Teach For America

So you want a job in education, but you don't have all of the necessary certifications? Take a look at Teach For America, a non profit organization that enlist members to make a difference in the lives of children in low income areas by teaching in underprivileged classrooms. The Teach For America Corps accepts applicants from all types of backgrounds, even those who haven't finished their undergraduate degrees. By volunteering with their program, they provide training and assistance with obtaining non traditional teaching certifications and classroom experience. After completing the two year program, most corps members are able to find employment as teachers.

The corps offers a variety of benefits. Not only do you get to devote yourself to helping build strong children and communities, you also are given a small salary, assistance with relocation expenses (when necessary) and help paying back student loans. They also provide food and housing during the training. Their ideal candidate is someone who is a leader, with a strong desire to give back and make a difference.

According to their website, these corp members are making a big difference in classrooms across the country. In fact-

In an annual survey of principals who manage Teach For America teachers, nearly two out of three principals (63 percent) rated corps members’ training as better than that of other beginning teachers. Nearly all principals (95 percent) regard Teach For America teachers as effective as, if not more effective than, other beginning teachers in terms of overall performance and impact on student achievement; two-thirds (66 percent) regard corps members as more effective. [Policy Studies Associates, 2009]

This is an impressive accomplishment. With budget concerns forcing education cut backs across the nation, for many schools in low income areas, a Teach For America corps member can provide valuable services for students at a lower cost for the school districts. It is an amazing opportunity to make a big difference and help you on your path to becoming a teacher.

By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.