Teach for America has been involved in schools in East Chicago, Ind. since 2007. However, with this past school year, the program has had more success than ever in the region.
Teach for America places specially trained teachers in classrooms in low-income areas across the country. The mission of the organization is to build a teaching network that improves education for students who may sometimes get overlooked because of where they live.
Since 2007, Teach for America has placed 35 corps members (teachers/administrators) in East Chicago schools. This past school year alone saw six corps members as well as six Teach for America alumni working in the School City of East Chicago.
Additionally, in each of the last three years, these Teach for America teachers have lead East Chicago students to between one and a half and two years of academic growth. This helps to get the students’ educational levels on par with those of students in other areas of the country which will help to make them competitive in the college and job marketplaces.
During the program’s time in East Chicago, Teach for America has not only partnered with the School City of East Chicago and East Chicago Lighthouse, but has worked with organizations like Lake Area United Way and Lake County College Success Coalition to help provide as many resources as possible for the students.
Thus far, Teach for America has benefited 500 East Chicago families. With the help of funding from the Foundations of East Chicago, the program will continue to carry out work in East Chicago schools through 2018.
For more information on how the Teach for America program is helping East Chicago students, visit foundationsec.org.
