Program aims to help struggling schools

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - An innovative program is matching motivated young teachers with struggling schools across the country, including here in Rhode Island.

Robert Lin grew up in Lincoln and recently graduated from the University of Chicago.  When he was accepted into the Teach for America program and could have gone anywhere in the country, but chose to make an impact here in his home state.

"It just sounded like the support here in Rhode Island would have been just so helpful in my development. It was an easy choice for me," said Lin, who began working at Gilbert Stuart Middle School in Providence this week, as part of Teach for America.

The program sends recent college graduates to teach in low-achieving schools throughout the U.S., mostly in urban and rural areas.

"Teach for America goes all over the country to find people who are interested in solving our most pressing problem, which is academic and achievement inequality of people from affluent backgrounds and low income backgrounds," explains Heather Tow-Yick, executive director of Teach for America Rhode Island.

The program has placed about fifty teachers in Rhode Island this year, including Robert Lin, who hopes his two years at Gilbert Stuart Middle School will help make a difference in children's lives.

"I'm a first generation American and opportunity for education.  I benefited from it in my life and I just hope to do the same thing for my students."

• Click here for more information on Teach for America