Elisabeth Duggar – an FSU alumna (B.A. International Affairs ’25) – joined the 2025 Teach for America (TFA) corps and is currently completing her first year as a first grade teacher in the Washington, D.C., area where she empowers students through education.
Teach For America is a nonprofit organization whose stated mission is to “enlist, develop, and mobilize as many of our nation’s most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational excellence.”
“Overall, teaching has strengthened my ability to lead with empathy, balance multiple responsibilities, and create an environment where my students feel safe,” Duggar said.
Duggar’s passion for equitable education is deeply personal. Her journey with TFA began long before her own application, as both of her parents served with the organization, exposing her to the challenges and triumphs of students from an early age.
“I grew up surrounded by the kids my parents taught,” Duggar said. “When someone from TFA spoke in one of my classes at FSU, it reaffirmed my desire to follow in their footsteps and work to close the opportunity gap in education.”
At FSU, Duggar embraced leadership and service across a range of disciplines. For three years, she worked at The Globe at FSU, helping to foster inclusivity and cultural exchange at the university’s International Coffee Hour.
As a committee director for FSU’s nationally ranked Model United Nations team, Duggar created an award-winning Barbie-themed committee and represented the university at conferences across the country. Her dedication to community service extends beyond campus, as she spent the summer of 2023 working with children with disabilities and life challenges at Camp Twin Lakes.
Duggar also played a vital role in emergency response efforts, serving on FSU’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Incident Support Team (IST).
For two years, Duggar assisted with FEMA documentation during hurricanes and other crises, gaining hands-on experience in emergency preparedness and response. Her most impactful experience at FSU, however, was her time at The Globe.
“Serving at International Coffee Hour has allowed me to connect with students from around the world and explore my interests in international food and culture,” Duggar said. “It has shaped my ability to communicate across cultures and has given me a greater appreciation for global diversity.”
Duggar credits her time at FSU with preparing her for the challenges of the classroom. Through her International Affairs major and Emergency Management certificate, she developed a strong foundation in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
“At FSU, I learned presentation and leadership skills that I now use every day as a teacher,” Duggar said. “My experiences giving presentations in class and leading student organizations helped me build confidence in my public speaking skills, allowing me to walk into my classroom with a strong presence that is engaging to my kids. Without my time at FSU, I would not feel as confident or effective as I do leading my classroom today.”
Beyond TFA, Duggar aspires to attend law school and pursue a career as a public interest lawyer advocating for underprivileged communities.
To learn more about FSU’s International Affairs Program, visit: cosspp.fsu.edu/internationalaffairs.