New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) will welcome 10 new Teach for America (TFA) Corps members this fall, part of a group of 39 incoming educators celebrated at an induction and summer practicum conclusion event. The ceremony, hosted at CT State Gateway, marked the beginning of a two-year teaching commitment for the Corps members, who will work in under-resourced K-12 schools while pursuing their master’s degree and teaching certification.

Local Connections

Two New Haven natives, Lili Filppu and Natalie Quiroz-Duran, are among the incoming Corps members. Filppu, who graduated from Sound School, will teach biology at Wilbur Cross High School, while Quiroz-Duran will teach special education at King/Robinson School. Both women cited their desire to give back to their community as a motivation for joining TFA.

Filppu, who struggled academically in college before finding her passion for teaching, wants to support students who may be facing similar challenges. Quiroz-Duran, who has a family member who receives special education services, was inspired by the impact of special education teachers and wants to make a difference in her community.

TFA’s Impact

TFA’s summer practicum, which paired Corps members with NHPS mentors, provided valuable experience and training for the incoming teachers. NHPS educators and summer mentors praised the Corps members’ skills in creating inclusive learning environments, commanding a classroom’s attention, and developing creative lesson plans.

TFA Senior Managing Director of Strategy and Impact Sarah Diggs noted that when educators teach in their hometowns, they are more likely to stay and make a lasting impact. The ceremony featured remarks from TFA CT Executive Director Dolores Garcia-Blocker and 2025 Corps members Deborah Butler and Madison Goodson, who shared their experiences and offered advice to the incoming Corps members.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.