Application Process

We are committed to finding people to join our staff who are uniquely qualified to succeed in the rigorous, innovative, and fast-paced environment at Teach For America. We encourage you to learn more about our mission and impact before submitting your application so that you understand who we are and what we do. While each person's application experience may vary, please read the following overview of our application process.

Timeline

If your profile corresponds to the requirements of the job to which you applied, a member of our Human Assets team will contact you for an interview.  We will also keep your resume on file for consideration for opportunities that may be a fit in the future.  Please note: applications for Administrative Support positions are an exception to the process described above.  We prioritize inviting people to interviews based on our current regional needs.

Our process is rigorous, so plan ahead and submit your application as early as possible. If you’re on a tight timeline, we encourage you to still apply as application processes can vary depending on the position and team. If you’re granted an interview, you will have the opportunity to share your specific timeline with your interviewer and we will do our best to accommodate your situation.

Application Process

Our hiring process is highly selective. Last year, we received 26,000 staff applications for approximately 400 full time positions.

Once you apply, you’ll receive an email confirming that we received your application. If you don’t receive this confirmation, please contact us immediately. Unless a deadline is specified in the job description, your application will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you’re selected for an interview, you'll be notified within 10 business days. Only candidates moving forward in our interview process will be contacted.

We recommend that you complete your online application carefully and accurately, and that you apply for no more than three positions at a time. Your cover letter should demonstrate an understanding of our organization and the position to which you are applying, and your resume should outline your past accomplishments and management and leadership experiences. Please also include any required supplemental materials (e.g., a writing sample) specified in the job description as your application will not be considered complete without these materials.

Before your interview, explore our website and familiarize yourself with our core values. They capture the soul of our culture and define the beliefs that guide how we operate each day.

Interview Process

Initial Interview
Only a select number of applicants are invited to participate in an initial phone interview. During this initial conversation you'll be asked to share more about your past accomplishments, and to talk about your interest in and fit with the position. Please note that if you've applied to multiple positions, we will only consider you for the roles for which you are best suited.

Subsequent Interviews
If, based on the initial phase in the application process, you are competitive for the role, you'll be invited to a series of subsequent interviews. We work as a team here at Teach For America, so you'll likely interview with people who work in different departments than the role you’re applying for.  Because getting the right fit is so important to us, you should expect to be in anywhere between four to eight interviews per position.

These interviews may be conducted by phone or in person. We view these conversations as an opportunity for both you and your interviewers to determine whether the position is a strong match for your skills and professional interests. You'll be asked to elaborate on previous experiences in which you believe you demonstrated the skills required for the position. You should also consider this interview as an opportunity to explore the level of challenge and professional growth the position might offer you.

As part of this series of interviews, you may be asked to role-play a scenario you might encounter in the position and/or to complete a work-related exercise (e.g., a mock project plan, an analytical exercise, or a response to a prompt). Please be prepared to dedicate one to three hours to complete your exercise.

Anti-discrimination Policy

Teach For America does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Teach For America does not tolerate discrimination based on the foregoing categories in any employment action, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, benefits, compensation and training.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about applying to staff positions at Teach For America, feel free to email us at staffing@teachforamerica.org. We strive to respond to emails that require follow-up within one business day.