Teach For America awarded $2 million in stimulus funds to expand program in Arizona

Below is a press release we just sent out regarding Governor Brewer's decision to grant $2 million in stimulus funds to Teach For America:

Jason Williams applauds Governor Brewer’s $2 million award of stimulus funds to Teach For America program

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jason Williams, one of the leading candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction, congratulated Teach For America today when Governor Jan Brewer announced during a presentation at Excelencia School in east Phoenix that she would be awarding $2 million in stimulus funds to help support and expand the presence of Teach For America in Arizona. Williams, a former Teach For America corps member, served as Executive Director of the Phoenix region from 2000-2005, and continues to support the program today.

“I am pleased to see that despite budget constraints, people from both sides of the aisle can come together to support Teach For America, an innovative program with a proven track record of success for our kids,” said Williams.

During his tenure at Teach For America, Williams oversaw several successes of the organization. Under Williams’ leadership, local funding for the program doubled, teacher placements increased 150%, and the number of schools and districts partnering with Teach For America increased 100%. In addition, the Phoenix program went from Teach For America’s lowest to its highest performing region in the United States.

“I am proud to have played a significant role in building Teach For America’s presence in Arizona. I look forward to celebrating their future successes as they continue to have a positive impact on education in Arizona,” said Williams.

Just two weeks ago, Williams also congratulated the new partnership between Teach For America and Arizona State University’s College of Teacher Education and Leadership. Through this new program, Arizona State University will adapt Teach For America’s most successful tools in order to attract, prepare, support and retain more highly effective teachers, something Williams has said he would make a top priority as Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Williams joined Teach For America after completing his undergraduate degree at Boston College.

“I recall the impact my teachers had on my life, and I wanted to provide students the same opportunity for an excellent education that I had growing up,” Williams said regarding his reasons for starting his career in education as a 6th grade Math and Science teacher in Oakland. “Teach For America offered me that chance.”

For more information about Jason Williams, visit www.WilliamsForArizona.com.