Researcher Evaluates Teach for America Retention Efforts in Fragile Communities

Teach for America (TFA) has long-sought to improve schools and educational outcomes in fragile communities. However, the organization has struggled to attract and to retain teaching candidates to these communities. Especially in the rural south, TFA participation rates are low, while teacher burnout and exit rates are high with some regions seeing entire cohorts leave after their two year commitment is complete. 

TFA implemented a new program at the 2019 Teach For America corps who were trained at Teach For America’s Greater Delta Institute and adopted new practices designed to foster greater personal commitment and love for rural communities. 

TFA hopes to catalyze partnerships and sustainable, bottom-up efforts that address the community’s needs. Research will evaluate the efficacy of the new community immersion program through a randomized control trial.

The Center for Educational Opportunity has funded Albert Cheng, Ph.D. who will evaluate the efficacy of the new community immersion program through a randomized control trial.

Methods that improve teacher retention among the Teach for America corps, will provide much-needed continuity of learning for students.