National service group may aid U.S. recession

In rough economic times, graduating students are turning to national service institutions like Teach for America not only as an alternative career path out of college but to help the country move out of recession.
The organization is a part of a national service effort to bring higher quality education to areas of the country that do not otherwise have ready access, AmeriCorps spokesperson Sandy Scott said.
“Teach for America is just one of the institutions we give grants to,” Scott said. “We’re at a critical time right now with the state of the economy. It’s more of a reason to seek participants for Teach for America.”
With the goal to reinvigorate and expand national service, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1388, Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, which is a set of provisions and bills to back national service programs, such as Teach for America, to expand their employment and institutions, according to a nationalservice.org news release.
“Historically, we have been proud of working with Teach for America. Our partnership goes back for decades,” Scott said. “Especially now, we expect citizens to stand up and support us in our efforts.”
The organization serves 29 urban and rural areas including Newark, Camden, New York City and Indianapolis and has the same health care benefits as other beginning teachers, with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $47,000 depending on location, according to the Teach for America Web site. Those with higher level of education, such as a master’s degree or PhD, can expect a higher salary.
“On average, Rutgers sends 20 students to Teach for America. They are among the top 10 to 15 employers that hire from Rutgers,” Director of Career Services Richard White said.
Aside from the salary, there are interest free loans from Teach for America’s national corporate sponsor visa and transitional grants ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on need, according to the site. In 2008, 56 percent applied for and received grants totaling up to $6 million.
“With the way the economy is, one can speculate that Teach for America will move to the top five or become number one,” White said.
A separate bill that passed in February increased funding for the organization from $20 million in 2009 to $25 million in 2010, according to the site.
Incoming members to the organization increased 30 percent in three years from 2,892 in 2007 to 4,224 in 2010, according to their Web site. The Corps employs more than 6,200 members today.
“Anyone interested in teaching would find Teach for America as a valuable opportunity,” White said. “One does not need a teaching certification or degree to work; there is an extensive teacher’s training.”
Teach for America accepts members from all majors, with a 35 percent majority in social sciences, but there are members with backgrounds such as engineering, math, business, economics and architecture, according to the site.
“There is a 20 percent projected reduction in corporate jobs and an increase in government jobs, especially in social services such as social work and education,” White said. “Teach for America doesn’t discriminate in majors. An accountant needs an accounting major, but most majors can train to become a teacher.”

2-Amanda Rae
3-cait
OLD LEAD: Citizens can help take the country out of a recession instead of solely looking to the government with institutions like Teach for America.