So Induction starts Wednesday, and I’m excited to let the brainwashing begin. I’m two years out of college, so probably less likely than some to be susceptible, but then again I’m pretty susceptible to brainwashing in general if commercials are any indicator (KFC Double Down! I’m going to buy that tonight!)

But here’s my question.

As I understand it, the original mission of TFA was to place corps members in schools where there was a high need for teachers–I can get behind the idea that a first-year TFA teacher is better than the average permanent sub who is not certified in whatever she’s teaching. But now, due to a combination of factors, (Michelle Rhee’s reforms, higher pay for performance, everywhere in the country cutting teacher jobs, good DC-area economy, other reasons?) thousands of teachers are applying to teach in DC. There is actually now a decent screening process in place–it is difficult for the average candidate to get hired as a DCPS teacher (See this article for more on that: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/dc-schools-aim-for-selectivity-by-requiring-teaching-candidates-to-give-tryout-lessons/2011/06/11/AGdstbaH_story.html .) Yet there are around 190 TFA DC Corps Members this year. I know some of those are headed to PG and others will end up in charters, but a significant number (including possibly me) will end up taking the job of someone who is probably, on paper, far more qualified.

So my question is: is this a good thing? I’m curious to see whether I feel the same way by Sunday (post-brainwashing) as I do now.