An examination of Teach For America's impact on the teaching profession, hiring practices, and educational leadership

Abstract

In the multi-faceted work of examining Teach For America (TFA), an important question that needs more complex consideration is: "What are the actual and potential effects of TFA on federal, state, and school district policies/practices surrounding teacher preparation and the education profession?" Drawing on Critical Policy Analysis (CPA) and Strategic Action Fields (SAF), I examine the historical arc of federal policies surrounding teacher preparation and educational practices. I show that TFA’s chief impacts on teacher preparation and the education profession are: (1) TFA's impact on the teaching profession itself; (2) the impact of TFA on hiring practices; and (3) the impact of TFA on school leadership and policy through its growing alumni base. As TFA corps members generate manufactured expertise in educational practices and policies, the movement of corps members through the classroom and into leadership positions further reinforces TFA’s impact on the profession, hiring decisions, and future educational leaders.