To those individuals that are doing Teach for America (TFA),
Why didn't you do Surgery for America (SFA)?
The notion that TFA provides is that anyone can educate in our education system. I do not believe or agree that an individual can be train in a five-week intensive training program to be able to educate for a full academic school year, learn different teaching and lesson-plan models, methods, and techniques. One-on-one coaching and online support will not provide with the necessary tools to be the best of the best educator. Online lesson plans does not provide the needs of each student's learning needs. There is so much more that I can say about TFA ... I hope you get that idea of the harm that TFA can create to our education system and our children.
If anyone can be a teacher, why not allow and provide with the opportunity to individuals to go through a five-week or ten-week intensive training program, give one-on-one coaching, and online support to become a nurse or a doctor. Why not create SFA for everyone to join and help our communities by providing a better medical attention.
This a very interesting and touchy concept.
ReplyDeleteThe supporter:
Yes, it is a slap in the face to those educators that have spent years of studying teaching styles, histoy of education, and gaining hands on experience within the Education field. There is so much that goes into educating students that a 5 or 10 week program has to cram into adults.
Devils Advocate;
If the program wasn't effective, it still wouldn't be up and running. I may be worng, but the children that are recieving these services just simply need an educator; whether they have a degree and years of experience or a 5-10 week training program. It's better to provide something rather than nothing. Plus it gives those individuals that are undecided on what type of education feild they would like to pursue an opportunity to get their feet wet before they devote time and money into a university.
Great discussion topc Criss!
I'm unfamiliar with the specifics of the Teach for America program, so I might be way off-base with what I'll say...
ReplyDeleteI know that teachers with years of experience hated the fact that I used an alternative certification program to teach alongside them. Some are quite vocal about that. I guess to be fair, we'd have to ask if those whom have never worked in Corporate America can properly prepare students for that world? Are teachers modeling learning, teaching, or enduring?
Personally, I think each teacher should have real-world experience before teaching beyond the elementary level. As a former business professional who hired, fired, negotiated contracts, and used what I currently teach in a professional setting, I can properly place my content in the context of the real world.
In reality, medical professionals can work on cadavers, etc to gain experience, but, unfortunately, when a teacher walks into that classroom, no amount of preparation is sufficient for that first job. Everything is theoretical until you're in the situation. For example, if you're coming from a non-diverse university background, but then teach in a high-need area (usually Title I school), that is the first issue you'll have to overcome.
I say all that to say that passion goes a long way. Teachers in programs like TFA want to make a change. Perhaps they don't come out with all of the theory, but I can't blame them for following their hearts. Truly, if we're life-long learners, we can acquire that theory, as well over time.
BTW, GranDiva = Tamika :)
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe that TFA could prepare an individual to teach within five weeks. However, it seems that a lot of things can be accomplished when you have an organization that is very focused and supportive of its members. It also helps that they are able to select highly motivated individuals with the same goal to join their organization. I think that TFA has a pretty extensive application process and many who apply are rejected. TFA has certainly helped to bring certain issues of education to the forefront. Some may serve their two years and then peace out, but hopefully they will leave with a better understanding of the current education system and continue to be an invaluable advocate for education. I still have my doubts, but I also feel that much can be learned from TFA. They are a data driven organization and have on going studies that help to identify what makes an effective teacher(which can obviously help any organization or college institution to better prepare students). It can lead to a certain distaste for someone that spent four years and thousands of dollars to have the opportunity to teach but I do not regret any of it. It was the best path for me, but certainly not the only path.
ReplyDeleteI can see both arguments but I agree with the notion of while some people like grand diva come and make awesome teachers there are others who we are entrusting butthe lives of students in the hands of horrible teachers. I know that was a crazy run on but I am texting half sleep. Really we just need leaders with the guts to get rid of ineffective teachers who hurt kids before they do to much damage.
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