HAZARD, KY, August 4, 2025—As students head back to school, a new generation of Teach For America teachers— nearly all members of Gen Z—are stepping into classrooms with urgency, purpose, and a fresh perspective on what students need most. This fall, Teach For America Appalachia welcomes 27 teachers to local classrooms across Eastern Kentucky. These corps members are deeply connected to the challenges and aspirations of today’s learners. They join over 400 alumni of Teach For America who are living and working in the region. Nationwide, the organization’s network of tutors, educators, and program alumni tops 70,000.

This month the organization also welcomes its newest Executive Director, Eastern Kentucky native and long-time educator CD Morton. With over 30 years of education leadership and a proven commitment to student-centered innovation, Morton brings unmatched expertise and passion to the role.

As executive director, Morton will oversee all aspects of the organization’s regional operations. Teach For America recruits, develops and supports a growing group of leaders who are committed to ensuring all children have access to an excellent education. TFA Appalachia serves 3,000 students each year and has placed 300+ teachers in the region since 2011. Through innovative local programming and professional development opportunities, TFA Appalachia also continues to support alumni leaders of TFA, including teachers, school leaders, and leaders of community-based organizations. The organization has set a bold goal that by 2030, twice as many students in Central Appalachian communities where they work will achieve postsecondary readiness and success.

“CD Morton’s extensive leadership experience and unwavering belief in the potential of rural students position him to guide Teach For America Appalachia into its next chapter,” said Rosanna Ballinger, Senior Managing Director of Multi-State Strategy and Operations. “His relationships with students, families, and education leaders and proven ability to drive results will strengthen our impact and expand opportunities for students across the region.”

Prior to being named executive director of TFA Appalachia, Morton served as Harlan Independent School District Superintendent of Schools since 2013. In that role, Morton created opportunities for high school students to pursue innovative career and academic pathways and oversaw tremendous academic growth in the district. During the 2023- 2024 school year, Harlan High School achieved the 10th-highest overall academic index score in the state, out of over 250 public high schools.

Morton also serves as the Vice President of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents. Morton played an active role in developing TFA’s 2030 goal, setting the local organization up to work in partnership with local students, families and schools to double the number of students who achieve postsecondary readiness and success, putting them on the path to economic mobility and a future filled with possibility.

"I am incredibly honored and humbled to step into the role of executive director at Teach For America Appalachia. Having dedicated my entire professional career to education in rural Eastern Kentucky, this work brings immense joy and fulfillment to my life. The potential within our Appalachian communities and among our talented students is extraordinary, and I am eager to begin the vital work of ensuring that one day every student, in every corner of Appalachia, has access to an excellent and life-changing education.

One of the most exciting aspects of this work is the incredibly talented Teach For America Appalachia corps members and alumni who tirelessly dedicate their time and talents to our most valuable resource—our students. I am eager to bring my personal and professional experiences to help accelerate and expand opportunities for students across the Appalachian region."

About Teach For America Appalachia

Teach For America has been operating in Central Appalachia since 2011, recruiting and training over 300 teachers who have been placed in schools across the region. During the 2025–2026 school year, the organization is supporting 27 corps member teachers in rural Kentucky and West Virginia classrooms, alongside a network of 400+ alumni who are working throughout the four-state Teach For America Appalachia region towards a day when all children in our community have access to an excellent education. For more information, visit https://www.teachforamerica.org/appalachia.

Contact:
Rachel Tennenbaum
Rachel.Tennenbaum@teachforamerica.org
408.250.2877