The online application was lengthy to complete, and a little discouraging since they ask about failed classes and such. TFA has a ton of strict deadlines to meet, so make sure you have all your dates straight. After they review your online app, they let you know if you made it to the second round, which is a phone interview. You're able to schedule your own time and date for the phone interview but it's first come first serve. That part lasts about 30 minutes and they mostly go over your resume with you. I personally had a lot of teaching experience on my resume since that was my major, but they asked me strictly about my volunteer portion of my resume. Personally, I did not think my phone interview went very well. However, I was invited to an in-person interview for the third and final round. (Quick tip: TFA posts updates on their website on a specific date and they say to check back after 6 p.m. or so, but they usually post right after noon, so keep checking back.) They give you a ton of readings and such to complete before the interview. You have to prepare a 5 minute lesson to teach in front of the interviewers and other interviewees. Then you split into groups and discuss the readings and major educational issues. After that, the interviewers give you a brief history of themselves, TFA, and what is expected. Finally, you are able to sign up for a one-on-one interview slot. The lesson is the scariest part, but by far the most fun. Come prepared! Bring props, hand outs, a poster with your name and grade level on it. Don't worry so much about what you're teaching, worry about how to teach it. The interviewers will ask you questions, so be prepared for curve balls. They are extremely strict with the 5 minutes, so try not to go over. The group discussion is very laid back. Make sure to bring a copy of all of the readings, they will be a useful reference. The one-on-one interview is similar to the phone interview, but more focused on you personally instead of your resume. Just be honest about what drew you to TFA. All in all, it was a fun day.
