Matthew Kramer

Matt Kramer first discovered Teach For America when his then-fiance joined the 1998 corps in New York City. Together, they tutored her kids on Saturday mornings. Matt saw firsthand how the educational opportunities they had received until that point were limiting their options, and at the same time, how much potential to excel they showed once they got the support they needed. His wife’s experiences plus his own getting to know these kids changed Matt’s life. While working at McKinsey & Company, a management consulting firm, he started doing more and more pro-bono work for Teach For America and the New York City Department of Education. Soon after becoming a partner, in 2005 he took a year's (and then extended it to a two-year) sabbatical to serve as Teach For America's Chief Program Officer. He left McKinsey, and in 2007, joined Teach For America as President, becoming responsible for the organization’s overall performance, operations, and effectiveness. Matt worked closely with both Wendy Kopp, then chief executive officer, and the leadership team to guide Teach For America’s long-term strategy, make operating decisions (including resource allocation), and further developing the optimal organizational culture. In 2013, Matt was named co-CEO alongside Elisa Villanueva Beard. Together they manage the leadership team, work with the board, and are fully accountable for the organization’s success. In his eight years with Teach For America, Matt has met thousands of extraordinary people who are drawn to this mission, and has remained steadfast in his belief that all children, regardless of race or socio-economic background, can succeed at the highest levels. Matt received a B.A. in economics from Harvard University and currently lives in the Twin Cities area with his wife, two daughters, and two Portuguese Water Dogs.