Teach for America corps offers classroom experience

Students interested in a non-traditional career route can find a rewarding alternative in the Teach for America national teaching corps.

In 1997, the University had more applicants to the Teach for America program than any other school, surpassing Georgetown University and the University of California at Berkeley. Fifty-four percent of University applicants were accepted to Teach for America last semester, compared to the national average of 27 percent.

Teach for America is the national teacher corps organization. Recent college graduates spend two years teaching in under-resourced schools in urban and rural areas. Once accepted into the program, participants are assigned to one of 13 different sites.

"It's a challenge. It's not always enjoyable. You're put in different challenges, and you really find out what you're made of," said U of M alumnus Rob Drummond, a Teach for America corps member. Drummond has been teaching at an inner-city high school in New Orleans for the past year and a half.

The University is one of Teach for America's primary schools of recruitment. Last year, the University had 60 applicants to the program.

"Michigan is our No. 1 school with regard to applicants. We have a wonderful relationship with the University," said Teach for America campaign director Mary Kelly.

Teach for America offers applicants a unique opportunity to gain experience inside the classroom, and to make a difference in students' lives.

"It reaches populations that need access to good teachers," said LSA sophomore Zoe Castro, who plans to apply to Teach for America in a year and a half.

Corps members experience first-hand the difficulties and frustrations of teaching, while under the guidance of more experienced teachers.

"You see how many problems there are in education and in inner-city schools," said Drummond. Less than 50 percent of teachers at the high school that Drummond currently teaches at are not certified.

Students apply to the program during their senior year. The first deadline for applications, January 12, is quickly approaching. Select applicants are required to participate in a daylong interview.

Teach for America focuses its recruitment on non-education majors. Applicants include those planning a career in education, and those who may not be.

LSA senior Kenisha Purifoy, who is currently applying to the program, plans to attend medical school after her two-year commitment. "I wanted to take a detour. I think that it will help me because I believe in broadening my aspects in different fields," she said.

One of the appealing aspects of Teach for America is that it allows students who may not have been interested in education gain experience without needing a teaching certificate.

"I had an interest in education, but not necessarily as a career," Drummond said. After his teaching commitment, Drummond said he wants to "continue to be involved in education in some way."

Teach for America allows participants the opportunity to work towards a master's degree or teaching certificate while teaching.

Corps members are required to participate in an intense, five-week training session, sometimes known as "teacher boot camp," prior to beginning their teaching assignment.

Additional training, including six credits of graduate coursework, is also required every year.

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