The Role of Teach For America Alumni in Public Policy

• In Event: 70.065 - Roundtable Session 27
  In Roundtable Session: 70.065-3 - Teachers and Teaching in the United States Today: Illustrations From K–12 and Higher Education

Abstract

Over the past two decades Teach For America (TFA) has risen to a prominent position in the education policy system. A major component of TFA’s theory of change involves alumni pursuing careers outside of the field after their two-year teaching commitment concludes, but with perspectives informed by their TFA participation. This set of alumni is of particular interest given TFA founder Wendy Kopp’s early and deeply held belief that alumni in policy may be able to effect enormous change. As such, this study pays particular attention to TFA alumni who have pursued careers in policy, and asks whether there are common perspectives or experiences that have implications for the policy preferences of a growing and increasingly influential group.

Author

• Vikash Reddy, Teachers College, Columbia University