Aneesh Sohoni was appointed chief executive officer of Teach For America in New York City and will join the organization April 15. Sohoni is a Teach For America Twin Cities 2009 alumnus and former executive director of Teach For America Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana.
Sohoni has since 2021 been chief executive officer of One Million Degrees, a nonprofit dedicated to accelerating community college students’ progress on career pathways to economic mobility. One Million Degrees provides comprehensive academic, financial, personal and professional support to community college students, helping low-income students overcome barriers to graduation. During his tenure, their numbers have nearly quadrupled from 650 to 2,400.
Since his time as a classroom teacher, Sohoni has worked in the public and nonprofit sectors supporting education efforts, including with the Tennessee Department of Education and TNTP, according to information in an announcement.
Sohoni succeeds Elisa Villanueva Beard, who announced her plans to step down a year ago after 27 years with the organization. Villanueva Beard will continue to lead the organization until April 15.
David Kenny, chair of the Teach For America board of directors and executive chairman at Nielsen said via a statement: “Aneesh has a vision for TFA, built on the momentum and collective leadership of TFA alumni, teachers, tutors, and staff, to move the organization forward with confidence and conviction, in partnership with over 300 communities across the country, to ensure all children have access to an excellent education.”
Sohoni said via a statement: “As I take on the role of CEO of Teach For America, I am inspired by what is possible and hopeful that the current trajectory of education and learning in our country does not have to define our future. … We’ve seen communities defy the trends and create progress and opportunities for students, and I’m proud that TFA prioritizes coalition-building with students and community members to co-create and achieve a shared vision for a future that is brighter than today.”
Teach For America’s federal Form 990 shows 2023 revenue of $276 million and expenses of $298 million. Also reported were assets of $527 million and liabilities of $104 million. The Form 990 also showed Villanueva Beard received $542,423 in salary and other compensation during 2023.
