Mark NAISON is a professor of African-American Studies at Fordham University.
In this article, he explains why he will not permit TFA to recruit in his classes.
First, he became angry when he discovered that the organization gave preference to Ivy League graduates over his own students, who had grown up in many of the communities where TFA was placing its recruits.
But this is what his rejection came down to:
“Until Teach For America becomes committed to training lifetime educators and raises the length of service to five years rather than two, I will not allow TFA to recruit in my classes. The idea of sending talented students into schools in impoverished areas, and then after two years encouraging them to pursue careers in finance, law, and business in the hope that they will then advocate for educational equity really rubs me the wrong way.”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Mark, this might make for an interesting/useful debate for the students in one or more of your classes.
Five years of teaching experience is the minimum requirement in many states for obtaining administrative certification in the public school system. There is a movement among reformers to lessen the certification requirements in public education for teachers. This can be taken to its next logical step: advocating the lessening of requirements for administration certification–two years, anyone? That would open the door for TFA and other woefully inexperienced educators to be in positions of great power and influence in the public schools. They’ve already infiltrated charter schools–the public system is the next frontier.
And to think, in NJ one needs to be successfully evaluated for four years and one day to obtain tenure. TFA is sending inexperienced people in and, for many, out of the communities in which they claim to serve. Where is the investment in students if teachers are going to leave after they “do their time?” Where is the commitment to longevity? Where is the responsibility for the future and the building of professional insights? None of these need exist if you’re only going to be there for two years. The ones who stay on in the public schools and who make these commitments are few and far between–and the act of doing so is a testament to their integrity.
Outside of TFA, an even bigger travesty is the appointing of non-educators to positions of power through political means that do not involve public input. At least TFA attempts to put people in service to gain “some” experience before putting them in charge of a teaching staff and a school. Stil, it is not nearly enough.
I think States are making requirements more stringent on existing teachers which will lead to teachers leaving the profession while AT THE SAME TIME lessening the requirements for temporary or shortage area teachers. Wise move if you want to shift the work force systemically!
You got it.
Yet in the corporate world, experience matters. A “senior partner” still commands higher salaries and more perks. Funny, that.
TFA is a swift smack in the head to students, parents, and anhyone who really cares about the quality of a child’s education.
Why not promote “Treat for America” so that anyone can become a doctor or dentist in 6 to 8 easy weeks. Or “Judge for America” so that anyone can become a circuit, appelate, or even Supreme Court judge in exchange for several weeks of training. Ditto for engineers, ballet dancers, nurses, welders, massage therapists, and pharmacists.
Let’s just all train for a few token weeks, have great intentions, and at least attempt to seek mediocrity as our highest level of expression.
In all seriousness, our elected officials should legislate the illegality of TFA and anything remotely like it.
This is not a trip to Disney World; it’s a child’s education and future we are talking about.
I’m contacting my representatives. And keeping on top of them.
TFA doesn’t hope it’s trainees advocate for educational equity. It consciously identifies, grooms and promotes them to do the exact opposite: disenfranchise parents, close public schools, open charters and hound career teachers out of the schools, replacing them with temps.
Well, there are no law jobs anymore, so perhaps more will stay !
Professor Naison has triggered one of the most emotional of topics. It would seem that all sides are trying to achieve something. Complex goals for all and all of it hinged on
unsuspecting powerless poverty stricken children. It is said that “Hell is paved with good intentions..” and this could be one of those examples.
After years of running a non-profit, for the longest time without pay, I learned that you
get all kinds and level of volunteer, and you must utilize them for the purpose of making a difference in whatever the goal might be. Getting the most from what will probably
be a limited committment. They come with their own agenda and some needing a great deal of personal stroking. That is okay if in the end work is done and the goals and objectives of the organization are being met. There is no such thing as altruism. It is
a personal choice to give or not to give.
If the experience of TFA for the teacher is going to make them a better person and professional, no matter the field they go to, then so be it. It is the job of the other teachers and administrators to inspire and elevate that individual, just as they should be doing for their students and themselves. If a child is inspired by this same teacher (the child will likely only have one year to grow from that person)then all to the good.
I work in an inner city school district and to inspire the uninspired is a challenge no matter who the professional is. The commercial about depression is absolutely true. Depression hurts!! Children who have to struggle through each day and understand their circumstances (not all but far too many) need to know there are things to strive for, other places to see, and a possible way out. Young talented teachers, whether they are TFA or not, do come with that wide eyed bushy tailed enthusiasm. They are not the problem but part of the disconnect at administrative levels. Wanting more is not wrong for them or for the children.
The bottom line is to teach children and change lives, thereby changing the world and society. I admire Professor Naison and his professional accomplishment, his passion for his profession and caring for the children. I also admire achieving young people who do take time to grow from an experience they could have avoided. Often the children are the inspiration and the real teachers. It all comes down to the individual and human experience. Heaven knows help is needed and a job to be done.
Well said.