I applied online. The process took 6 weeks. I interviewed at Teach for America in Dec 2012
Interview
Submitted a long and detailed online application, which included references, transcripts, answers to questions, work and educational history and personal questions. I was then put straight through to the final interview. (Sometimes there is a phone interview after submission of the online application). The final interview is all day long. First you are to present a 5 minute lesson plan on a topic of your choice. It is really anything you want to teach, at any grade level. If other participants don't ask questions the interviewers will. Often they will answer a question posed incorrectly to see how you respond. After this you break into smaller groups and participate in a group activity reading and analyzing problems that may arise in a hypothetical conversation and how you would handle it. After that it is lunch and you sign up for your time to complete a 1 on 1 interview which lasts about 30 minutes. Here there is a role play scenario, a lot of background information, and a generally pretty laid back interview. When it is over you leave and will get a decision in a few weeks.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
no real difficult questions just be ready to explain why you want to teach, and how you will handle problems if they arise. The hypothetical story in the 1 on 1 interview doesn't really have a solution, it is a problem you will not be able to solve so just learn when to give up and allow the interviewer (who plays a principal of a school) to keep his/her ruling.
The interview was relaxed and they were certainly there to help. They made it clear they would help you through the whole process of becoming a teacher with your own mentor guiding you.
easy and fun, lots of help through the process. Very helpful and kind, lots of responsiveness. everyone has a clear vision of the mission, and wants to achieve it. Loved it.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
How would you take care of yourself in a high stress job?
It's a one-hour interview covering both technical and behavioral rounds, including a case study. So, prepare to discuss your skills, past experiences, and walk through your problem-solving approach for a real-world business scenario.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
They asked me to walk them through a case study, explaining how I would approach the problem, structure my analysis, and recommend a solution. They focused on my thought process, communication, and ability to connect insights to business outcomes.
