In this remarkable speech to a large gathering of Teach for America recruits, Dr. Camika Royal laid out the details of the disaster in Philadelphia and laid the blame on the state, where it belongs. She told the recruits that Philadelphia is a microcosm for urban districts across the nation, where public schools are under attack and are folding. She questioned why young people like those in her audience should replace experienced educators who had been laid off. She warned that cities like Philadelphia need “servant leaders,” people willing to listen and learn, not “self-serving saviors.” She repeatedly said, “Examine yourself.” Her message, which refuted the TFA party line, was greeted with wild cheers.

This is a woman of intellect and character. Independent thinkers like Camika Royal and Gary Rubinstein represent the best hope for the future of TFA, the hope that it someday escape its heritage as corporate tool, as helping to privatize high-poverty schools.