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They’re pretty selective with who they choose. After you send in all of the required info, you may be selected for a phone interview. If you make it to the next stage you will take part in a day long interview. This will consist of a variety of activities such as group discussions and problem solving activities, a personal interview, and a sample lesson that you create and present.
If you are offered a position you’ll receive an intense 5 week summer training program. The program consists of teaching in a summer school program in the morning-afternoon and taking courses in the evening. Every state different with regards to the type of teaching certificate you receive and the requirements. I taught in California and had to take multiple exams prior to starting that other teachers in other regions did not need to complete.
Many Teach for America regions have partnerships with a local college that allow you to earn a master’s degree along with your certification. I was able to earn my masters degree during my two years.
Now to the actually job…it’ hard work! Teaching inner-city youths is much harder than you think…and I’m sure you think it’s hard. Imagine having children curse you out and blatantly disrespect you on a daily basis. This is going to happen along with much more. Many of your students will come from broken homes, poverty, and will possess little education. It’s going to take every bit of you soul to reach and help change your students lives around. Teach for America teachers are expected to go way beyond what many teachers do.
If you are going to do this be expected to be grossly underpaid. You are going to work very hard for very little money. Also, between teaching and grad school you won’t be sleeping much. Embarking on this is something you have to be ready for. I would recommend actually spending time in a classroom (inner-city) before you commit to this. Luckily you will have an outstanding support network to help you every step of the way.
Would I do it all over again? Absolutely. You WILL, make a meaningful difference in the lives of your students and they will remember you for the rest of their lives. These are children who may never have anyone believe in them.
You will earn a normal teacher's salary along with the standard benefits. You are paid by the school district. In addition to this, Teach for America awards you roughly $5,000 each year toward students loans or graduate school.