Teach for America Taps Titans

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One recent Cornell 22-year-old grad, who didn't want her name used, says she was "thrown by the amount of information they already had about me. I would have likely given a résumé had they asked, but to be researched in a roundabout way is a bit unnerving, especially given that I am not one to voluntarily give out personal information."

The Cornell alum ultimately declined Teach for America's entreaties that she apply, uncomfortable with the fact that the organization seeks details of students' activities and interests through other students. Vassar College banned Teach for America from its campus in February for the remainder of the school year because of its aggressive tactics. "Our students were beginning to feel they were being compromised," says Vassar Career Services director Mary Raymond, who feels Teach for America was overly persistent in pressuring desirable candidates to accept offers. "It was a monkey on their backs."

Clapp says such instances of recruiting misconduct are few and far between. "I think the critical thing that comes through is that it is so exceedingly rare. We enjoy support from the vast majority of the 500 career-services directors and university presidents we work with." Pamela Keiser, career services director at Bucknell University, is a staunch supporter. "We're just thrilled with the opportunities they present our students, our students have never felt bombarded or threatened in any way," she says.

Respecting University Rules

Barnard Director of Career Development Jane Celwyn says she's altered her opinion after meeting with a Teach for America representative. "I think she's interested in making sure they don't overstep and [they] go through appropriate channels to get things done," says Celwyn, who also notes she is appreciative of the increasing number of corporate and graduate program partnerships Teach for America had forged. "I have every expectation that we'll be able to work well together."

Neena Dass, Teach for America regional recruitment manager at Berkeley, says it's important to set boundaries. "For me, it's about respecting the rules of the university. We are guests. That's how I look at it." Some 75 corps members were recruited at Berkeley this year, up from 40 in 2006. Current member Nina Fink, who teaches special education in the Bronx, N.Y., feels Teach for America must be doing something right: "My colleagues and friends from the organization are some of the most genuine and dedicated people I have ever met," says the Lehigh University grad. "The teachers I know are passionate about their students."

Gerdes is a staff editor for BusinessWeek in New York. Asare is an intern with BusinessWeek in New York.