Colorado State University offers many avenues for students looking to become a teacher. These programs are organized under the following three areas of study: Teaching and Learning, Organizational Learning Performance and Change and Higher Education Leadership and Counseling. For those with an interest in education, Teach For America, a non-profit organization that promotes education equity, may be a good place to start. TFA recently wrapped up their recruitment season at CSU, but here are five things to consider if you want to apply next year:
What is TFA? According to TFA’s website, “TFA is a diverse network of leaders who confront educational inequity through teaching and work with unwavering commitment from every sector of society to create a nation free from this injustice.”
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Approach & Mission: According to TFA’s website, “Teach For America is committed to expanding opportunity for children by effecting profound systemic change. They find, develop, and support to a diverse network of leaders from classrooms, schools, and every sector and field in order to shape the broader system in which schools operate.”
Where They Work: TFA is active in 53 regions across the nation. Principals and school district leaders rely on TFA educators to fill open roles. There are a variety of subjects that can be taught from pre-k through 12th grade.
Eight characteristics TFA looks for:
1.) A deep belief in the potential of kids.
2.) Demonstrated leadership ability
3.) Strong achievement
4.) Perseverance in the face of challenges
5.) Long-term commitment to reaching goals
6.) Excellent organizational ability
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7.) Excellent interpersonal skills
8.) Respect for individuals’ diverse experience
Compensation and Benefits: Those who join TFA receive the same salary, vacation and comprehensive health benefits as other beginning teachers in the same school district. Additional benefits include the following: retirement benefits, educator discounts, need-based funding for relocation and transition, access to scholarships and benefits from graduate schools and employers and more.
More information about TFA can be found on their website www.teachforamerica.org
Jarrae Newell can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com or on Twitter @Jarrae_Newell.
