How we select teachers

Teaching As Leadership framework
Over the past 19 years, through continuous research and improvement, Teach For America has developed a clear understanding of how successful teachers in urban and rural communities attain exceptional results with students. We engage in research to understand the drivers of teacher effectiveness, and how we can assess those drivers through selection. Ultimately, we utilize the knowledge derived from our research to develop and refine a selection model that recognizes the highest potential for success in the classroom.

We have found that highly successful teachers operate just as highly successful leaders do in any context. This knowledge shapes our Teaching As Leadership approach which articulates the key strategies used by highly effective corps members. We are continually researching and refining this approach based on the latest data. The framework identifies six categories of actions that enable teachers to help their students attain significant academic achievement:

1. Set an ambitious vision of students' academic success
2. Invest students and their families in working hard toward the vision
3. Plan purposefully to meet ambitious academic goals
4. Execute those plans thoroughly and effectively
5. Work relentlessly to meet high academic goals for students
6. Continuously reflect and improve on leadership and effectiveness

Selection model
With the Teaching As Leadership framework as a guide, we have developed a selection model that enables us to carefully select individuals from different backgrounds and with a variety of experiences. We recognize that leaders come in many forms with varied past experiences, so there is no one profile of an ideal applicant. We seek individuals who have demonstrated strong leadership and, therefore, have potential for success in the classroom. Specifically we look for the following:

• Leadership and achievement in academic, professional, extracurricular, or volunteer settings
• Perseverance in the face of challenges
• Strong critical thinking skills: making accurate linkages between cause and effect and generating relevant solutions to problems
• Ability to influence and motivate others
• Organizational ability: planning well, meeting deadlines, and working efficiently
• Understanding of and desire to work relentlessly in pursuit of our vision
• Respect for students and families in low-income communities

back to top