Dive Brief:
- The number of applicants looking to enroll in Teach for America has dropped yet again, for the third consecutive year.
- Since 2013, the total number of applicants for the program has decreased by 35%.
- Administrators at Teach for America have blamed what they call a "toxic debate" around education in the United States, pointing to vocal critics who have lambasted the organization.
Dive Insight:
This year, Teach for America celebrated its 25th birthday, and with it, some transitions. The organization is evolving its program to become more decentralized, giving regions more authority. It's focusing less on teacher-directed learning and more on students leading themselves to solutions. New initiatives include different approaches for ELLs, an increased focus on LGBT issues and a partnership with a black fraternity.
The corps' all-time application high came in 2013, when 57,226 college graduates applied to the program. In 2015, TFA hired fewer teachers, with that class down by 1,200 year-over-year to around 4,100.
Critics say TFA provided too little training for its recruits, subsequently undermining the hiring of more experienced teachers. The program decided to expand its teacher training in 2014. It's also faced criticism for placing a mainly white teaching force in schools attended largely by minority students. Education Week previously reported TFA may be listening to critics and addressing perceived weaknesses.