Teach for America CEO to visit ASU

On the heels of Arizona State University's naming as a top two producer of Teach For America corps members, the organization's CEO, Elisa Villanueva Beard, will visit the university Tuesday, Jan. 31, to meet with the Sun Devil community and reflect on the work that makes that ranking possible.

Teach For America is a nonprofit organization that enlists recent college graduates of all academic majors to teach for two years in urban and rural public schools. In 2006, ASU and Teach for America created a partnership that advances Teach For America recruitment, alumni leadership and corps member support and development. For the past seven years, ASU has been a top contributor of Teach for America corp members among large schools in the U.S. 

Beard’s journey with Teach For America started in Phoenix, where she taught first and second grade bilingual education. 

“Elisa’s visit to ASU showcases the continued partnership Teach For America has with the university,” said Veronica Aguilar, vice president of recruitment with Teach for America. “She is looking forward to connecting with Sun Devil students who are interested in learning more about Teach For America as the senior application deadline approaches on Feb. 10."

Beard’s schedule will consist of small group meetings with Undergraduate Student Government, Changemaker Central and Barrett, The Honors College. She will also attend partner meetings with ASU Provost Nancy Gonzales, James Rund, senior vice president for Educational Outreach and Student Services, Tara Williams, dean of the Honors College, and Carole Basile, dean of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Aguilar said the leaders will discuss strategies to expand Teach For America’s impact and further its mission to end educational inequity. 

Beard will conclude her visit at a networking mixer with high-profile Teach For America alumni, future Sun Devil corps members, and campus staff and faculty at the University Club on the Tempe campus.

“We are honored to have Ms. Beard visit our campus and meet with the students, staff and faculty who share a commitment to educational excellence, both here at ASU and throughout the communities that Teach for America serves,” said Safali Patel, associate vice president for Educational Outreach and Student Services. “We are proud that our partnership continues to grow and strengthen each year.”