@Sophia
Research indicates that Teach for America was used extensively in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina to fill positions left vacant by teachers who didn’t return. The program often results in a continuous cycle of poorly prepared teachers.
thomashearns said:
My Year Volunteering As A Teacher Helped Educate A New Generation Of Underprivileged Kids vs. Can We Please, Just Once, Have A Real Teacher - The Onion
I can’t forget this article.
thomashearns said:
My Year Volunteering As A Teacher Helped Educate A New Generation Of Underprivileged Kids vs. Can We Please, Just Once, Have A Real Teacher - The Onion
This is quite a harsh critique.
Regardless of the program, the first few years of teaching are always challenging.
EduVibeTrailblazer said:
Regardless of the program, the first few years of teaching are always challenging.
This is a very valid point.
My perspective on Teach for America has changed since I participated in 2008. The program often perpetuates the idea that it’s mainly white teachers coming to ‘rescue’ students of color, which is problematic.
I was in Teach for America and stayed at my initial school for three years before moving on. If you have questions about the program, feel free to ask me.
Charlotte1 said:
I was in Teach for America and stayed at my initial school for three years before moving on. If you have questions about the program, feel free to ask me.
Why did you leave the original school?
@Unclewaffles
The state had to take over the school because of financial mismanagement by the district, and it became too much to handle.
Teach for America targets Ivy League graduates with the idea of ‘giving back’ through teaching, often at the expense of more qualified candidates. If you have the resources, consider a traditional graduate program for a more thorough preparation.
Teach for America is marketed as a ‘leadership development program,’ not primarily as a teacher training program.
Hudson said:
Teach for America is marketed as a ‘leadership development program,’ not primarily as a teacher training program.
Many participants aim to move into leadership roles by their third year.
I’ll be honest, I tend to look down on Teach for America and those associated with it.
One part of my Teach for America training focused on managing negative perceptions, which was a big red flag for me.
From my experience as an alum, I’d strongly advise against joining Teach for America. Consider other paths.
I participated in a similar program, which was challenging but also provided a unique educational opportunity. It’s not for everyone, but it did lead to a stable career in education for me.
MysteryMaverick said:
I participated in a similar program, which was challenging but also provided a unique educational opportunity. It’s not for everyone, but it did lead to a stable career in education for me.
It’s encouraging to hear about a positive experience from a program similar to Teach for America. I might look into other programs based on your recommendation. Thanks!
@marvinjohn
Different programs offer various experiences. Check out these links for more information on programs like the one I joined: Compare Programs - TNTP Teaching Fellows and https://nycteachingfellows.org/
If you’re thinking about quitting, it’s better to do so before starting in the classroom. Committing to teaching requires dedication, and if you’re not fully prepared, it’s unfair to the students.