Teach for America Confusion

Career Opportunities & Internships
1

<p>I'm an undecided undergraduate currently debating between a traditional education degree and TFA/New Teachers Project/other alternate certification programs. I wanted to know if students with an education major can be accepted into TFA. While I was told that yes, certified teachers can apply to TFA, are they actually accepted? I thought the whole point of TFA was to certify non-teachers. If I were to major in education, would I sabotage my chances? I ask because in my area, the job market for traditionally-certified teachers is EXTREMELY competitive, and it is actually easier to get into TFA than it is to get a teaching job as an education major. </p>

<p>Additionally, I was wondering if you have to major in the area that you are teaching--for instance, if I wanted to teach secondary English through TFA, do I need to be an English major? </p>

<p>Finally, if anyone is in/already completed TFA, how intensive are the post-bacc certification classes?</p>

2

<p>While I was told that yes, certified teachers can apply to TFA, are they actually accepted?

  • Yes, TFA accepts people of all majors. Being an education major is not a requirement, hence why many teachers aren’t selected. Teach for America is selective, not competitive. They have specific things that they are looking for in candidates, and limited space. Having a teaching credential already does not give someone an upper hand, or automatic acceptance.</p>

<p>I thought the whole point of TFA was to certify non-teachers.

  • TFA’s mission is to serve low income communities, and close the achievement gap.</p>

<p>If I were to major in education, would I sabotage my chances?

  • Nope, but it wont increase your chances.</p>

<p>Additionally, I was wondering if you have to major in the area that you are teaching–for instance, if I wanted to teach secondary English through TFA, do I need to be an English major?

  • Someone who majors in english isn’t guaranteed to teach english, just like someone majoring in math isn’t guaranteed to teach math. What you end up teaching is based on the needs of the school district.</p>