On Teach For America

We have recently been asked by parents, administrators and reporters what are the benefits we observe regarding TFA in schools where we partner. A response I share is that anything which brings people into education is beneficial.  That 50 - 65% of TFA participants remain in education in some form has to be beneficial for schools and their districts.  For those who leave education for other careers, it is our hope the teaching experience will guide them as advocates for schoolchildren and youth throughout their lives.  At the NUA we work to nurture and guide all educators who partner with us.  We do not criticize anyone who works to improve the life trajectory of students.  As we have written, there are 3.5 million teachers in the U.S. There are approximately 20,000 TFA educators.  Real change will mean engaging all of them.  All educators can benefit from meaningful, relevant, consistent and cohesive professional development -- enabling teachers to learn the strategies and skills which improve pedagogy and content delivery, as well as the administrative and organizational arrangements which accelerate achievement, and deepen relationships with schoolchildren.

 

Eric @ www.nuatc.org