outcomes




At Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth, our Community Impact Zones were chosen based on:

A High Alumni Presence: Significant concentration of Teach For America alumni working within designated Community Impact Zones
Opportunity for Increased Collaboration: Targeted educator placement enables more system-wide collaboration, support, and mission-aligned partnerships
Strategic Talent Placement: A focus on our existing corps member presence and urgent educational needs

Communities of Need: Impact Zone schools educate predominantly underserved students; 98% identify as BIPOC and 91% are economically disadvantaged, compared to the 62% state average
Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth is a force of over 1,600 leaders, affectionately referred to as DFW Ducks, committed to changing outcomes for students through teaching, leading, and advocating throughout the metroplex.
We train mission-driven leaders from every academic major, occupation, and background to illuminate every learner. Our corps members, alumni, and Ignite Fellows (tutors) commit to creating opportunities for the next generation of students so all children can lead, learn, and contribute to a thriving North Texas.


2023-2024 Corps Members

12,500
132 of Corps Members Who Taught STEM 45% From Underrepresented Backgrounds 86% Students Taught by Corps Members
Ignite Fellows (Tutors) 42 Students Taught by Ignite Fellows 80 of partner schools reported student academic growth 100%



ch For America Dallas-Fort Worth, our corps rs go on to become changemakers in many fields local and national levels, and it all begins with their nce in the classroom.
members’ experiences inside and outside of the om greatly influence their experience of TFA, which we prioritize wraparound supports and services. hout the year, corps members enjoy social events, ongoing professional development, and have the unity to expand their networks through engaging ders across North Texas




As a first-generation, low-income student, I was fortunate to have been taught by Teach For America educators who profoundly impacted my life. They weren’t just teachers they were mentors who guided me academically, socially, and emotionally. Their dedication gave me the confidence to navigate the world, and I knew I wanted to give that same hope and support to other students. That’s why I applied to Teach For America—to pay it forward and inspire students the way my teachers had inspired me.
One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned as a classroom leader is the importance of patience. My students come from diverse backgrounds and learn at different paces. While I’ve seen some students progress rapidly, others take their time, which has taught me to appreciate even the smallest victories. The students have shown me the value of grace and the importance of meeting each individual where they are, without rushing the process.
If I could change one thing, it would be to help my students understand that their backgrounds don’t define them. I want them to see that their potential is limitless. As a teacher, I’m committed to ensuring that all students receive the support they need to grow and reach their dreams.
One special moment for me was coaching the school soccer team during my first year. Seeing students from all grades greet me in the halls, even those I didn’t teach, made our large school feel like a close-knit family. It reminded me that teaching is about more than academics—it’s about community and connection.
Alyssa Khuon
TFA
Dallas-Fort Worth ‘23
5th Grade Literacy & Social
Studies
T.A. Sims Elementary School, Fort Worth ISD


The support of our corps members goes beyond the classroom.
Community supporters like you provided spaces to connect over a good meal, appreciation gifts, and classroom supplies. Thank you!






...be awarded 2023 Humanities Texas Award for Outstanding Early-Career Teaching

...have allher students passtheir STAAR exam ...partner withLEGOEducation to bring Algebra to life through LEGORobots


...be a Teacher of the Year Finalist

...be featured for her advocacy of neurodivergent teachers

a Principal of the Year
& a Master Principal in Dallas
KatyRoberson(‘21)
AmandaMcAuliffe(‘22)
CamHedden(‘21)& JoeJenkins(’13)
Nehemie Dorce ('14)
Meghan Beauchamp('23)
Margaret Huff (‘12)





Our Ignite Fellowship Program (Ignite) is a tutoring corps designed to expand upon the support we offer North Texas students. Launched in the spring of 2024, Ignite ensures students are equipped to meet critical reading and math milestones through high-impact tutoring that accelerates learning and fosters belonging with students and schools through customized small group learning.
Aligned with our 2030 goal, our tutors supported students in 3rd grade reading and 8th math as research shows proficiency in these areas are critical predictors of post-secondary attain


additional hours of learning students received in the ‘23-’24 school year

Our Goals:
To bridge gaps in rea math learning, both ke determinants of succ secondary education economic mobility
To foster student belonging, which translates to an increased likelihood of high school graduation
To engage early-career college students and develop their educational equity mindsets



Schoo in partnersh
The School Leadership Learning Lab (SLLL) aims to prepare TFA’s high-potential education leaders to assume mid to senior-level district roles within two years of completing the program.








On Tuesday, February 27th, hundreds of education leaders and supporters convened to discuss the future of education in North Texas. The event was opened by public education champion, Former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush, followed by an esteemed panel of education leaders: Dr. Stephanie Elizalde (Superintendent of Dallas ISD), Bibi Yasmin Katsev (Executive Director of Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth), Todd Williams (CEO of The Commit Partnership), and Wyatt Smith (Founder & CEO of UpSmith & 2011 TFA Alabama alumus).
The panel discussion, moderated by Anne Wicks of the George W. Bush Institute, focused on sharing insights, experiences, and a collective vision for improving educational outcomes in the region. Attendees heard about the progress made, challenges faced, and opportunities ahead.

Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth highlighted its mission of identifying exceptional leaders, matching them with schools, and developing their leadership skills to positively impact student learning.

