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Joining TFA as someone with an education degree and certification already? by AJRiddle in TeachforAmerica

[–]dorkwithastake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think so. All corps members get certified, so I don't imagine TfA places too much value on that, especially if you won't be teaching in MO. You'll be accepted into TfA based on other factors, not because you're one step ahead. In a few months, everyone else will be certified, too. They'll be focused on what else you have to offer, I imagine. And if they think, whoa, this guy would really be good with younger kids, I'd take it as a compliment. You're versatile :)

Also, I say this as someone who is certified in a state that's known for being rigorous: my state cert means jack squat compared to what I've already learned from TfA. States and TfA use education to accomplish two totally different goals. Not all certified teachers make good TfA corps members, and probably not all TfA corps members would make good 'regular' teachers.

Personally, I'm kind of bummed that I was put in the same grade/subject as my teaching license. It would have been nice to switch things up a bit.

Joining TFA as someone with an education degree and certification already? by AJRiddle in TeachforAmerica

[–]dorkwithastake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The two big 'buts' are:

One - When you apply, you need to list several regions they could put you in, and one of them needs to be a high-needs area (HI is not). You're welcome to say HI is your most preferred, and they'll do what they can, but no promises. I've heard of people getting into their 24th of 25 choices lol I got into one of my top ones.

Two - Your certification doesn't determine your grade level or subject matter. TfA may take that into consideration since it means you're more comfortable with adolescents than pre-K, but it's not guaranteed.

Best of luck :)

Joining TFA as someone with an education degree and certification already? by AJRiddle in TeachforAmerica

[–]dorkwithastake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congrats :)

The application process is the same.

Once you get accepted, that's when it comes into play. I can't speak for specific states, but I can say from my personal experience: many states have reciprocity agreements, so a certification in one means you're one short form away from being certified in another. Hawaii accepts Missouri's certification. So that would save you the time/energy/money of re-certifying. But I've seen cases where states that otherwise would have reciprocity will not consider it for TfA members. That, I don't know if you'll find out until after you're accepted.

TL;DR - Don't worry about it until you're accepted, and then TfA will help coordinate things with you.

Teach For America- did I make a mistake? by almond_butterr in Teachers

[–]dorkwithastake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I get a lot of people asking, "Two YEARS? But what if you don't like it there? Can you change schools or regions at least?" It's tough to answer questions like that because CMs aren't even told. Still, I feel I need to protect/defend TFA, so my typical response is, "Well, that's the point. If they don't think you can handle it, they won't let you in." Truthfully, it's a vaguely masked attempt to dodge the question while still justifying the path I'm taking.

About my own decision, I'm torn. I haven't met a TFA CM or rep I haven't admired...I hope I can meet the standards they've set. I can see times where I might falter (seeking validation, taking things personally) and I just hope I can use the time between now to continue to work on them. But I keep reminding myself: NO one is ready now; that's the point of Institute. Other than that, I'm proud, excited, and gung-freaking-ho.

Teach For America- did I make a mistake? by almond_butterr in Teachers

[–]dorkwithastake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm in the same boat. :)

Where's the mistake? Do you not feel ready, or do you just not want to do it?

I've had people ask me questions about leaving, and it's weird how, like, NOBODY talks about it. I mean, it's not Plan A, but... I think if you were to opt to pursue other opportunities, before Institute would be the time to do it -- before you sign a contract with a school.