Teach for America sparks UGA students' interest

by Amanda Williamson

More University of Georgia students are becoming involved with Teach for America, with a 21 percent increase in the number of applications from last year.

Teach for America was created in 1990 to lessen educational inequality by training recent graduates to teach and then placing them in low-income school systems around the nation.

In its inaugural year, Teach for America taught in six low-income communities. This year, the organization is in 35 communities.

Currently, more than 7,000 core members are teaching throughout the nation, with the closest locations in Atlanta, Charlotte, N.C., and Jacksonville, Fla.

Some people associated with Teach for America said they chose to be involved because of the great importance that education has in a person’s life.

Connor McCarthy, coordinator of the UGA campaign

“I realized how much education opened doors in my life, and it suddenly became more important,” said Vanessa Reynolds Hale, a 2004 graduate of the University of Georgia and alumna of Teach for America. “It is an incredible skill to gain as well—to be a teacher."

Hale found out about Teach for America through a high school friend, who told her about an opening on the recruitment team. From there, Hale was hooked and decided to apply to become a core member.

“We’ve seen a really big increased rate in interest,” said Eva Boster, the communications manager, who said there was a 40 percent increase in the number of applicants from the previous year.

The application process is rolling admissions, with four deadlines throughout the year, including one coming up on Oct. 28.

Applicants start by completing an online form. If they make the first cut, the applicant will participate in a 30-minute phone interview with a representative of Teach for America.

The final step of the admissions process is a day-long interview with 12 applicants and two interviewers. The day consists of applicants presenting a five-minute lesson plan, problem solving activities and a solo interview.

Applicants who get the job are then given regional, age and subject assignments.

Elise Baker, who graduated from UGA in 2007 with a bachelor’s in psychology, was placed in Clinton, La., teaching 5th grade.

“There were 20 desks for 27 students,” said Baker. “That was the first of many challenges."

Her students were performing, on average, three grade levels behind their actual grade. One student, Elijah, was another challenge for Baker. He would rip every test that she handed out and said, “I’m dumb. I can’t do it."

When the standardized test scores came back at the end of the year, Baker and Elijah met after football practice to discuss his scores. He achieved “mastery” in English and math. Elijah wasn’t surprised.

“I changed the way they viewed themselves and their abilities,” Baker said.

Core members learn how to teach and about life in a different setting, but those are not the only benefits that Teach for America provides.

The core members receive the same full salary and benefits as teachers in the school system said Connor McCarthy, a senior in economics and international affairs and the campaign coordinator at UGA.

“It's not volunteer and you're not employed by TFA,” McCarthy said. “You're a teacher in the school system.”

According to McCarthy and the organization’s Web site, TFA members may be eligible for a graduate school stipend. Teach for America is also partnered with many law schools, medical schools and other graduate schools.

“I applied to 20-something law schools, and it didn’t cost a dime,” said Jenny Virostko, a 2005 St. Louis core member. Virostko taught for three years then decided to apply to law school, with TFA’s help.

Some Teach for America associates said that the benefits for the core members are impressive, but the ultimate benefit is opening doors for children that may not have had the opportunity before.

“These kids wouldn't have a chance to graduate college, much less high school or get a job otherwise,” McCarthy said. “The kids deserve an equal chance and our nation could benefit from a fully educated society.”

Monique Moore, recruitment director for Teach For America, speaking at an

information session

Edited by Crystal Villarreal