Graduates' efforts in Teach for America are commendable

In the recent article "Dukies Flock to 'Teach For America' Program" (Feb. 8), it was reported that Corps members' relationships with the "regular teachers at their host schools" are sometimes "shaky" because Corps members can leave after two years.

In my experience, I have found this untrue; Corps members work alongside other teachers, recognizing that the insight and wisdom they gain from these veterans is essential to their training and to their students' success.

Further, Teach For America's average retention rate is 87 percent, which is actually higher than the estimated average for new teachers in low-income communities (82 percent). In fact, there are several Duke graduates among the Corps members and alumni leaders who are working with teachers and administrators in schools near Duke's campus. Tameeka Norton, Trinity '05, has spent the last two years bringing her Spanish students up to grade level in a Durham middle school. Lenis Chen, Trinity '01, taught high school science in Nash County and went on to be part of DESTINY Traveling Science Learning, a program that provides professional development for teachers and enriched learning for students who otherwise would not be able to experience what science-related careers have to offer. Together with our staff and board members-some of whom are also Duke alumni-Corps members and our district supporters are helping more than 11,000 students achieve success across nine Eastern North Carolina counties.

I am proud to have so many "Dukies" working in our communities and joining us in the fight to end educational inequity. Students across the state will not only benefit from the time they spend in the classroom with our Corps members but, thanks to the work of our alumni, school supporters and public partners, one day all children in the state will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education.

Alex Quigley

Executive Director

Teach For America-Eastern North Carolina