An article in the NY Times is shedding a disappointing light on the intense teacher training program called Teach for America.  Reportedly, the founder and head of Teach for America requested that a study be done of Teach for America participants to gauge their participation in civil service areas.  The director predicted the numbers would be high and favorable to show that TFA participants were dedicated citizens helping to improve our society.  The research, however, found that the rates were disappointing. The article also included statistics that report 63% of TFA-ers remain in the field of education.  I would argue that this statistic alone proves that these folks are highly dedicated to civil service.  Most teaching jobs at 8 to 4 by the requirements but any teacher worth their salt works far beyond that time frame.  I would argue that you don't see teachers out serving in soup kitchens because they are home writing lesson plans, coaching a sport, or sponsoring a student club.  They are performing civil service, you just can't tell because it looks so much like their job. I have worked with a few TFA-ers and while I believe there are fundamental flaws with the program, I would never question the dedication or committment of the participants, nor would I be disappointed in their level of civil service.  One TFA participant volunteered to coach a sport that everyone else was loathe to attempt and has continued in that position while mentoring and supporting the kids.  One TFA participant, after completing her two year stint, went on to work in AIDS ravaged Africa teaching children to read.  Can you really be disappointed in that?