Other universities may have provided more graduates to Teach for America’s 2012 corps, but pound for pound, the University of Virginia is a heavyweight supporter of the program.

Fifty-five U.Va. alumni joined Teach for America this year, the same number, for example, as Ohio State University, which has more than twice as many students.

“For the past five years, the University of Virginia has ranked among the top universities and colleges of its size,” Teach for America’s Gaby Barahona said. “Throughout Teach For America’s 22-year history, 410 U.Va. alumni have taught as corps members.”

The top schools in the “large school” category were the University of California-Berkeley, University of Florida, University of California-Los Angeles and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

Teach For America corps members are top college graduates and professionals who commit to teach in underserved schools, according to the organization. Teach For America recruits individuals from all academic majors and backgrounds who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, perseverance and leadership.

Those selected receive a salary – generally ranging from $25,500 to $51,000 annually, according to the organization’s website – and comprehensive health benefits from their school districts, plus additional benefits from Teach For America, including funding for relocation and help with student loans.

This fall, more than 10,000 corps members will be teaching in 46 urban and rural regions across the country, while nearly 28,000 alumni are working across sectors to ensure that all children have access to an excellent education.

Information is at teachforamerica.org. A list of the top schools supplying Teach for America members is here.