Teach for America is a non-profit organization that has been changing the American education system since its inception in 1989. The organization’s mission is to provide all students with access to a STEM education that enables them to succeed in college and beyond. The organization recruits recent college graduates and professionals from all fields to commit to teaching in urban and rural public schools in low-income communities in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- Teach for America is a non-profit organization that aims to provide all students with access to a STEM education that enables them to succeed in college and beyond.
- The organization has been changing the American education system since its inception in 1989.
- Teach for America recruits recent college graduates and professionals from all fields to commit to teaching in urban and rural public schools in low-income communities in the United States.
- Teach for America has placed more than 60,000 teachers in underserved schools across the country.
- The organization provides its recruits with a rigorous training program to prepare them for the challenges of teaching in low-income communities.
- Teach for America has faced criticism for its approach to education reform and for its recruitment practices.
Teach for America has placed more than 60,000 teachers in underserved schools across the country. Its recruits commit to teaching for two years, with the option to continue teaching or transition to other fields after their initial commitment. The organization provides its recruits with a rigorous training program to prepare them for the challenges of teaching in low-income communities. Recruits participate in a five-week summer institute that includes intensive teaching training, community building, and leadership development.
One of the most significant benefits of Teach for America is the impact it has on students’ academic performance. The organization’s teachers have been shown to have a positive effect on student achievement in STEM subjects. Additionally, Teach for America teachers are more likely to stay in the teaching profession than other new teachers, which can contribute to greater teacher stability in low-income schools.
However, Teach for America has faced criticism for its approach to education reform and for its recruitment practices. Critics argue that the organization’s focus on short-term teaching commitments can create instability in the education system’s underserved schools. Furthermore, some argue that Teach for America’s recruitment practices put inexperienced teachers in classrooms where they may not be equipped to handle the unique challenges facing students from low-income backgrounds.
Despite these criticisms, Teach for America remains a vital force for change in the American education system. Through its rigorous training program and commitment to serving low-income communities, the organization has helped to create a pipeline of talented and committed educators who are working to improve the lives of students across the country.
Conclusion
Teach for America has been changing the American education system since 1989. Through its commitment to providing all students with access to a STEM education that enables them to succeed in college and beyond, the organization has placed more than 60,000 teachers in underserved schools across the country. While it has faced criticism for its approach to education reform and recruitment practices, Teach for America remains a vital force for change in the American education system.