Mayor Andre Dickens joined educators, alumni, and community partners Thursday evening at Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Teach For America Metro Atlanta, recognizing a quarter century of investment in classrooms across the region and the future of Atlanta’s students.
Held before an audience of approximately 200–250 supporters, the anniversary gala highlighted the organization’s long-standing role in strengthening local schools by placing talented educators in classrooms and cultivating leaders who continue to shape education policy, school leadership, and civic life throughout Metro Atlanta.
“Twenty-five years is an incredible milestone—a quarter century of investing in the future of our children,” said Mayor Dickens. “Every child deserves someone who believes in them, sees their potential, and helps them reach for their dreams.”
A legacy of leadership in Atlanta classrooms
Over the past two and a half decades, Teach For America Metro Atlanta has placed thousands of teachers in classrooms serving hundreds of thousands of students, helping expand access to high-quality education regardless of neighborhood or zip code.
While many corps members remain in teaching roles, others continue serving students and families in leadership positions across the education ecosystem. Among them is keynote speaker Courtney English, a Teach For America alum and former chair of the Atlanta Public Schools Board who now serves as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff.
His journey reflects the organization’s broader impact—developing leaders committed to improving outcomes for young people across Atlanta.
Strengthening partnerships that expand opportunity
Mayor Dickens emphasized that meaningful progress in education requires collaboration between schools, nonprofits, government, and community partners. Events like the anniversary celebration underscore the importance of sustained investment in the people and programs supporting Atlanta’s students.
“One thing we can all agree on is that every child deserves access to a safe and stable learning environment where they receive a quality education,” the Mayor said. “It takes action, commitment, and strong partnerships—and that’s what makes our connection with Teach For America successful.”
The evening also featured a student performance, reflections from program leaders, and a keynote address recognizing the organization’s legacy and future vision.
Supporting Atlanta’s next generation
The anniversary celebration aligns with the Dickens Administration’s commitment to making Atlanta the best place in the country to raise a child—a vision grounded in strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and expanded pathways to opportunity.
As Teach For America Metro Atlanta looks ahead to its next chapter, city leaders reaffirmed their support for continued collaboration that strengthens classrooms and prepares the next generation of teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders.
“Investing in our children means investing in Atlanta’s future,” Mayor Dickens said. “Congratulations to Teach For America Metro Atlanta on 25 years—and here’s to the next 25.”
