35 Years of Teach For America: A Moment to Reconnect and Rise Together
35 years ago, Teach For America began with a belief that still guides our work today. Every child deserves access to an excellent education, and leaders across the country have a role to play in making that possible.
What started as a bold idea has grown into a national network of almost 70,000 alumni leaders working in classrooms, schools, nonprofits, government, and communities across the country. Each one began with the same decision to step forward and serve students.
This October, that network will come together in a powerful way.
On October 2–3, 2026, more than 10,000 alumni, corps members, partners, and community leaders will gather in Las Vegas for the Teach For America 35th Anniversary Summit. It will be the largest gathering in our organization’s history and the first national summit in nearly a decade.
SUMMIT TRACKS AND SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
Summit tracks include Leadership: Then, Now, and Next; Investing in What Works: Bright Spots and Bold Possibilities; and Reimagining Education: Now and For the Next Generation. Read more about the tracks and what to expect on the event website.
We're bringing together leaders, innovators, alumni, and partners who have done the work—in classrooms, communities, boardrooms, and beyond. People who don't just talk about change. People who make it.
Several speakers have been announced, with more on the way. Check back as we continue to announce the powerful voices taking the stage in Las Vegas.
A Community That Spans Generations
Across the country, Teach For America alumni are teaching in classrooms, leading schools and districts, launching nonprofits, shaping public policy, and strengthening communities. Many first discovered their purpose while standing in front of students.
The Summit will bring these leaders together to reconnect, learn from one another, and explore how we continue expanding opportunity for young people in the years ahead. It is a rare chance to experience the full scope of the Teach For America network in one place.
The last time this community gathered at this scale was during the 25th Anniversary Summit, a moment that brought thousands of educators and leaders together around their shared commitment to students.
Ten years later, the movement has grown even larger and the work ahead feels more important than ever.
Our Region Is Part of the Story
The Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana community has played an important role in these 35 years of impact. From classrooms to community organizations, alumni from our region continue to expand opportunities for students and families every day.
As we move closer to the Summit, you can expect to see more ways to engage with this milestone moment.
In the months ahead, we will highlight alumni from our region who are carrying forward the mission in powerful ways. Their stories reflect the leadership, commitment, and belief that have defined Teach For America for 35 years.
Join Us in Las Vegas
The 35th Anniversary Summit is an opportunity to reconnect with the community that shaped your journey, celebrate the progress we have made together, and help imagine the future of education.
Most of all, it is a chance to be in the room with thousands of people who share the same belief in students and the same commitment to doing something about it.
For every child. For every community. For One Day.
We hope to see you there.
additional financial support available
We're excited to share that additional funding has been made available for alumni from the Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana region to attend the 35th Anniversary Summit.
As we prepare to celebrate 35 years of collective impact, we want more members of our community to be part of this milestone event. This additional investment allows us to support a broader group of alumni who are excited to learn, connect, and bring new ideas back to their schools, organizations, and communities.
Who should apply?
We encourage any Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana alumni interested in attending the Summit to apply.
Demonstrating financial need is no longer required to receive support. We're also looking to invest in alumni who are eager to grow their leadership, deepen their learning, and extend the Summit's impact within their communities.
Approved applicants will receive:
Discounted $50 Summit registration
Complimentary two-night hotel stay*
*Flights are not included. Attendees are responsible for booking their own travel. Proof of travel will be required to activate hotel reservations.
How the process works
1. Complete the national financial support application form
2. Applications are reviewed holistically on a rolling basis by our regional team
3. You will receive an update within two weeks
4. If approved, you will receive a unique promo code to register
Financial considerations may be part of the review process, but they are not a requirement for receiving support. If attending the Summit would strengthen your leadership or the impact you're making in your community, we encourage you to apply.
For questions, please contact Diana Diaz at diana.diaz@teachforamerica.org