Teach for America Founder & CEO Wendy Kopp interview

[calditz1]

Where you live in this country also determines your Constitutional rights, what kind of weather you have, your job possibilities and what you eat. None of those are considered "social injustice" so education is just another thing that's diffe3rent depending on where you live. Both of the moonies in this video are elitist syncophants that "think" they know way more than they do and want to indoctrinate some simple minds. Did anyone really listen to this drivel? The upload note is pure BS!

[cexino]

Well done Wendy what a great initiative.

[RdSucker]

Wendy: How do you KNOW the stunning grads you send out are "our best" teachers? Is that not totally umproven until they actually hit the road? A little presumptious?  AND I have been teaching higher ed in a rural area decades, and the big college grads you are sending could have not have LESS resonant skills to affect these rural dimmer lights. I see a great goal, but flawed mechanics. GOOD LUCK!

[vlyu]

It has been said that improverished inner city kids have no chance to succeed academically unless the root causes of poverty are solved. TFA has shown that inner city kids can achieve despite these seemingly-insurmountable obstacles.

[lindz4866]

Teach for America is a huge joke. Let's take our country's least prepared teachers and through them in low performing classrooms for two years. If TFA "teachers" truly cared about changing urban and rural schools, they would go to a real training program at a university and get certified. TFA "teachers" are looking for a feel-good caption on their resume. P.S. -Many do not stay- Ms. Kopp is playing with numbers- about 16 percent of TFA teachers remain in public schools as teachers.

[chasexctk3]

@lindz4866 these people (corps members) are not teachers nor were they taught in school as traditional educators. these are the creme de la creme as they are innovative and bright young individuals. plus the "course" they take is actually quite strenuous. they learn assessments and how to analyze and handle children rather then spending 4+ years in college courses slowly going through this same process.

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 I don’t doubt that the preparation TFA members go through is strenuous, however, it is not equivalent or sufficient. The five year program and the University of Wisconsin Madison requires teacher education students to experience five different internships in urban schools. Students are also required to take course work to develop a philosophy, reflective habits, methods, etc. Continued...

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 If TFA really wants to improve urban and rural education, they should provide funding for corps members to complete a program similar to UW-Madison’s and then require a five-year commitment. Interestingly enough, TFA members are stealing jobs from highly qualified teachers because it is cheaper to hire an uncertified teacher.

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3

2 minutes ago

Saying these people are the "crème de la crème" is quite arrogant. What you really mean is they went to an ivy league school. Going to an ivy league school does automatically qualify one for working in public education. Also, saying that the “course” they take is equivalent to a four or five-year degree in education is ridiculous. One cannot develop a strong teaching philosophy and reflective habits in this short amount of time. Continued...

[chasexctk3]

thats great for the UW-Madison students and community in which those students choose to teach. HOWEVER, the majority of teachers being produced by this countries traditional educational pathways (4-5 year college) are poorly prepared to not only teach middle income children but more importantly can't relate or even control inner city children. I don't doubt there are a percentage of TFAers who are just as ill prepared as regular teachers. Contined...

[chasexctk3]

you wonder why these TFAers are in higher demand, yes they are cheaper (struggling budgets kind of forces the issue and when the teacher comes with a set standard they must achieve and TWO bosses to keep happy they are less likely to screw up) and yes there is some schmoozing by TFA administrative positions to get these recruits into schools but if they didnt work at getting kids to develop better skills and literacy then they wouldn't be hired. plain and simple.

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 Haha. Better literacy skills? You mean TFAers are able to train kids to do better on standardized tests. That doesn’t always translate into higher literacy skills. TFA teachers are hired even though policy makers KNOW they aren’t effective. There is an astounding amount of research showing that it takes at least three years to become an affective teacher (this can happen during an effective training program). Do most TFAers stick around for three years? No. Continued…

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 TFAers are in demand because of budget constraints. You might want to do more research on inner city school district budgets before you make the claim that TFA helps- THEY DON’T! In time, policy makers see that schools with TFA teachers can run on less money. Then, more funding disappears meaning inner city schools will never be able to afford highly qualified teachers. Continued...

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 Also, the part about UW grads not applying to teach in the inner city? NOT TRUE! Plenty of UW grads want to, but are unable to. Right now, numerous grads from the fall and spring semesters are trying to get jobs in Milwaukee. Can they? No. What about new TFAers? Yes. Want to talk Chicago. Same situation. Continued…

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 It sounds to me that you really haven’t done your research. Don’t feel bad. Most people who support TFA haven’t. Once one digs into the real issues, it’s obvious that TFA is a doesn’t work. I understand why TFA sounds good. Right now, some college sophomore English major is cuddling up the idea- “Couple years in the inner city? I bet I could really change things!” They have no idea what’s coming. Continued...

