Saturday, March 20, 2010

SCUSD Observer: TFA redux

SCUSD Observer: TFA redux


TFA redux

The "now is not the time" response to Teach For America's presentation in front of the school board Thursday night seemingly puts the program low on the list of current priorities.


But before we go, let's read a letter written and brought before the board by a TFA graduate during Thursday night's public comments. This young gentleman, who has roots in Sacramento, did his teaching stint in Charlotte public schools and is now pursuing a law degree at Cornell University:


The veteran teachers' beef always seems to relate to the idea of young, idealistic, mercenaries coming in for two years and stealing jobs from established teachers. Especially with the current economy, their concerns might be legitimate. Thus, to assuage their concerns it is necessary to let them know that high-performing, hard-working teachers will always have jobs and that there are (likely) thousands of teachers that fit the mold in Sacramento that continue to provide the best possible education for their students. But, there are clearly still gaps that need to be filled and Teach for America is a resource that helps to fill them.

While, Teach For America is not a panacea, it is a step in the right direction. The organization's involvement in each of its regions goes beyond the teachers in the classroom. It creates a necessary piece of the foundation that works toward prioritizing education and remedying some of the problems that face any failing educational