Teach For America welcomed its incoming corps members to the UMSL campus on May 27 for its annual new teacher pre-training event, the Steve and Susan Lipstein Corps Member Induction.

During induction, new corps members learned about the history and life experiences of those in St. Louis to inform their practice as local teachers. The induction provides corps members an initial chance to start building their vision for the experience they’d like their students to have in their classroom and identify the tools they’ll need to create that experience. Corps members were also able to grow their understanding of culturally responsive pedagogy; learn more about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion; and develop goals for student and personal achievement.

In addition, the corps members volunteered at Operation Food Search and spent time on a tour of St. Louis. From June 3 to July 6, they will be at Summer Institute in Atlanta, where they will complete a rigorous training program in which they work alongside other corps members and TFA staff in small teaching groups. They’ll also engage in learning experiences, practice teaching skills and analyze student progress.

The Dana Brown Charitable Trust continues to support organizations like Teach For America. The Trust honors the legacy of St. Louis entrepreneur, philanthropist, and adventurer Dana Brown. For the last 24 years, the Dana Brown Charitable Trust has continued Dana Brown’s personal mission to share his self-made fortune to enrich the lives of fellow St. Louisans.

For more information on how to apply for a grant, visit our applications page.