Teach for China

 Teach For China (formerly known as the China Education Initiative or CEI) recruits, selects, trains, and supports outstanding US and Chinese graduates to work side-by-side to deliver an excellent education in high poverty, rural Chinese communities. In the short-term, Teach For China’s Fellows are placed in full-time, two-year teaching commitments at under-resourced schools, where they meet the pressing need for exceptional educators.  In the long-term, Teach For China supports its alumni – equipped with the experience, conviction, and insight that comes from leading children to fulfill their potential – to be a force for change, working from across sectors to expand educational opportunity.  

Teach For China is a member of Teach For All and data collected over the past 20 years from TFC's most experienced Teach For All partner, Teach for America, demonstrates that successful teachers have a track record of leadership and achievement. Leaders in the classroom also have the drive and talent to become leaders in society. TFC actively recruits Fellows who will perform as impact-driven leaders inside and outside the classroom.

Application Requirements: 
  • All applicants must have received a Bachelor’s degree and speak fluent English.

Teach for China assesses applicants holistically by using the following selection criteria:

  • Demonstrated leadership potential and a record of past achievement
  • Perseverance in overcoming challenges
  • Strong critical thinking skills
  • Exceptional communications skills (Chinese language skills are a strong asset)
  • Proven organizational skills
  • Flexibility and resilience when faced with rigors of living in under-resourced communities
  • Humility and respect for the frustrations and rewards of cross-cultural living and learning
  • Self-started initiative and the ability to influence and motivate others
  • A demonstrated commitment to non-profit and/or education work
  • Prior commitment to China, through significant service, academic initiatives, or genuine and demonstrable interest
Benefits: 
The Fellowship provides:
  • A stipend commensurate with local salaries
  • Accommodation during summer training and the academic year, generally on school grounds
  • An intensive summer orientation and training institute, and ongoing support throughout the academic year
  • Supporting visa documentation
  • Group medical insurance for all Fellows in need of coverage, including emergency medical evacuation coverage
  • Travel grants on a need basis – while TFC provides in-country transportation to assigned teaching locations, airfare to China is generally the responsibility of the Fellow
  • Assistance obtaining student loan deferments

 Fellows can expect to manage a teaching load of between 15-25 hours of classroom contact time per week, as well as evening review classes which are typically another several hours a week.