TNTP Teaching Fellows Teaching Fellow interview questions

The interview process was fairly simple. If you meet the base requirements, then you will upload a series of videos regarding your teaching methods in a “video interview” format where you get 2 tries to create the best video. I didn’t accept the offer because there was NO human interaction before I was accepted into the program. I usually base my decisions on whether I will work with a set program based on the people I will be working with and learning from, as that is where the true value in non-profit work lies. It was only until after my acceptance that I had the opportunity to speak with someone about the program. This screamed desperation, and rightly so considering how this program propagates the issues they claim to solve by severely undervaluing the teachers they accept into their program. Not only is there a severe lack of economic value that they burden their fellows with, but the lack of human interaction before I was accepted into the program sealed my decision to reject the offer. Objectively, the program offers very little. They give you a 6 week unpaid 8-5 training bootcamp. During or after this 6 week bootcamp, you are tasked with finding a job - no guarantees. You pay a discounted rate for a masters in teaching degree from Marian University, although this is offset by the cost of paying for the programs summer training. This is what the ITF program offers. What’s disappointing is the human aspect of what they’re doing. As a non-profit organization that is supposed to be people focused, they should want the opportunity to meet their prospective fellows before they bring them on, as I also wanted the opportunity to meet who I would be working with and learning from. If you believe teachers are underpaid and overworked, it’s already a no brainer to stay clear of this program and programs like this. If you’re looking to transition to teaching and want to find the right people to learn from, it’s probably best to find another program, as it’s clear that the people who run the program have lost touch with the human aspect of what they’re doing.