If you work in education, global development, or just spend time around nonprofit spaces, you have probably come across names like Teach For Nigeria, Teach For India, or Teach For All. And maybe you have wondered: Why is the “For” capitalised? Is it grammatically right?
Well, yes, technically, it breaks the traditional rules of title case. According to The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed., Rule 8.157), short prepositions like for, in, or on are usually written in lowercase unless they start a title. So by that rule, it should be Teach for All.
But here is the thing: this is not a typo. It is a deliberate choice, a branding decision.
Here are some research deliverables on that:
More than Grammar: It is about identity
The use of a capital “F” in Teach For All is part of how the organisation expresses its mission and identity. On its website, Teach For All talks about building “a world where all children have the education, support, and opportunity to fulfil their potential” (Teach For All, n.d.). That “For” is not just a connecting word, it carries meaning. It is about teaching for justice, for equality, for all.
Capitalising “For” turns it into a statement of purpose, a signal that this work is mission-driven, not just descriptive. Brand strategist Alina Wheeler explains that branding often prioritises clarity, symbolism, and consistency over rigid grammar rules (Wheeler, 2017). And with over 60 partner organisations around the world, Teach For All uses this stylisation across the board. It is not just a name; it is a unifying thread in how the stories are told to the world.
Brand vs Programme: A useful distinction
Now, contrast that with something like TaRL, Teaching at the Right Level, a learning approach developed by Pratham and widely used in Africa and Asia. The name is written grammatically, with only the acronym capitalised, because it is not a brand in the same sense. It is a method, a framework, an approach grounded in pedagogy, not marketing.
This contrast shows us something important: brand names often bend language to make a point, while programme names tend to stick to standard grammar. Both are valid, but they serve different purposes.
Why should you care?
You might ask, “Okay, but does this really matter?”
Yes, it does, especially if you are writing reports, creating content, or communicating on behalf of organisations in the development space. Understanding how and why certain names are stylised can help you:
1. Avoid “fixing” what is not broken (no, Teach For All or Teach For Nigeria doesn’t need correcting)
2. Show respect for the organisation’s identity and voice
3. Read between the lines of how branding and mission connect
As Daniel Chandler notes in his book Semiotics: The Basics, the way things are written, even something as small as a capital letter, can carry symbolic meaning (Chandler, 2007). That is true in design, in politics, and definitely in global education.
Bottom line
Writing Teach For All with a capital “F” might look odd at first, but it is intentional. It is part of a larger strategy to keep the mission front and centre. Language is not just about rules; it is also about meaning, voice, and connection.
So next time you write about organisations like this, pause before correcting the “grammar.” Sometimes, those capital letters are doing more than just shouting; they are speaking.
I stand with:
Teach For All, Teach For Nigeria, and every other network organisation!
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the organisation TheRadar.
Ministry of Education clarifies proposal on 12-year education system
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, clarified that his ministry only proposed the introduction of a 12-year basic education system, but there had been no immediate policy change.
In response to widespread media reports suggesting that the Junior and Senior Secondary School (JSS and SSS) system would be scrapped, the ministry issued a statement emphasising that the proposal was still under review.
