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A Conversation with Wendy Kopp - "The Founder"

From: Learning Matters
Series: The Real World of Teach for America
Length: 09:49

When Wendy Kopp was a college senior she had an idea: what if some of America’s top college students chose teaching over higher-paying professional jobs? Read the full description.

Wendy_small When Wendy Kopp was a college senior she had an idea: what if some of America’s top college students chose teaching over higher-paying professional jobs? She decided to put her idea into action and at 21 years old, Kopp raised 2.5 million dollars and started Teach for America in 1990.

Today, Teach for America (TFA) is the country’s largest provider of teachers for America’s low-income communities. Wendy Kopp sat down with us in Spring 2008 to talk about TFA’s core values, some bright alums (including Michelle Rhee) and how TFA is influencing DC and New Orleans school districts.

This video is part of our series following the day in the life of a Teach for America recruit. Watch the entire series here and weigh in with your comments.

To hear the full audio, sign up for a free PRX account or log in.

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Piece Description

When Wendy Kopp was a college senior she had an idea: what if some of America’s top college students chose teaching over higher-paying professional jobs? She decided to put her idea into action and at 21 years old, Kopp raised 2.5 million dollars and started Teach for America in 1990.

Today, Teach for America (TFA) is the country’s largest provider of teachers for America’s low-income communities. Wendy Kopp sat down with us in Spring 2008 to talk about TFA’s core values, some bright alums (including Michelle Rhee) and how TFA is influencing DC and New Orleans school districts.

This video is part of our series following the day in the life of a Teach for America recruit. Watch the entire series here and weigh in with your comments.

Additional Credits

Host: John Tulenko, Field Reporter: Cat McGrath

Related Website

www.learningmatters.tv