Republicans in the state Legislature scored a big win when a bill to allow Teach for America to operate in West Virginia became law.
The group recruits and trains recent college graduates to teach in rural and urban schools across the country. Those who apply to the program don't necessarily have to be certified teachers, which caused some concern among lawmakers and teachers unions.
That pushback might have resulted in some burdensome regulations that could affect Teach for America's reach in West Virginia.
The program plans to begin providing teachers in the Mountain State in August, the Gazette-Mail's Ryan Quinn reported, but will only support 15 teachers across three counties - McDowell, Mingo and Logan. The state may eventually see 30-35 teachers over the next five years.
"... Teach For America is not going to solve the larger crisis in West Virginia. We are just one tool that the districts can use," said Will Nash, head of Teach for America Appalachia, based in Eastern Kentucky.
County school systems will be able to propose offering Teach for America and other alternative teaching programs in partnership with one of four entities: the state department of education, one of the state's eight Regional Education Service Agencies, a college or "an entity affiliated with higher education," Quinn reported.
Additionally, the state's policy requires Teach For America educators to continue training in areas such as special education and literacy instruction after they begin their positions, and the partner organization would have to offer that professional development.
But Nash said Teach For America already requires continuing professional development in addition to the seven weeks of training it requires for applicants before they begin teaching.
Becky Jordon, a member of the Kanawha County Board of Education, urged the school board to support Teach for America, noting a shortage of math teachers at Stonewall Jackson Middle School and her daughter's own experiences as a teacher in the program.
Nash contends the process hasn't been stalled, and said he's still working with the Department of Education to keep the process moving.
It remains to be seen just how Teach for America will work in West Virginia, or how successful the program might be.
But Teach for America officials, especially Nash, deserve credit for their work to bring qualified, trained individuals into the classroom to educate our students - even if they have to jump through hoops to get there.