Learn about Teach For America in this article. Find out who founded this non-profit organization. Find out if TFA teachers are as effective as other teachers.
Teach For America is a non-profit organization that strives to eliminate educational inequity. This organization enlists promising future leaders to teach in low-income communities throughout the country for 2 or more years. Teach for America teachers teach in urban areas such as Houston and New York City as well as rural areas like eastern North Carolina.
Who founded this organization?
Teach For America was established by Wendy Kopp after she came up with the idea to help eliminate educational inequity in the U.S. for her senior thesis while she was attending Princeton University in 1989.
Do TFA members need to be certified?
This non-profit organization recruits teaching professionals and college graduates to teach in low-income communities. The organization aims for its members to make a positive impact on students. Members of this organization do not have to be certified teachers,
but certified teachers can apply. Members who are not certified receive receive alternative certification through coursework while they complete the program.
How effective are TFA teachers?
Since the organization was established, several independent studies have been performed to gauge the effectiveness of the organization’s members compared to other teachers. Most studies suggest that the organization's teachers are more effective than new teachers who have completed traditional certification programs. One study found that Teach For America teachers tend to make a positive impact on high school students. Research also shows that
Teach For America members are as well-prepared to teach as other new teachers.
Who can apply to become a TFA member?
This organization attracts over 20,000 college graduates each year. They seek individuals from all majors, backgrounds, and professional experiences who have the ability to excel as teachers. They look for people who have achieved results and possess leadership qualities. Teach for America looks for evidence of demonstrated leadership and achievement in the past, perseverance, strong critical thinking skills, and superior organizational abilities. They also look for superior interpersonal skills to lead and motivate others and a desire to work hard in pursuit of the organization's vision.
Do TFA teachers receive salaries and health benefits?
Teach For America teachers receive the same benefits and salaries as other beginning teachers. Salaries range from about $30,000 to $51,000, depending on the regions they teach in. Health benefits are provided and they vary across districts and regions. Benefits may include medical, dental, vision care, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, referral-free access to doctors, employee assistance, wellness programs, family planning services, full retirement benefits, and vaccinations.
Teach For America began over 20 years ago as a college student's last-minute thesis project and it looked like a crazy idea. Since then, Teach For America has become one of the best players in educational reform.
