By Mac LeBuhn
(New York Times, May 4th, 2013)
Contrary to what Mr. Greene argues, Teach for America is right to develop leaders as well as teachers. Many corps members recognize the need for systemic change and leave the classroom to pursue better outcomes for students through other means. Difficulties with unwieldy school districts, outdated legislation and poorly allocated resources will persist even if better teachers are brought into classrooms.
Indeed, innovative former corps members like Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, founders of the KIPP charter network, promote just the “creative, independent, spontaneous, practical and rule-bending” leadership that Mr. Greene advocates for inside the classroom. Students attending KIPP middle schools are certainly better off for the leadership of these former corps members.
Teach for America should continue to balance leadership with instruction; it is only by working in the classroom as well as at the local, state and national level that we can provide all students with the education they deserve.