Learning from Counternarratives in Teach For America: Moving from Idealism Towards Hope

ISBN-13: 9781433128134 Publisher: Peter Lang Inc., International Academic Publishers Publication date: 07/29/2015 Series: Counterpoints: Studies in Criticality , #472 Edition description: 2nd ed. Pages: 230 Product dimensions: 6.10(w) x 9.06(h) x 0.03(d) Grounded in the belief that hope comes from a place of reality, not necessarily popular ideology, this book explores the gap between designated and actual narratives within Teach For America. TFA founder Wendy Kopp stated that there is «nothing elusive» about successful teaching; people simply need to «work hard» and be «disciplined». Taking an inquiry stance, Sarah Matsui surveyed and interviewed 26 of her fellow corps members in the Greater Philadelphia region. Their counternarratives collectively problematize this standard reform rhetoric. Many are working hard, yet their stories and challenges are complex, elusive, and commonly self-described with the words «shame», «failure», and «isolating». Corps members reported experiencing n