This past week, several teachers came to the University of West Alabama to interview for jobs in the Black Belt region.

They are part of the national Teach for America program, kind of a Peace Corps for teachers.

It consists of thousands of teachers whose passion is to help school systems in need by providing a fresh insight into teaching.

Its corps members are all recent college graduates from all over the United States. Although the program is 20 years old, this is the first year it has come to Alabama. There are plans to open a regional office in Marion.

These eager young teachers not only want to teach, but they also want to help. They are dedicated to their profession and to the spirit of helping their neighbors.

Many of the corps members on hand in Livingston were from cities and towns throughout the South, from the urban environment of Atlanta to the down-home nature of Arab, Ala.

We have excellent teachers in our schools. This program will help them stem the educational inequality that our schools may have with other schools across the state and across the nation.

Teach for America is a non-profit organization that seeks to benefit the education of students across the United States.

When these teachers arrive, we should welcome them and admire their passion for education.