Ending educational inequality requires not only an army of teachers who do whatever it takes to overcome the challenges facing children in low-income communities but also an army of leaders, working both in and outside school, who will change our inequitable system. Teach for America's mission is to help build this force. The organization's development model centers on empowering carefully selected recruits to have a transformational effect on students' lives. During the five-week summer institute followed by two years plus in the classroom, recruits learn how to plan lessons; check for understanding during instruction; design assessments; and build relationships with students, families, and colleagues. A large and growing body of research shows that corps members achieve academic gains equal to or larger than teachers from other preparation programs. (Contains 2 endnotes.)