Aneesh Sohoni Appointed CEO of Teach For America to Lead Future Educational Impact

Aneesh Sohoni, an influential figure in education, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Teach For America (TFA), a nonprofit dedicated to educational equality. Starting April 15, 2025, Sohoni will succeed Elisa Villanueva Beard, who led TFA for 27 years. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s efforts to ensure all children, regardless of background, have access to an excellent education.

Sohoni’s appointment follows a rigorous selection process. The TFA Board of Directors, under the leadership of David Kenny, unanimously endorsed him, citing his ability to build on the organization’s strong legacy of community-driven educational reforms. Sohoni’s vision aligns with TFA’s mission of achieving long-term educational equity through a collaborative approach involving students, families, and schools.

Before his appointment, Sohoni served as CEO of One Million Degrees, an organization dedicated to helping community college students overcome barriers to academic success. Under his leadership, One Million Degrees saw substantial growth, increasing its impact from 650 to 2,400 students, significantly improving retention and graduation rates. Sohoni’s experience with underserved communities and his commitment to increasing educational access make him a strong fit for TFA.

As a 2009 alumnus of Teach For America in the Twin Cities region, Sohoni’s career has been deeply rooted in education reform. His early work as a classroom teacher opened his eyes to the transformative power of education, and he has since advocated for systemic changes across various public and nonprofit education sectors, including the Tennessee Department of Education and TNTP. His work focuses on ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also have the support and opportunities needed to thrive long-term.

Sohoni’s leadership style emphasizes coalition-building and partnership with local communities. He believes in the potential of communities to drive positive change, a vision that aligns with TFA’s approach of fostering grassroots collaboration. “I’m inspired by what is possible,” Sohoni shared, “and I’m proud that TFA prioritizes coalition-building to co-create and achieve a brighter future for all students.”

As he steps into the CEO role, Sohoni is committed to expanding TFA’s work on critical educational outcomes, including improving third-grade reading scores, fourth- and eighth-grade math performance, and increasing the number of students prepared for college and careers by 2030. His leadership will focus on advancing these goals through strategic partnerships with TFA alumni, teachers, and tutors.

Sohoni’s immigrant background further fuels his passion for education. Growing up, he witnessed firsthand how educational opportunities can break the cycle of poverty and unlock new possibilities. His family’s immigrant experience, coupled with his time as a TFA corps member, has shaped his belief that all students, regardless of their background, deserve access to high-quality education.

With a clear vision and a deep understanding of the challenges facing today’s education system, Sohoni’s leadership at Teach For America promises to drive meaningful change, improving educational outcomes and opportunities for students across the United States.