Q. My daughter, who will graduate college in May, informed us that she has applied to Teach For America because she wants to "give back." She likes working with kids, but after an Ivy League education, we think she should earn some real money and "give back" later. What can we do to help her clarify her thinking?
A. Perhaps I can help you clarify the opportunity your daughter sees in teaching. She isn't the only student in the Class of 2008 sizing up the job market for new grads and finding it challenging. Nor is she the only young person drawn to service fields after high school or college.

"More and more graduates are exploring public service," says David R. Caplan, dean of City Year New York, (cityyear.org), a nonprofit organization that engages young people in a year of service in 18 cities.

"There are good 'selfish' reasons to serve your country when you're young. You get to know yourself and what you're made of," says Caplan, who is working with Congress to create more service programs for young people. "Going in the military, tackling a tough teaching post, serving in politics or the health-care sector — all these are intensely challenging and fulfilling after graduating from college. Public service helps young people define their professional personalities; learn what they are passionate about; and gain perspective, insight and leadership skills. After their service, they are better employees and more engaged citizens. Mom and Dad should be thrilled that their daughter is making such a mature calculation."

Teaching has great appeal as a career choice and is a great foundation for other professions. Jordan Kutcher, a New York City middle-school teacher, joined Teach For America after graduating from Dartmouth in 2007. She's finishing her first year as a classroom teacher and completing a master's degree, paid for as part of her commitment. She admits that her "mom was very nervous with my decision. She spoke with Teach for America representatives before letting me accept!"

Kutcher was drawn to teaching because she, too, liked working with kids. She had been a tutor, camp counselor and Dartmouth teacher's assistant. Kutcher doesn't regret her decision one bit. "I enjoy understanding why I am at work every day. Teaching gives you that enjoyment," Kutcher says. "I love connecting with students in a profound way. Hearing parents' appreciation of my daily work is great. Experiencing my own personal growth is really satisfying."

But it hasn't all been easy. To help your daughter make her decision, Kutcher advises that she reflect on the following:

• Expect tough challenges: "There were many that I never considered," Kutcher says. "My students are way more rambunctious than I could have imagined. School discipline systems are weak; the school bureaucracy is sluggish, with irrational priorities. And in a larger sense, it's challenging to work in the New York City school system, which forces frustrating decisions and consequences on my classroom."

• Determine the long-term benefit: By the end of the program, Kutcher will have a free master's in education. "I plan to stay in teaching. I'll have gained two very valuable years of training," Kutcher says. "If I ever switch professions, the skills I developed will serve me well. I've learned to deal with high pressure and unpredictability; how to collect, analyze and implement data on student performance; and how to work effectively with colleagues. These skills are all transferable to any future position."

• Examine adaptability and motives: "In my Teach for America interview, I was asked, 'Have you ever quit anything?' At the time, I didn't know why it was an important question," Kutcher says. "A month into the job, I understood!"

Your daughter may end up teaching a level different than what she imagined, Kutcher says. If she loves kindergartners but recoils at teaching teens, she should rethink her application. She should also ask herself whether she wants to do this for the kids and to learn the skill of teaching, or if she's doing it because she thinks this is a good way to begin a career? If it's the latter, she may burn out quickly.

Finally, your daughter should have a back-up plan. Teach For America (teachforamerica.org) is highly competitive. Last year, only 2,900 were chosen from more than 18,000 applicants. Have her search for similar opportunities in states and districts with programs to recruit qualified but noncertified people into teaching. Some provide assistance for graduate studies.

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Leanna Landsmann is an education writer who began her career as a classroom teacher. Her column appears every other Monday. Do you have a question about your child's education? E-mail Leanna@aplusadvice.com. blog comments powered by Disqus