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• May 16, 2008 6:32 pm US/Eastern
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  Program Attracts Potential Teachers To Baltimore

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Program Attracts Potential Teachers To Baltimore

  Click Here For More Information On Teach For America

BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― School systems across the nation are scrambling to find strong teachers, but one Maryland school district is seeing a surge.

Gigi Barnett reports one teachers' organization is attracting teachers to Baltimore.

Amanda Clemmer moved from Wisconsin three years ago to teach, and she's doing it at a time when school districts across the nation are desperately seeking qualified teachers.

Many Maryland college students are choosing to bypass the classroom.

"I'm such a huge advocate of public education, and when I see all of the inequities and all of the problems...to me it doesn't surprise me that I'm doing it," said Clemmer.

Clemmer found a spot in the classroom through Teach For America, a non-profit teaching organization that asks potential teachers to make a two-year commitment where they're needed most. Many are in inner-city schools.

"There's an achievement gap that exists throughout our country. We paint the real picture of the challenges they are going to face," said Omari Todd, Teach For America.

Teach For America has attracted nearly 300 teachers in Baltimore to the classroom since 1992.

Like many school systems, the organization actively recruits on college campuses.

At the University of Maryland, about 150 students applied to Teach For America this year.  Seven percent of college graduates at Loyola University want to enter the classroom for Teach For America.

"I think you see progress faster when you teach in an inner city school, and it's probably more rewarding," said new teacher Mike Atamas.

Atamas just graduated form the University of Maryland Baltimore County, but this fall he'll go back to school as a teacher.

For him, Baltimore is his hometown, and it's a chance to give back.

"The kids need you more. Some of them don't have the home atmosphere that's conducive for learning. When you return home, you know that you've actually helped someone," said Atamas.

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