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Indianapolis

Spotlight On: Jason Kloth

Corps Year: 2003 Alma Mater: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Occupation: Executive Director of Teach For America • Indianapolis

Describe where you live. What is your neighborhood like?

I live in the Butler Tarkington neighborhood, named for Butler University and author Booth Tarkington. The area is directly northwest of the downtown area. Each home has individual character and the neighborhood has maintained its charm over the past fifty years.

What do you like most about living in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis is often referred to as the biggest small town in America. This certainly rings true. Having grown up in a university town and lived in several cities, Indianapolis provides the ideal balance between community and metropolitan living. I can drive from my quiet neighborhood to downtown in fifteen minutes. We can BBQ in the backyard on Friday and eat on the roof of The Shelby Street Café overlooking the Indianapolis skyline on Saturday.

What is the nightlife/weekend-life like in Indianapolis?

On the weekends, I will typically play golf or run along the canal. We enjoy taking advantage of the Indiana Museum of Art, Indiana Repertory Theatre, or one of the many art festivals that take place during the summer. A few weeks ago we saw Radiohead and Amos Lee in the same weekend. Basically, my lifestyle is similar to what it was in Chicago, but with less hassle.

How has Teach For America been received in Indianapolis?

Teach For America has been welcomed by the education reform community, Indianapolis Public Schools, and the business and philanthropic community. It is an exciting time to work in education in Indianapolis.

What do you think is the greatest misconception people have about Indianapolis?

Prior to living here, only the Colts football team came to mind when I thought about Indianapolis. I don’t think people realize the extent of what the city has to offer. This community has one of the most thriving biomedical industries in the nation. The downtown area has a string of museums lined by a river walk that is more extensive than San Antonio’s. The arts are thriving and there has been a revitalization of urban living. It is just a great place to live.