Core Values

Teach for China’s core values reflect how we as an organization want our staff and Fellows to operate, individually and collectively. Our core values are central to our culture and represent the style of operating that we believe to be critical for moving us most quickly and purposefully toward our goals.

Transformational Impact

We seek to have a transformational impact on educational inequity in China by placing children in low-income communities on dramatically improved life paths and working toward an education system that affords educational opportunity to all Chinese children.  Every goal, decision, and action reflects our commitment to working strategically toward transformational impact.  We recognize the magnitude of educational need and the urgency of our mission, and commit to the highest standards in achieving our goals. 

Grounding in Context

We understand that the non-profit model is new in our context, and as a pioneer in this nascent sector, we know that our impact is founded on close collaboration with the communities we serve.  We integrate the resources and strategic guidance of supporters at the local, national, and international levels.  We actively adapt our model to strengthen and perpetuate the program’s contextual relevance.

Sense of Possibility

We set ambitious and feasible goals that push us to realize our vision that all students can succeed.  We have the power to put students on new life paths and effect systemic impact in ensuring an excellent education for all Chinese children.  We pursue these truths with optimism and boldness, and meet the challenges inherent in this pursuit undaunted by the scale of change we seek.

Humility and Learning

We constantly and proactively strive to improve our work, and remain cognizant of our individual and organizational limitations.  We continuously draw support and knowledge from our constituents and peers, and act on insights that enable us to become more effective.  We respect and value each other’s roles, beliefs, and experiences, appreciating individual contributions to our unified purpose.

Team

We deeply believe that the success of our work is founded on mutual respect and collaboration.  We appreciate and inspire each other in our collective effort toward our ambitious vision.  The passion and energy we bring enable us to work together through successes and challenges and to support each other to grow as individuals and as an organization.