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 If one is serious about teaching, he or she should go through an effective program. If TFA is serious about making changes, they should make some dramatic policy changes to training and retention. Continued..

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 PS- an effective teacher would probably not use the term “controlling the class,” but would say “I have built an effective community.” If a teacher has a well thought out philosophy and reflective habits, classroom management is not an issue. UW grads have this. Students in their classrooms are too busy learning to be causing problems. This is true for any population of students. Continued..

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 The “relate to”- yes, most college grads do not have the same background as inner city children, which is why it is so important to visit families, community centers, food pantries, etc. UW grads are taught to do this in their program.

[chasexctk3]

You keep preaching UW grads as Gods gift. You have to mention another program. So what is the number of graduates from UW? Please do tell. Do the research. That amount couldn't come close to the number of teachers needed in this nation. Also theres equal research that shows both sides of the spectrum, just depends where you want to look. And I already said TFAers are sought out due to budgets, you're not proving anything with that post. Continued

[chasexctk3]

Ok the post about lack of research, you don't even make a point. You claim I have no research to back up my claims, fine but where are yours? Provide me your unbiased facts. And for the record I don't necessarily support TFA, it is a bandaid on a rather large cut in American Education and won't fix anything, but its better watching that then teachers unions trying to get more money. Done.

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 Fair enough with the "band aid" comment. I keep talking about the UW because I am a UW grad searching for a job in inner city education. I went through a lot to learn how to teach- and I'm still learning. I can't find a job and neither can my friends. We all want jobs in an urban area. I also have friends who have no idea what they're doing in education getting jobs with TFA. You can imagine why how this can be frustrating for me and other people in my position. Continued...

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 In terms of "unbaised facts"- there is no such thing in education. Every fact is biased. My point about funding is more about the ongoing cuts because schools are running on less money and policy makers are seeing that TFA is cheaper and cutting budgets MORE. This means that it will be impossible to get quality teachers in the future. I didn't mean to offend you- what I am saying is TFA is not as effective as they claim to be and there are plenty of solutions. continued...

[lindz4866]

@chasexctk3 Above all, the highest quality teachers should be hired first. If there are left over spots TFA can be a bandaid. It's not right, however, that someone who has no background in education gets a job over someone who is highly trained.  It's not fair to to teachers, students or the communities that schools claim to serve. Done.

[madelinemorrissey]

@lindz4866 Background in education does guarantee a high quality educator. AT ALL. I see where you're coming from, and logically this makes sense, but teaching is not a field where your logic applies. I teach in New Orleans public schools and I can tell you that a Masters in Education or knowledge of educational theory does not make an excellent teacher. It's about understanding the problem, the solutions, and having dedication.

[humbertocoffinor]

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[JesseAlred]

When I think of how much Wendy Kopp and the KIPP founders got involved with corporations like Union Carbide, the Edison Project and the Bush admiistration, it. reminds me of a new Springsteen song. "A long walk home."

"you know you're lucky to be born in this town,

nobody crowds you,

nobody goes it alone,

you know the flag flying over the courthouse,

means some things are set in stone,

who we are,

and what we'll do,

AND WHAT WE WON'T"

[catherinetodd]

JesseAlred: Thank you. I have heard both sides on this issue, and although it sounds excellent, I too am concerned about any alliance with Bush and his buddies, and the corporations that are doing us all in. Thanks for posting another very important side to this discussion.

[LaharlD2]

She doesn't believe in what she says she believes in. Hope you like the thumbs down. They were a gift. Want to mess withh me?

[catherinetodd]

I just had to say "Thank You" again to JesseAlred and buzamo for presenting the other side to the "Teach for America" glossy-aren't we the greatest-presentation.

I was taken in by all the right words by Wendy herself, but teachers across the board don't agree with so much of this program, it's good to see another side presented here by real teachers who know what they are talking about.

Thanks for commenting & keep up the good work! YouTube & the children of the world need people like YOU!

[JesseAlred]

I am a Houston teacher who wants to communicate with TFA teachers. I respect your work, but believe TFA leaders are too close to conservatives. They blame schools and teachers, not our unequal society, for every education failing. This goes back to TFA's founding, when Wendy Kopp built an alliance with Union Carbide, whose negligence caused 100,000 casualties in India, and continued with her hookup with the Edison Project, which wanted to replace public schools with corporate schools.

