So we have a new Teach for America intern -- Special Ed. I have MAJOR issues with TFA, but I don't want to take them out on any individual.
And as I have gotten to know her, I find that I like her. She's not from an Ivy, she's a woman of color, and she is actually getting a Master's in SPED. The typical TFA intern is Ivy educated, white, and filling out her resume before she leaves after two years to become a lawyer or investment banker. TFA treats teaching as a volunteer position, not like a profession.
Also these folks almost never stay. In the mean time, they are so privileged and so out of their depth that they are sponges for support. They have NO shame about asking -- nay, demanding help -- and are rarely more than perfunctorily grateful.
So today the TFA intern is with a student and comes to me for help. She wants it NOW. I stop and help her because Wednesday is my light day and I want to be available to her when I can. So I gave her what she asked for, but she didn't understand it. I said I could explain it, but you are with the student now, right? Yes, she said. I said I have nothing that is transparently understandable that I can give you right now. She gives me the look that any gently raised 22 year old college graduate would give an elder -- the one that says, "You've failed me."
God, help me. I am not good with these folks. With my students, I am good. Lots of patience. With demanding entitled twenty-somethings, not so much.
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