I first heard about Teach for America during my freshmen year at college. I quickly grew to love the organization and decided that I wanted to apply when I become a senior. In September of this year, I sent in my application. The application process is long and arduous. It includes online activities, phone interviews, and a full day in person interview. The whole process took about two months.
Applicants were informed if they were accepted or not on Nov. 4. I was nervous because last year, only 15 percent of applicants were accepted. I logged into my account and saw this:
This is such a big deal for me! I don’t want to brag, but having this type of job security before graduating is pretty awesome. I was thrilled to be assigned in elementary special education because that is my major. Plus, Philadelphia is a pretty cool city and I can see myself living there.
So what is Teach For America?
The organization’s website states their mission as “One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.” The organization aims to end the educational inequity that separates low-income students from their more privileged peers.
Essentially, the organization sends skillful and successful leaders into low-income communities to teach for a minimum of two years. Since I have a passion for education, I am committed to teaching for a lot more than two years. These selected leaders are called corps members who will teach in 52 regions across the country.
Why will I Teach for America?
As a Childhood and Special Education major, I understand the importance of providing a rich education for all types of students. I believe that each and every child has the aptitude and potential to be a successful student regardless of their ability, culture, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or backgrounds. My teaching philosophy matches well with that of Teach For America. A philosophy and mission that strives for excellence in schools from low-income communities. I am pursuing involvement with Teach For America because it is a catalyst for change. My association with the program would inspire me to become the greatest educator that I can be.
Approaching graduation, I had a big decision to make. My first option was to do what is comfortable. I could have applied for jobs in schools residing in suburbs or more affluent areas. My second option was to teach in schools in low-income communities. Schools that truly need my help. The first option may seem easier. But easy is not what I am looking for. I am looking for a challenge, a task, and problem that I can work my hardest to solve. I am eager and ready to fight for my students. To spark their interests, motivate their involvement with learning, and act as a strong role model. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself. Teach For America can be my venue for progressing through my career in academics. With ensuring my trust with the program, I will grow as an educator and an advocate for children. As a corps member, I would be captivated in solving the issue of educational inequality. That is why I will Teach For America.
If you’d like to find out more about the Teach for America movement, feel free to visit their website.