[tanlineonringfinger]

I think the point isn't who do we blame but rather who has the power to improve the situation. I think TFA teachers prove that a teacher can empower a student to achieve DESPITE our unequal society and in doing so takes one more step toward an equitable educational system.

[JesseAlred]

Yea, but the TFA rank and file need to be aware how their elite has linked up with the conservatives and corporations that block social change. Wendy Kopp and the KIPP founders have allied with the most anti-poor groups in our society. Yes you can empower a student or two, but we need more than that. The TFA approach is to weak.

[tanlineonringfinger]

It seems like you're not as interested in communicating with TFA teachers as you are in educating them about the evils of their organization. I think an organization that has created strong leaders who are impacting communities from multiple levels - as principals, superintendents, chancellors - and from multiple career fields - policy, business, etc - can't be written off as "to weak."

[JesseAlred]

You got me--I lose--the small group of Teach for America alums seeking higher office in urban school systems--are not WEAK, they have the backing of corporate America and Ivy Leagye smarts.

There are two Teach for Americas:: the mass of recruits who do the job I do, teaching kids who may be on another wavelength; and a small group who build political capital off the teachers' hard work.

I am reaching out to the teachers, not to the CEO and her friends.

[catherinetodd]

JesseAlred: Thank you for your comments about "Teach for America." I am glad someone is stating the other side to this situation. YouTube and the world needs more people like you! Keep speaking out... maybe someday someone will "hear." What would we do without people like you?

[buzamo]

"Our most successful corps members use data-driven self-analysis"

There's also a 1-6 rubric that gauges the succes of teachers in TFA's core values.

The rubric is one and the same for all Corps Members in all areas and age levels, based on 1-6, not very effective.

Yeah, no one told me this before I joined (and subsequently quit) Teach for America.

[buzamo]

A note about gauging the success of CMs. Yes, there is a big goal which is normally that 80%of students pass or academic standards set. This success is based on results on standardized tests and the academic standards set by the state's deparment of education.

LESS THAN HALF OF CORPS MEMBERS MEET THESE BIG GOALS IN THEIR FIRST YEARS AND ABOUT HALF IN THEIR SECOND YEAR DO.

[rockitman3000]

I tutor as a volunteer at a KIPP school. My student told me that when he first started a year ago he was two years behind in his studies. He is now up to his grade level and looking forward to attending a private school on scholarship next year. He is so proud. His life has so changed from a year ago, it really has. He did that. Yes, he did. "Yes we can."

[ss11s]

They charge impoverished school districts $5000 to place uncertified teachers. These teachers really make a mess of the schools. This is a huge mess and it really has to stop.

[fctchk]

Is this a lipstick commercial?

[notlqueen]

Furthermore, you must have a gpa higher than 3.0 for TFA. My gpa was under that when I went into teaching, but yet I'm able to pull As and Bs out of students who when walking into my classroom where labeled (literally) "future jail inmates".

I agree that the worst 10% of teachers should be fired though.

TFA has some good pts. but I feel it doesn't work. Ppl come in for 2 yrs. to try and control these kids, w/out knowing what they really need or living in the ghetto w/ them as I do with mine

[yanman1003]

You are entitled to your own personal beliefs, but I don't think you can claim that TFA teachers aren't effective, because frankly, they are. Sure, lots of their requirements do not ensure a great teacher, but they are there to ensure a certain quality of applicant. One that has experienced high academic achievement, held leadership positions, and has succeeded in the face of struggle.

I also don't think TFA teachers strive to control their students, rather control their educational prospects.

[notlqueen]

Well, I'm awfully glad to hear there are some TFA teachers out there who have been successful. : ) I'm only basing on what I've learned after speaking to ppl who were TFA teachers and struggled through teaching. Also, being a leader for a company is far different than running an inner city high school.

[tommaletic]

I know personally, and I can assure you, there is plenty of "ghetto living" among TFA members. Second, THANK YOU for going into teaching and helping our kids, and, ergo, our country.

[notlqueen]

Yes, many do go to live in the projects but most have not grown up in the projects.

Welcome : ) lol

[tommaletic]

Relevence?

[notlqueen]

Her method does not work. I teach inner city kids, some of whom are labeled w/ severe behavioral problems. I'm an outstanding teacher, and parents beg to have their kids placed in my class. All ppl I know who joined TFA, including a Black middle class male, can barely contain their classrooms. A crash course in entering their dangerous worlds and teaching is not going to cut it. These kids do not need some1 to control them, they need to be taught self-discipline.

