Teach For America-2017 Corps

I see. That seems like people are handling the applications. Thank goodness for that. @enigma23 is your timeline still up?

Yup, I still see my timeline. Worried if that’s a good thing or not.

I’d lean toward you being in a good spot right now. They are asking for your transcripts and you have a timeline. I’m not placing too much in the timeline at this moment (of for sheer hope on my end haha), but at least they want more documentation from you!

Lol, true. Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be in!

Spreading positive vibes, prayers out to everyone! I cannot wait until Friday at 8:00pm.

I’m not sure if the timeline being gone means anything, but I’m glad that we’re all sharing our experiences so future cycles will know what to look for. @enigma23 I think it’s a great sign that they asked for a better copy of your transcripts because they already have your grades without it.

We’re all going through this together. Earlier @scacec1217 asked where and what do we want to teach. I think this would be a fun topic change to keep the conversation going and to (even if only a little) take our minds off the timeline situation.

I would like to teach in the DC region as that’s home. Other options would possibly be Alabama, Boston or NY. I’d love to teach social studies or elementary.

Great idea, it’ll definitely maintain a positive environment. I’d like to teach in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Miami, or Orlando since all of those cities have been or are currently home to me. It’d be great to make a positive change in anyone of those places! As far as subject, social studies or biology would be ideal for me, but I’m definitely open to anything.

I am open to teach wherever. If I get in, I think a placement consultant will be helpful in determining which cities would be the best fit for me. As far as subject, I would love to teach Spanish, ESL, Bilingual education or Social Studies.

Hi again! Last time I checked (last night), my timeline was still visible. I also received an email asking for a re upload of my transcript. I was confused because my transcript was fully readable and all, so I sent them an email to verify that my document looked okay or if a reupload was necessary. They said everything looked fine and to disregard that email I received.

As far as where and what I’d like to be teaching… I want to be placed in Memphis, but I would honestly be okay with anywhere. I want to teach between 4th-6th grade English or algebra…

Really anticipating Friday, and I wish you all the best of luck. I’ve been praying about it nearly everyday.

Omg my anxiety has now heightened since not everyone’s timeline has disappeared.

In an attempt to keep things positive, I’d like to teach high school English in Chicago, since my family and everyone I know is here.

Trying my best not to think negative thoughts and also sending good vibes everyone’s way <3

I’m trying not to think too much about the timeline debacle right now. I reviewed some responses and their timeline disappeared over the weekend, which I don’t think anyone at TFA really work on the weekends. Stay positive and send good vibes out there!

I would like to teach middle school math or science, and I would like to be placed anywhere really. I think my top regions would be Washington, Colorado, California Capital Valley, or Texas. I’m actually from Texas, so even though it’s not my first choice, I wouldn’t mind staying. @agc0413 Can I ask why Memphis? I’m in between and would like to hear you opinion.

@EJ0822 Well, the main reason is that I have lived just 15 miles from Memphis my entire life, and I think it’s an area where improving education is crucial. Not to say that other areas aren’t; I’m just more familiar with Memphis. I feel like I can relate to students better and they may be able to relate to me better when I’ve grown up around the area. Don’t get me wrong; I would love to move off somewhere, like NYC… But, at the end of the day, I think seeing change in a place that is close to my heart would be truly rewarding.

Just confirmed through one of the recruiters that actual humans are looking at our applications. He said that apparently multiple people provide different information for our applications and evaluate it along the way, and ultimately it goes to one person on the “admissions team” and they make the final decision.

Don’t know if that helps anyone else, but it makes me feel better to know they’re taking into account all of the components of our application, it’s not just based on a few things (for example, I’ve been stressing about my GPA and my 5 minute lesson plan).

Also, for what it’s worth, my interviewer let it slip that we’re going to be evaluated against a certain rubric, and if we meet the standards of the rubric, then we get in. I would love to know what’s on this rubric.

Good to know that it isn’t a computer making the decision! I would love to see that rubric as well…

Do you think the recruiters have access to the rubric? If so, I’m sure they did their best to prepare their recruits to meet the standards of the rubric!

I bet they do! My recruiter at least seems to always know more than he can tell me about the admissions process.

This is from the tfa website, from the “what we look for” section. I wonder if the rubric is just a more detailed and quantitative version of this?

A deep belief in the potential of all kids. You are committed to doing whatever it takes to expand opportunities for students, often with a perspective informed by experience in low-income communities. You have an understanding of the systemic challenges of poverty and racism.

Demonstrated leadership ability. You are able to lead others in a variety of settings, including those that are less familiar.

Strong achievement. You are able to attain measurable results in academic, professional, extracurricular, and/or volunteer settings.

Perseverance in the face of challenges. You have the ability to adapt to challenging environments.
Long-term commitment to reaching goals. You have a strong desire to improve and develop, both personally and professionally.

Excellent organizational ability. You are a master of planning well and managing responsibilities effectively.
Excellent interpersonal skills. You have a proven ability to motivate others.

Respect for individuals’ diverse experiences. You have the ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds.

You’re the best! Thanks for sharing that information with us. I sure am glad that they don’t just leave it up to an algorithm. I get the sense that the recruiters have a fairly good idea of the admissions process as my recruiter was helping guide me in my answers for my pre-interview activity questions.

Can we talk about how this is the longest week of all time?

It truly has been! Even though the deadline is on Friday, I’ve been constantly checking my TF status for any changes. On the bright side, tomorrow is Thursday so we’re getting closer!