$100,000+
Amon G Carter Foundation
Commit
Dallas Independent School District
David B. Miller Family Foundation
Fort Worth Independent School District
Harold Simmons Foundation
H-E-B (multi-region support)
Monica and Leland White
OneStar Foundation
Pat and Dan Wright
Rainwater Charitable Foundation
Sid W. Richardson Foundation
Texas Education Agency
Texas Instruments Foundation
The Addy Foundation
The Eugene McDermott Foundation
The Hirsch Family Foundation
The Kleinheinz Family Foundation
The Meadows Foundation (multi-region support)
Uplift Education
$10,000-$24,999
Beth and J Puckett
Beverly and Don Freeman
Dawne and Pat Tribolet
KIPP:DFW
Libby and Murray McCabe
Lindsay and George Billingsley
Nancy and Steve Rogers
R4 Foundation
Schimberg Memorial Fund
Stacey and Reid Walker
Barbara and Steven Durham

$25,000 - $99,999
Ann and Lee Hobson
Anne and Robert Raymond
Catherine and Will Rose


Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth is deeply grateful for the support of the following individuals, corporations, and foundations that contributed $250+ to our efforts in our most recent fiscal year (June 1, 2023-May 31, 2024).
Billie and Gillis Thomas Family Foundation
CFP Foundation
Chris and Joe Popolo
Hillcrest Foundation
Hoblitzelle Foundation
Jerry Freeman, Jr
Kathy and Harlan Crow
Lyda Hill Philanthropies and the What Else Do you Need to be Awesome Fund at The Dallas Foundation
M.R. & Evelyn Hudson Foundation
Mary Potishman Lard Trust
Mike A. Myers
Piñon Foundation
Richardson Independent School District
The Baldridge Foundation
The Hersh Foundation
The Hoglund Foundation
The Lowe Foundation
The Moody Foundation
The Morris Foundation
Thomas M , Helen McKee, and John P Ryan Foundation
Todd A. Williams Family Foundation
TurningPoint Foundation
W P and Bulah Luse Foundation
Wendy and Bill Payne
$5,000-$9,999
Carrie and Steve Becker
Jim and Mary Ann Harris
Joyce and Mike Ernst
Karen and Richard Pollock
Katie and Kyle Oudt
Ken and Carolyn Barth
Kenji Hashimoto and Dana Starner
Marguerite Hoffman and Tom Lentz
The Edward W Rose III Family Fund of The Dallas Foundation
The Howard Earl Rachofsky Foundation
The Rocchio Family Foundation
Virginia Fain and Haydn Cutler
$1,000-$4,999
Amy and Les Ware
Anna Westfall
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Betsy and Richard Eiseman
Bibi Yasmin and Roman Katsev
Catherine and Sam Susser
Communities Foundation of Texas
Dr Elizabeth Anne Small and Stanley M Herrin
Gwyn and Wilson Mason
$1,000-$4,999
IDEA Public Schools Tarrant County
Jaggers Family Fund at The Dallas Foundation
Jane and Patrick Hamner
Jennifer and Jon Mosle
Kelsey and Heather Bridgewater Clark
Laura Mitchell
Lucy and Henry Billingsley
Nicolette and Miles Lamont
Pilar and Jay Henry
Richard Kevin Hardage Family Fund
Robin and Jim Carreker
Stephanie Knight
Susan and Bill Montgomery
The Enrico Foundation
The Honorable Daniel and Stacey Branch
Trey Chadwell
William Srinivasan
$999-$250
Alayna Schoblaske
Bunny and Harold Ginsburg
Byron Carlock and Clint Nicholson
Christine McClary
Community Impact Fund of The Dallas Foundation
Elizabeth Brown and Kevin Courtney
Garry and Margaret Schoonover
Heather and Ray Balestri
Margaret and Dr Brad Hirsch
Michelle Lobel
Mr & Mrs Norman R Rogers
Mr. John W. Hamm and Mrs. Peggy E. Hamm
Elizabeth Wattley
Katrina James
Nancy and John Snyder Fund of the North Texas Community Foundation
Phyllis and Ronald Steinhart
Regen Horchow
Roopa and Vishnu Reddy
Stephanie Aughinbaugh


Kathy Crow Board Chair Civic Leader
Lydia Addy
Co-founder & Vice President, The Addy Foundation Community Volunteer
Flauren Bender Civic Leader
Honorable Dan Branch
Attorney & Shareholder, Winstead PC
Kelsey Bridgewater Clark
Managing Director & Partner, Boston Consulting Group
Kenji Hashimoto
Portfolio Company Chief Financial Officer, Global Infrastructure Partners
Lindsay Billingsley Board Vice-Chair Founder, LAB Strategies
Dean Stephanie Knight Dean of Simmons School, Southern Methodist University
Libby McCabe Civic Leader
Frances Mitchell Board Member, The Compass School of Texas,
Bill Payne President, Druid Hills Capital, LLC
Karen Pollock Civic Leader
Margaret Hirsch
Immediate Past Board Chair President, Hirsch Family Foundation
Anne Raymond Board of Directors, Crow Holdings
Jarrad Toussant Senior Vice President, Dallas Regional Chamber
Dawne Tribolet Civic Leader
Elizabeth Wattley President & CEO, Forest Forward
Bridget Worley
Chief State Impact Officer, The Commit Partnership
Thank you for making the 2023-2024 school year one to remember! Your support of Teach For America Dallas-Fort Worth has been instrumental in our ability to recruit, develop, and empower corps members and alumni who are driving lasting change in public education across our community. As we look towards the next year, we remain focused on attracting top talent to our region while deepening our support for a growing alumni network that is dedicated to expanding opportunities for all students in our city.

We can do more together than we could alone - and we are grateful for your continued partnership in our essential work!
www.teachforamerica.org/dallas-fort-worth

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