[tommaletic]

Can't they use some of your methods? I want you ALL to succeed. (Congratulations, by the way for doing such a great job). What do you think of the Washington, D.C. superintendant, Michelle(?) Rhee? Is she doing the right things?

[sexytrini519]

The people you know who joined TFA are but a small fraction of those who do. I was a corps member, teaching special education in a cross-cat high school classroom and I was able to bring ALL of my kids to their goals. ( i had some 10th graders who could not read and therefore our goal was to grow two grade levels as opposed to growing on grade level). And my class was known as one of the best in the building,dont let your limited experience with the program dictate your judgement of the program.

[guit543]

she's soooo amazing!!

[tommaletic]

I do, however, may not be understanding the second part of your last sentence (which is entirely possible), but will try this response, which is; if the child is educated sufficiently, then doesn't he or she now have more choices? To become an oppressor or not, isn't that more fair than not having choices due to educational deficiencies?

[Downfacingdog]

What a waste of breath and taxpayers money.

[tommaletic]

I disagree, you may not like these interview type things, but when it's about a topic that strives to improve educational outcomes in our country, I'm all for it.

[Downfacingdog]

I may disagree with your regurgitated opinions, but I will fight for your right to express them. Agree to disagree.

[tommaletic]

I will agree to disagree, except with your characterization of my opinions. I assure you, they are my own.  Anyhow, to the rest of your reply, I say amen, sister (or brother).

[Downfacingdog]

Amen!

[MartyPeretz]

TFA hates Teachers unions because teachers unions suck and don't give a shit about the students.

[knsummers]

TFA is not a true partner with schools. TFA is a true partner with NCLB and views children as data. TFA is anti-union and concerned with the success of children as long as it benefits TFA's stats. TFA marginalizes existing teachers and school administration by focusing not on sustainability or the health of the district in general, but the success of TFA corps members and their classrooms. TFA tries to transform/control educational communities by pacing TFA alumni in all positions of power.

[rsandlin11]

All I have to say is check that data you speak of. If students are achieving more in the classroom then I would hope as a fellow educator you would try to understand how that was going on, not bash them for using that data. Maybe you should find out what TFA is doing right and try to fix the things you feel they are doing wrong, that way we will move towards this dream of educational equality.

[tommaletic]

Wouldn't the success of children benefit maybe, um, let's see....THE CHILDREN ??? Think about it. And if a union doesn't care about the success of children, then think about what that says about that union.

[knsummers]

I think you missed the crux of my argument. I was arguing that children's success becomes operational when we use a corporate model to evaluate teacher performance (those used by TFA and merit-based pay advocate) because teachers become the producers and test scores and/or data, as the measure of success, become the products. While I agree our schools are not in the best shape I would rather look to a holistic model than to one that tries to turn students into models of their oppressors.

[tommaletic]

Thank you for your reasoned and informative response to my comment. I really appreciate your thoughts and believe we may have substantial concordance in our desires for this country's educational outcomes.

[knsummers]

word to us, keep yr fingers crossed

[tommaletic]

you betcha'

[ss11s]

Yea that model worked really for American business (rolls eyes)

[jazzydoll88]

Great conversation that brings the focus on a job that is not appreciated enough. Thank you Mr Molaro for such a great conversation and guest!

[hoperussetta]

teachers are so undervalued - great interview and I know it will help to get the word out about TFA

[knsummers]

Teachers are so undervalued ... thanks to programs like this, that support NCLB and assert that because you were on the student council at Yale you are better equipped to teach phonetic awareness than a trained teacher. The answer is to increase the quality of teacher preparedness programs. Not treat marginal populations of our country like some peace corps taring ground.

[Leverandon]

As a Teach for America Corp member in NYC I can say to the person below me...Yes.

Its also not volunteer, fortunately. I make an alright salary. You can most certainly become a corp member without being Ivy League, but you need to be among the best at your college. TFA is still very Ivy/top school-centric.

[hopesnebay]

Sounds great. Do these recruits/volunteers work under the same conditions ( e.g. administrative/supervisory abuse) that the under-appreciated local teachers work under?

[supernaturaljem]

What an honourable project. A good interviewer!

[garryrodenia]

Teach for America is one of the best organizations in America - love what they're doing

[ko12344444]

If you are not from a top school, can you become a cop member?

[wdirickson]

Oh yeah. Its all about leadership. They were founded by the Ivy school folks, so thats why they used to be Ivy heavy.

[jrock42007]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHwesome! looking forward to becoming a TFA corp member!!!

[lemondoughnut]

Mark is a great interviewer.

[nicknarley]

Really good piece - Had seen her on Colbert but this is a real interview