Teach for America in KC?

By Sylvia Maria Gross

Kansas City, MO – Kansas City Missouri and Kansas City Kansas school districts are being considered for a national program which could bring an influx of enthusiastic young teachers into the schools. Teach for America places top college graduates from around the country in low-income schools for two-year teaching commitments. The young people don't necessarily have a background in education, and some see teaching as a public service before they move on to other careers.

The organization plans to expand from 22 to 30 sites around the country in the next five years, and the Kauffman Foundation is encouraging Teach for America to consider Kansas City for a site as soon as next year. Teach for America Vice President Diane Robinson was in town last week to meet with Kansas City Missouri Superintendent Bernard Taylor and Kansas City Kansas Superintendent Jill Shackelford.