To what extent is classroom teaching a skill?  How long does it take to learn those skills, and is there a best way to learn them?

These are important questions at any time, but I submit they are of particular importance today, with Teach for America (and other alternative routes into the classroom) growing in popularity.

No doubt about Teach for America’s ascendancy.  During the presidential campaign both candidates spoke favorably about the program, and President Obama often speaks highly of it.  Continue reading →