http://www.theatlanticwire.com/national/2013/07/meet-teach-america-resistance-movement-s-growing-within/67125/
I have a debate going on in my head about this. When I was in high school and toying around with the idea of teaching my brother had a friend who was doing Teach for America in Philadelphia. She was a biology major and when we went to visit her she was living in the slums of Philadelphia smiling all of the way through her teaching assignment with at-risk and low-level learning urban students. She had no training in education other than the TFA training that was supplemented to her when she signed up. A part of me thought that was so cool; she was a professional in her field, who better suited to work with students? I put it to the back of my mind and never thought about it again until, ironically, on Facebook a previous professor from my undergraduate career at Millersville posted a picture stating, "Students Resisting Teach for America."
I reexamined my thinking about this program when I read up on the movement (something I only did because I respect this professor and wanted to know more). I couldn't fathom why anyone would resist a movement to put capable professionals into the inner city, but then I reexamined it more. I find myself in between a rock and a hard place....as someone who taught for 3 years in the inner city I know that those programs need capable and excited people, but I also thought about the choice factor that is removed. TFA expects everyone to work in the inner city and complete the assignments to really....better themselves. I worked in the inner city to better the community and better myself, but I wanted to make a difference and I refused to look for another job until my first class (everyone in it) had graduated because I couldn't bare the fact that I would leave that string unattached.
Furthermore, in the sense of technology, we could then see that TFA recruits who are usually at the top of their classes, would integrate new technology and digital literacies more effectively, but then again....are they qualified? Just because you're a professional in your field, should to be allowed to work with a population that needs someone empathetic and understanding, not always the cream of the knowledgeable crop?
My first year working in the city I lived down-town and immersed myself in the culture. A lot of people told me it was stupid, and granted I didn't love walking home from work sometimes - but it was part of me understanding the area and the priorities of the community. It wasn't always easy or comfortable, but I got out of my comfort zone because I longed for a connection with my students.
When the article discusses minimizing "churn" or the in-and-out rotation of teachers and staff, I really could speak to that...you need consistency with students in the inner city and TFA strips those ideas away.
Really, I am in a quandary. I really want to know what you think about this.....
Thanks!
Nina, I completely understand your quandary and it's one that I struggle with involving TFA. Too often I wonder if recent college students, though obviously top in their class, have enough knowledge about education before they enter the classroom for their TFA assignment. Think about all of the hours you spent in education classes, pre-service observations, and student teaching. Those in TFA have obvious subject knowledge, but do they have enough "education" knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI read several articles about the recent school closings and teacher layoffs in Chicago where there was a concern that TFA would be brought in to teach the classes of those teachers who had been let go due to the district's budget. A savings for the district, but certainly a cost for the students.
I find it incredibly interesting. My professor who opposes TFA and you have a great point, look at all of the training we went through....it isn't as easy as a few quick classes!
ReplyDeleteNina, This editorial was recently published on the Huffington Post. When I read it I thought about your blog post.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/sandra-korn/why-i-said-no-to-teach-for-america_b_4151764.html