I’m an undergrad student going into senior year with sights set on becoming a teacher. My university doesn’t offer any track in educstion so TFA seemed a good route. The trouble is- I have no prior teaching experience and won’t by the time I reapply. (I had gone the early application route but was not accepted to the program) How can I strengthen my application and showcase my skills outside the confines of teaching? Any general advice for the interview process would also be welcome.
Most students don’t have any teaching experience when they interview, and not all want to teach beyond the two years. Many want to get a handle on the problems, and then enter fields where they can make changes. Others, of course, will remain in teaching. I would highlight your leadership skills, essays, etc. Can you major in math, science etc and then get a masters in education?
An alternative might be to teach in a Catholic school. In many states, they’re not required to have certified teachers, though many want you to begin the certification process after they hire you.
Or, plan B: you can major in a secondary subject -say English or Bio or Math or Chem… And get your Master’s in Secondary Education, picking up those education credits there.
As to the interview: Teaching is one of those kind of unusual careers where a resume full of college coursework isn’t at all a predictor of success in the field. We’ve all had teachers who knew their stuff, but somehow hadn’t figured out how to effectively communicate it to kids. When I was interviewing potential candidates, what I looked for most was the knowledge that there was a lot the new teacher didn’t know, and an openness to learning how to become an effective teachers.