Memphis Teaching Fellows

Before the blog quickly turns to non-stop TFA content, I'd like to share my experience with Memphis Teaching Fellows (MTF).  

I applied to Memphis Teaching Fellows after being inspired by the TFA mission, but being unsure if I would get accepted into TFA.

MTF is very similar to TFA in many ways.  It is run by The New Teacher Project (TNTP), an organization founded by a TFA alumni.  TNTP also runs Fellowship programs in numerous other cities, including New York, DC, Baltimore, etc. 

Similarities to TFA:

• Both programs recruit individuals without existing teaching credentials
• Both rovide summer training and ongoing credential certification
• Both place teachers in high need schools
• Both programs have a partnership with a local university for reduced cost tuition for a Masters degree

Differences:

• MTF places only in Memphis; whereas TFA places nationally.  Thus if you know for sure that you only want to work in one city you may have better odds with a Fellows program.
• MTF is more targeted to career changes; TFA is more targeted to recent college grads.  However, both programs recruit/accept both 
• MTF application process is more streamlined - online application/in-person interview; TFA application process is extremely comprehensive - online application, phone interview, online response work, in-person interview, recommendation form submissions, etc.
• MTF summer training is in Memphis; TFA summer training is in Atlanta
• MTF charges up to $5,000 for teacher certification costs; TFA certification costs vary by state, but in TN the cost is $0
• MTF does not provide housing during summer training; TFA does provide housing during summer training
• MTF provides a $2,000 stipend after summer training is complete; TFA does not
• MTF only places in traditional Memphis public schools; TFA also places in charter schools
• MTF only places middle and high school; TFA places from pre-k through high school
• MTF is not an americorps organziation; TFA is an americorp organization which, depending upon how the budget shakes out, may result in a $5,000 award that can be applied towards higher education

I personally found the pool of applicants to be very different between the programs.  At my TFA interview, I felt surrounded by young whipper-snappers (though there were at least 3 other mid-career changers there out of a group of 12).  With the exception of one young man, I felt that everyone's 5-minute lesson was interesting, if not well organized.  I felt I did a good job at my interview, but after seeing the competition and knowing that this was happening every day a week in numerous different cities, I did not feel confident I would receive an offer.

Jump to my MTF interview.  Most everyone looked like mid-career changers.  During the initial information session I was sitting next to one girl who was a recent college graduate, but she was one of the few.  I ended up in a small interview group with only 4 or 5 others.  Their lessons varied from good to poor.  One girl simply read a book as we were a kindergarten class.  Another guy, seemed to be winging his lesson plan and  he kept self-commenting.  For example, he said aloud, "I guess I should've prepared a handout for you guys since everyone else did."  Later, when leaving the building, one of the other applicants was looking at a map.  The security guard asked the guy if he needed help finding a hotel.  The guy replied, "No, I'm looking for an AA meeting." 

I know the AA anecdote is actually not an indication of whether not someone would be a good teacher, but it was surprising/hilarious for me to hear.  I actually think that AA guy would make a good teacher.  He looks like a teacher and if he's overcome a such a huge obstacle as alcoholism in his life, he may be able to inspire children to overcome their own challenges.  Still, I wouldn't recomment asking about the nearest AA meeting at a job interview.

In the end, I chose TFA for their name recognition and long history and for the cost savings (no certification cost and potential americorps).