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What to Expect From Your Teach For America Interview

Here's what some past applicants told us about the experience of interviewing to be a corps member. 

What to Expect at Your Interview

The day starts by meeting your interviewer and reviewing the components of your interview time

"I had a wonderful interviewer who truly made me feel comfortable and like I could be myself. Her explanation of the interview structure began and her engagement during my 5 minute lesson immediately eased my nerves and made me feel important and listened to."

"This was a great interview. I felt at ease. I think being virtual was incredibly convenient!"

You’ll then complete a 5-minute sample teach and participate in a short case activity.

“The sample teaching session was challenging and a great way to jump in feet first. I enjoyed creating the lesson and sharing it with my interviewer."

“I had a fantastic interviewer.  She made me feel very comfortable. Going in, I wasn't sure how well my lesson would come across during Zoom. She was easy going and gave positive reinforcement throughout.  A few minutes in, and we were laughing and having a conversation.  It didn't feel like an interview where I was being judged.  She wanted me to be awesome, and her energy allowed me to really be myself."

After the case activity, the personal interviews will begin.

“The personal interview gave me a chance to define myself as a leader and articulate the motivations that drive me to teach.”

“They weren't the usual interview questions that I have been asked before, but they seemed to be more towards learning who I was and not just how I worked.”

Throughout the day, you will also learn about Teach For America’s mission.

“The commitment to service and TFA's mission and values were transparent and palpable. All of the nerves and anxieties were dispatched early on by the interviewer.”

“The more I learn about the work Teach For America is doing the greater, I research ways to change the issue of inequity in education. The admissions process has really opened my eyes on a grander scale to the problems that exist.”

Be relaxed, be prepared, and be ready to be your authentic self.

“My Teach for America Interview was the perfect balance between professionalism and being authentically myself. My interviewer created a safe space, and I even felt free to express my inner most thoughts about teaching and TFA.”