Teach for America: California schools need their talent

These teachers, trained in the TFA program are needed to teach ESL to high school students.   - - Donna Poisl

By Chris Funk, Special to the Mercury News

The English Learner Authorization embedded within the intern credential is a very hot issue for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing due to the concerns over incomplete education and preparation of intern teachers who serve students who are English Learners.

As the superintendent of East Side Union High School District, it is my privilege and duty to support my principals and teachers in creating learning environments that allow our students, many of whom are English Learners, to uncover their potential and thrive. For my district and others in California, Teach For America has been a key part of that equation for over 20 years.

You will find outstanding educators from TFA and other alternative certification programs throughout our Bay Area school districts and in successful local charter schools like Rocketship and KIPP. This is why the current statewide conversation about changes to how alternatively prepared teachers can receive certification to teach our English Leaners has me so concerned.
Click on the HEADLINE above to read the rest of this story! This is only a small part of it.