The organization has spent much of the last decade revamping its recruitment, training, and support programs so that the teachers recruited and accepted are well prepared to be as effective as possible.
Not having the skills to write, to understand, and to argue prevents students from civic engagement, makes them victims to advertising, and severely limits their career and life opportunities.
While some continue to work towards their teaching certification in undergraduate programs, grassroots organizations like the non-profit Teach for America have attracted a particularly strong showing from Columbia students.
As graduation approaches and many seniors look ahead to a grim job market, the nonprofit Teach for America program presents an appealing post-graduation path. Yet even TFA is feeling the brunt of bleak economic circumstances—especially in New York, where Mayor Michael Bloomberg has proposed significant budget cuts to city schools.
Months after the two presidential candidates came to campus to tout public service, increasing numbers of seniors are turning to such groups rather than exploring the job market.
