In this episode, we explore Teach for America's strategies for addressing the national teacher shortage with Grant Van Eaton and Robin Greatrex. Grant, a Senior Research Scientist, and Robin, a Senior Managing Director of Teacher Leadership, share their combined research and data insights in supporting and retaining educators.

The episode delves into Teach for America's unique recruitment model, financial incentives, advocacy for systemic changes in teacher housing, pay, and student loan debt, and the use of the CLASS tool in training teachers. We also discuss the organization's ambitious 2030 goal and efforts to improve equity in education.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

[00:01:30] Grant’s background and role at Teach for America

• [00:03:37] Robin’s background and role at Teach for America
• [00:05:32] How Teach for America is supporting the education workforce
• [00:09:46] How Teach for America invites people to join
• [00:12:28] How Teach for America handles financial compensation
• [00:14:17] Teach for America’s advocacy work in the education industry
• [00:16:22] The Teach for America coaching model
• [00:21:04] The partnership between Teach for America and CLASS
• [00:27:08] Retention through the onboarding and training program
• [00:30:31] Making progress with quality through CLASS
• [00:34:01] The impact on students to look for through the partnership
• [00:37:30] Broader student outcomes beyond academic
• [00:40:04] Teach for America’s 2030 goal and where they are on it
• [00:43:58] Whether the partnership with CLASS will help them achieve their goal sooner

Resources

Marnetta Larrimer

Grant Van Eaton

Robin Greatrex