Teach for America utilizes the talents of outstanding college graduates in many career fields who are burdened for struggling schools and school districts throughout the country. These young adults choose to commit two years of their life to teach in one of these struggling areas, pushing the students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Teach for America was founded in an effort to eliminate or at least lessen the gap in achievement between students in high-income school districts and those in low-income school districts. Those who work with the program believe a student shouldn't be doomed to a poor education simply because of the neighborhood he lives in. As a result, they are utilizing the best and the brightest young teachers to work in those lower-income areas and inspire the students to achieve more.
Schools who are part of the Teach for America program receive teachers from the Teach for America corps who are committed to teaching in their school for two years. During those two years, the school receives top-notch educational skills from these teachers. The corps utilizes those who have demonstrated above-average teaching abilities. These young teachers would normally be hired by the best districts with the highest possible salary package because of their skills.
In return for their willingness to teach in these troubled schools, these young teachers receive benefits like scholarships for grad school, money for relocation, a stipend to repay student loans, and the option to have loan forbearance and paid interest for the two years they are teaching. This compensation counteracts the lower pay they will receive from the school district during their time there. The corps also offers training and ongoing support to its teachers and alumni.
In theory this model seems like it would be effective. Placing highly skilled, highly motivated teachers who have a fresh passion for their job in the classrooms where they are needed most seems like it would make achievement rise. But are the schools that participate in the Teach for America program actually seeing any improvement?
Research shows that it is, in fact, working. Achievement scores are on the rise in those classrooms that have participating teachers. Also, studies are showing that Teach for America teachers are more effective in the classroom than other teachers, including veteran teachers and others who are fresh out of college.
Teach for America is impacting more than just the participating schools. The teachers who participate in the program are finding a love for their students that translates into a passion for teaching well past the two years they are in the program. Some even stay on to continue in those districts where they were originally hired, allowing their impact t continue with the students. Others find employment in business partners who appreciate the leadership skills shown by corps members and offer programs like deferred benefits plans and special pay packages to alumni of the program. This mutually beneficial arrangement is what has made Teach for America such a successful and popular program.
New Orleans schools are actually doing a lot better since 2005. For more information visit: http://educatenow.net/.
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