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This past fall, a record 5,500 people applied to Teach For America (TFA), offering to spend the next two years of their lives teaching in public schools in low-income areas. Thousands more will apply by Feb. 21, the final deadline. These would-be teachers are mostly seniors or recent college graduates who want to give less fortunate students a better education. But if last year is any indication, 88 percent of those dedicated applicants will be rejected by TFA...
That vision causes TFA to reject all but the most superlative applicants. Crystal Brakke, a recruitment director for TFA, says the low acceptance rate is due to the necessity of ensuring that those who are accepted can overcome great adversity. “Our admissions process must be extremely rigorous because in order to reach our vision of educational equity for all, we must recruit individuals with the leadership qualities and commitment necessary to be successful in the face of daunting challenges,” Brakke writes in an e-mail. “We ask our corps members...
...course, the program does offer unique benefits. In general, it’s a convenient and hassle-free method of acquiring a teaching position. TFA also prides itself on its training process, which includes six weeks of courses, and a stint teaching summer school in the Bronx. Johnson, who now teaches sixth-grade Social Studies in Compton, Calif., notes TFA’s ongoing support through alumni meetings. The training and alumni network are all attractive benefits, but the program’s vision is its most attractive feature. Chatterjee, who teaches high school chemistry in Newark, N.J., explains...
...test of one’s ability to be creative, engaging to an audience and in control. Johnson explains, “They’re really looking for people who believe and are optimistic that all children can achieve.” So although TFA does recruit for math- or science-related concentrations, that ultimately has no bearing on who they actually hire...
Depending on the assigned location, grade level, and subject, the TFA experience can vary greatly. But every position is mentally and emotionally taxing. Johnson explains, “It’s a lot harder than I thought it would be, especially with the students that I have now that are just integrated from Mexico, because bilingual education is outlawed in California.” And Chatterjee, who teaches general science and chemistry to high school freshmen and juniors, says, “It is very taxing in a lot of ways. It’s a lot more work...