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S. 959, The Teach For America Act of 2007 (6 comments ↓)
S. 959 would award a grant to enable Teach for America, Inc., to implement and expand its teaching program.
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Visitor Comments
Juan Pablo Martinez
I am a new Teach For America Corps member (2007), so as you can imagine, I support this bill. However, I do so not out of self interest, but because I truly believe that TFA's mission has an immense power to change the lives of young students in undeserved areas.
You should look into TFA's mission and its efforts to close the achievement gap to have a better understanding of what we do, before you make any decision to support or to be against this bill.
Juan Pablo Martinez
The link to the Teach for America page was edited out of my last comment. Do a search on any search engine and you will find our page and be able to read more about what we do.
IHATETFA
TFA is a racist organization. They are run by Al Sharpton. I also have heard that they eat babies, but that is just a rumor.
Worst of all, TFA supports Bush.
Dr. Barbara Veltri
TFA needs to revise it's current training of rookie corps members.
At present, I do not endorse this bill because corps members are not prepare to teach when they enter the classrooms of the kids who require not only enthusiastic and well-intended teachers, but those who are prepared to teach and have the pedagogical know-how from day one. I have witnessed corps after corps in classrooms and have data from those who have been through "TFA Recruitment, Demonstration Lessons and Corps Training Institute." Let's fund a program that brings teachers into underserved areas who are trained beyond TFA's 5 week training, and intend to stay teaching in under-resourced communities for at least five years. I hesitate to evaluate the program merely on media accounts and even test scores. I have seven years of data to substantiate this position and am willing to come and speak before Congressional decision makers.
Mark S. Vite M.A.Ed
Teaching is ever changing in methods and technology, while meeting the students varying talents, skills, and deficits. Teachers must be able to know their content and be able to modify and accommodate the learner. The educator must understand the English Language Learner too. Educators must be adept in managing a general education classroom with all types of learners. As special needs students move out of resource and into general education classrooms the teacher needs to differentiate instruction to support the child's Individual Education Plan. Teachers must be willing to collaborate amongst other professionals for support of all students. How many Teach For America Teachers are versed in special education disabilities? I am a thirty-year veteran teacher who is highly qualified to work with disabled students. I find it unconscionable and unethical to place inexperienced and untrained teachers with students of disabilities. I am willing to speak before Congressional decision makers.
John Carlisle
I am a former corps member, and I oppose this bill, as well. The preparation for corps members is terribly inadequate, and the communication between TFA and the districts it partners with -- everyone from the HR person at the Board of Ed. to a principal -- is incredibly poor. What ends up happening is what happened to me. With the exception of a slim minority that TFA does a good job of marketing to the media, most corps members grow to hate their jobs, burn out, and bolt from the program as fast as they can when their two years are over.