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.
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.
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?