CC sends record number of grads to Teach for America

For five consecutive years Colorado College has been a top contributor for Teach For America, sending multiple students throughout the country to help assist under serviced populations lacking concrete education.

Each year, well over 45,000 hopeful “corps members” apply for Teach For America’s limited spots. At the end of the 2011-2012 academic year, 9 percent of CC’s graduating seniors attempted the rigorous application and overall, the college sent 18 graduates to the program joining some 5,800 others.

For five consecutive years, Colorado College has been considered a top contributor of graduates among schools with an undergraduate student body of fewer than 2,999, including Wellesley, Amherst, and DePauw University. Eighty-seven Colorado College alumni have been a part of the organization since its conception in 1990.

“We are so excited that Colorado College made the list of Top Contributors this year with 18 new 2012 corps members,” said Avery Seretan from Teach For America in a recent press release. “We know that Colorado College graduates are truly talented leaders, and we’re looking forward to this year’s seniors working toward Teach For America’s mission to close the achievement gap and to provide children everywhere with an excellent education.”

There are currently 10,000 TFA members scattered across the nation in 46 regions in 36 states, including the District of Columbia.

Teachers, who do not necessarily need a certification in teaching, take courses to receive accreditation and work for the organization for a minimum of two years. While at particular schools, they are paid the same salary and given the same benefits of any other district teacher. The goal is to create a lasting impact on the students they come into contact with.

The concept of a disparity of education within the United States is nothing new. Despite taxpayer funded public education available in America, incongruence is still clear. Certain schools in rural and urban areas lack the resources and tools necessary to properly educate their students, disadvantaging many.

Calling this a “solvable problem,” Teach For America makes an unprecedented effort to close this disparity of achievement. As their mission statement says, “Although 16 million American children face the extra challenges of poverty, an increasing body of evidence shows they can achieve at the highest levels.”

The non-profit organization employs high-achieving young college graduates and qualified individuals from around the nation to teach at underserved schools in underprivileged areas of the country. The public service organization’s aim is to eliminate educational inequality throughout the country in both rural and urban areas and “fuel long-term impact.”

The tireless dedication of Teach For America teachers leave lasting impressions on the communities and individuals they touch. Teach for America teachers are in high demand for their quality leadership skills, superior organizational abilities, and belief in the potential of all kids, among others, as reported by their website. As the organization advocates, “Education transforms lives. All kids can succeed when they get a great education.”

CC was also ranked 10th among small colleges and universities in the country with alumni service volunteers in the Peace Corps, according to a college press release. In the release the career center recognized student and alumni dedication to international and domestic service.

Colleen Leong

Guest Writer