The hidden truth behind Teach for America’s political empire [View all]

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Working for more charter schools and fast-tracked teachers, the organization's growing — whether you like it or not
BY JAMES CERSONSKY

Teach for America, well known for recruiting high-achieving college graduates to teach in urban and rural areas for two years, has expanded to 48 regions, built an alumni base of 32,000 and piled up $350 million in assets.

Now, as the school year begins, it’s planting seeds to grow further — but not without controversy and intrigue.

Though the plans are still in the works, TFA is approaching an agreement with the University of Minnesota in which the university’s College of Education and Human Development would offer TFA teachers special coursework during their time in the program. For TFA, the partnership would provide an extra source of support beyond its standard five-week summer prep. For the college, it’s an opportunity to enroll scores of new students.

For everyone else, it’s a lightning rod.

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http://www.salon.com/2013/09/17/the_truth_behind_teach_for_americas_political_empire/