Teach for America: Tackling Inequality in Schools

by Katie Dantsin

categories: Featured Project, Tips for Applicants

Published July 08, 2009 @ 07:19AM PT

One of the more well-known AmeriCorps programs is Teach for America (TFA). Their mission is simple- to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort (TFA web page).  Over 6,000 individuals serve through this program in 29 communities. These members are tackling a huge problem in our country related to education. This includes the sobering fact that in low-income communities only 50% of students graduate from high school. That's a serious problem for this nation.

With a multitude of partnerships, the program not only offers participants the usual AmeriCorps package, but also a high living allowance (typically the starting teaching salary where the member is placed), opportunity to get appropriate teaching licenses, support for transition costs, and lots of training and support from professionals and staff.

What strikes me most about this program is the commitment to ending education inequality. You'll find a smattering of statistics that begin to paint the picture of our educational system in their literature. And the approach of recruiting the most outstanding college graduates and professionals to dedicate two years to schools makes a lot of sense.  Corps members have a passion and commitment to education.  The expectation of Corps members is that the commitment to quality education for all our nation's children will remain a hallmark of their work well beyond the two years of service, whether the career seats them at the judge's bench, as a CEO or in the classroom.

This sounds great, right? What's the catch? The catch is that everyone thinks this is a great opportunity and there are limited spots available each year. In  2008,  close to 25,000 individuals applied for spots in the program and about 3,700 joined the Corps. Steep odds, but if you have a passion for education, leadership, solving inequity and you meet the eligibility requirements, check it out.

The TFA web page is loaded with information, tools, videos and more to help walk potential applicants through the program.  And good news, TFA just announced a new deadline of August 21, 2009 for the 2010 program year.  The full application schedule for the 2010 program year has not been posted, but if this appeals to you, start gathering information and asking questions.  Many college campuses have a Teach for America representative that can help out. It is also important to talk to current TFA Corps members or recent alumni to get their take on the program.

Teach for America is one of many AmeriCorps programs that combine resources, collaborate and partner to provide not only an excellent experience for participants, but also a great impact on the communities involved in the program.