Making an Impact

As this Eduwonk blog illustrates, the Teach for America (TFA) program is a commonly discussed topic.  So it is no surprise this week that a new study came out from the Urban Institute about the impact TFA teachers are having in the classroom.

The report, entitled “Making a Difference?” found that “TFA teachers tend to have a positive effect on high school student test scores relative to non-TFA teachers, including those who are certified in-field.”

When I was a TFA Corp Member (’99 D.C.) I saw this first hand.  Many of my fellow teachers were having an incredible beneficial impact on student achievement.  Whether it was a TFA teacher or a veteran teacher at my school, it didn’t matter how they actually arrived in the classroom.  What mattered most was their hard work and dedication.