by Kerrie McCormick
After having a discussion with some of my peers about the topic of Teach for America, which was mentioned in the New York Times article “For Teachers, Middle School Is Test of Wills,” I became very interested in finding out more. I really would love to spend some time teaching in an inner city because I think it would be a great and rewarding experience. I know it would be a huge challenge, but I would really like to take it on at some point after college. I would be able to work in the city through the program called Teach for America. With Teach for America, graduating teachers are placed in a low socio-economic community for two years. The schools will pay the new teachers the same salary and TFA will cover existing college loans, additional credited courses, or after the two years they will pay to further the teacher’s education. In return the teachers are meant to help close the education gap present in America. Poor communities are not given the same opportunities as wealthy districts and often the quality of the teacher may be lacking in poorer districts. With TFA, extremely qualified teachers are selected to work in these struggling school districts, in hopes of seeing a change. I think that graduating teachers need to become involved in failing districts so a turn-around can be made. It is not fair for poor students to receive a disadvantaged education because their families are experiencing financial difficulties. I feel that this opportunity to teach for America will offer students better opportunities to succeed in education and the challenges presented to teachers will also allow educators to see success in unexpected forms. I am really glad that I found out about TFA because I am highly interested in participating with the organization after I graduate. I think it would be an amazing opportunity with several benefits.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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3 comments:
I know alot of people who have participated in the Teach for America program after graduating with various college degrees. I have heard how tough it is, for obvious reasons, but also how rewarding experiences like those can be. I think that Teach for America is so interesting because of the variety of backgrounds of the volunteers. A large majority of these teachers are doing what they are doing because they truly WANT to. I think that too often people find themselves on the path to becoming teachers without enough thought. However, these teachers have the passion and the energy to really make a difference where it is needed the most.
I heard about Teach for America but wasn’t exactly sure what it entailed. After learning a little more about the program, I think it really would be a beneficial experience. Many times children from disadvantaged backgrounds appreciate what they are given more than children in affluent areas. These students are often eager to learn but have never really had the chance. To be able to give these students a great education and see them really learn and grasp new information would be extremely rewarding. I am definitely interested in the program and want to research more about it.
I have been doing some real soul searching during my ACB semester, even though time has not really been a luxury, and I think that the Teach for America program might be an answer to some of my desires in the education field. My college education courses thus far have stressed to me the importance of teaching to make an impact; teaching to make a difference. Although this goal should be at the forefront of every education major's mind, I feel as though the fire dies after a couple of years spent in the field. State enforced standards squash creativity, while school board limitations hinder growth. Therefore, I think that the timing TFA is perfect. It targets those education grads who are still bursting with fresh ideas and who aren't yet discouraged by limitations. I have thought long and hard about what it truly means to be an educator and I can't think of a better way to start my career than to target those children who need better education the most. There's a lot to consider, but I will definitely look deeper into this program.
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