McCook local joins Teach for America

NEW YORK, NY -- Teach For America announced that a McCook, Nebraska, local has been accepted into the organization's 2014 teaching corps.

Teach For America is a national nonprofit working to expand educational opportunity for low-income students. Corps members commit to teach for two years in high-need urban or rural public schools and become lifelong leaders in pursuit of educational equity.

Samantha McCarville, a 2008 graduate of McCook Senior High School, will teach in Arkansas.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, by the time they reach fourth grade, students eligible for free and reduced lunch are almost two years behind in reading and a year and a half behind in math, when compared to their higher income peers. Working in partnership with parents and principals, and alongside educators of all backgrounds, McCarville joins a diverse group of individuals dedicated to addressing these gaps.

"Our corps members and alumni have made a meaningful impact with their students and communities over time," said Elisa Villanueva Beard, co-CEO of Teach For America. "I can't wait to see the leadership, passion, dedication, and innovation this year's corps will bring to their classrooms nationwide."

A growing body of research demonstrates the effectiveness of Teach For America corps members. Recent studies have found that corps members have a positive impact on student achievement.