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TechnographTeach for America addresses inequities in education system
By Missy Smith
Posted: 11/1/06 Section: Features
Nate Allen, a University graduate and Teach for America participant, was just one of many in Espresso Royal on Thursday, Oct. 26, but he was there with a purpose. He came to interview potential applicants for the upcoming school year with Teach for America. He sat up in his chair, eyes brightening as he vividly relived his favorite memory about his experiences teaching inner-city kids in Miami.
"A student came not able to add negative two and four, and by the end of the year he was calculating two-step algebraic equations with ease," Allen said. "It's amazing. It almost brings tears to my eyes."
Allen is in his second year with Teach for America and teaches in one of the worst school districts in Miami. Yet, he is not discouraged by the struggle of teaching his students.
"I've learned so much. It has made me a better person," he said.
According to its Web site, Teach for America is a nonprofit organization that seeks to close the educational gap by providing the same educational opportunities for students living in low-income urban and rural settings as their high-income counterparts have throughout the nation.
Jason Kloth, recruitment director for Teach for America, said the organization accomplishes this by selecting high-performing college graduates from all academic majors and backgrounds.
"They commit two years to teaching in low-income communities," Kloth said. "Following this two-year commitment, alumni go on to effect the broader fundamental shifts necessary to create change."
Jennifer Carnig, regional communications director for Teach for America, speaks for the organization when she says that "inequality in education is our nation's most pressing problem."
Teach for America is built around the belief that when all students are given the same opportunities, they excel. According to its Web site, that is the key to closing the education gap.
Participants in Teach for America attempt to inspire these students to overcome their current circumstances and their lack of opportunity.
"A student came not able to add negative two and four, and by the end of the year he was calculating two-step algebraic equations with ease," Allen said. "It's amazing. It almost brings tears to my eyes."
Allen is in his second year with Teach for America and teaches in one of the worst school districts in Miami. Yet, he is not discouraged by the struggle of teaching his students.
"I've learned so much. It has made me a better person," he said.
According to its Web site, Teach for America is a nonprofit organization that seeks to close the educational gap by providing the same educational opportunities for students living in low-income urban and rural settings as their high-income counterparts have throughout the nation.
Jason Kloth, recruitment director for Teach for America, said the organization accomplishes this by selecting high-performing college graduates from all academic majors and backgrounds.
"They commit two years to teaching in low-income communities," Kloth said. "Following this two-year commitment, alumni go on to effect the broader fundamental shifts necessary to create change."
Jennifer Carnig, regional communications director for Teach for America, speaks for the organization when she says that "inequality in education is our nation's most pressing problem."
Teach for America is built around the belief that when all students are given the same opportunities, they excel. According to its Web site, that is the key to closing the education gap.
Participants in Teach for America attempt to inspire these students to overcome their current circumstances and their lack of opportunity.
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