Middle School Content Knowledge Praxis Exam!

I have to take another Praxis exam tomorrow morning!  After studying pretty hard and doing so well on my last one - I now think that since I did so well on my last one, I don't have to study so hard this time around.  Umm...yeah, I know it doesn't make any sense. 

Last exam covered English only, which is in itself a broad topic - but at least I had some basic knowledge of English literature.  This test covers English, Math, Social Studies and Science.  How is one supposed to study such broad subject matter?  All I can really do is review what I already know in these subjects.

What I've done so far: 

• Checked out from the library and perused two books - What your Sixth Grader Should Know and What your Fifth Grader Should Know.  
• Purchased and took the ETS sample praxis test

I passed the practice test by doing really well in English and Math and getting slightly more than 50% of the Social Studies and Science questions correct.

At this point my game plan is to review my English and Math and then hope for the best with the Social Studies and Science sections. 

Wish me luck!

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).

It's Official! I accepted the TFA offer!

Praxis Relief!

Last month I took the English Content 0041 Praxis test as required by Memphis Teaching Fellows.  I studied for it as best I could with my busy schedule, but found that the actual test was much more challenging than the practice tests available.  During the actual test I nearly ran out of time and had to start quickly skimming text and guessing at answers - so I was concerned. 


Today I was able to check results!  Highest possible score is 200.  Passing score for TN is 157.  My score: 195!  Woot Woot! 


I was concerned I might need to retake it.  Now I have one less thing I have to worry about, which is a huge relief, as I may need to start studying for a Middle School Content Praxis test. 

TFA Acceptance!!!

So, despite telling myself that I was relatively cool, calm and collected about final notification day, I found myself registered online every 10 minutes checking email and posting to an online forum commiserating with fellow applicants waiting for the notification to go out.  


TFA tells us that it will be out by 8pm EST, but every other notification has come hours early.  Someone posted to the message board that they received their notification at 1pm during the previous cycle.  

Then I noticed that my transitional funding page had been updated since I last looked a few weeks ago, and a dollar amount had been entered into the "Interest free loan" section.  The number was formatted strangely, so I tried not to put much stock in it.  Perhaps it was just a technical glitch?  But why would they go through the trouble of calculating my financial assistance if I hadn't been accepted?  I started to have hope.  Some on the forum also noticed their financial information updated, while others did not.  Thus, it was not a glitch across the board.  Still, it wasn't official and even though I started to hope that I might be accepted, I still didn't know where I'd be placed.


Finally, at 2:47pm PST (5:457pm EST) - the email arrived:

Dear My name here, I am pleased to extend you an offer to join the Teach For America 2011 corps! Your acceptance into Teach For America reflects your outstanding accomplishments, leadership potential, and commitment to expanding educational opportunity for children in low-income communities.

The email goes on...but doesn't say where I've been placed.  I have to login to the TFA website.  I have to answer a question about the likelihood that I'll accept placement.   And only then do they allow me to see that my offer is to teach English grades 6-12 in Memphis.


My head was literally spinning and the rest of my afternoon was kind of like a haze.  It was fate.  All signs point to Memphis.  There's no longer a question of where.  There's no longer a question of what subject/grade.  Of all the programs I initially applied to, somehow it came down to two programs both offering me an English position for middle school or high school in the city of Memphis.


Originally I felt called to service.  Today I feel called to Memphis.  While I haven't decided officially - it feels like the right thing to go and I'm leaning towards the TFA option over Memphis Teaching Fellows.  But I plan to speak with both programs to hash out the details.  


Suddenly there's so much to do in such a short period of time.  Despite the amount of complaining I've done about my job over the past year, it won't be easy to leave.  I do feel appreciated there and now that I'm entertaining an official offer, I kind of feel like I'm betraying my employers who have treated me mostly well.  Besides a job, leaving behind friends, roommate, pups, volunteer organizations, mountains, and a city that I love has not really hit me yet.  But I'm excited about the future and the adventure and the possibilities.

Mississippi Teacher Corps

While waiting for TFA results, why not post about my experience with MTC.

Mississippi Teacher Corps (MTC) is a state funded/sponsored program based...in Mississippi.  It is operated out of the University of Mississippi, "Ole Miss." 

They have a great website: mtc.olemiss.edu.  This program was started the same year as Teach For America - so has a long history, albeit on a much much smaller scale.

MTC makes offers to about 30 corps members a year, with about 5 or so rejecting the offer.  So the starting class is usually 22-26 people (as compared to 4,500 in TFA).  Because of it's small size, corps members say they feel like a family and every gets a lot of individual attention from staff and trainers. 

I also found it amazing that the program's total annual operating budget is about $250,000/year.  This supports the cost of housing, training, staff, etc.  They really make every dollar go a long way.

I was originally attracted to this program for its lucrative benefits.  The program offers summer housing during "institute" (to use a TFA term) on the UofM campus in Oxford, MS, a $1,000 summer stipend, a fully paid Masters degree including cost of tuition, books, fees, and cost of motel room on weekends when corps members must travel to Oxford for classes.  Also, corps member receive a free Mac book, courtesy of Morgan Freeman's Rock River Foundation. 

I think that the challenges of a MTC corps member are very similar to those of a TFA Missisippi Delta corps member.  They may even teach in some of the same schools.  I emailed a number of MTC corps members and many were honest about their struggles.  In some cases, corps members felt like they were part of a horrible education system with no ability to effect change and often one's experience is determined greatly by luck of placement and the administration of the school they are placed in.  One corps member said, that unlike TFA, she received a lot of critical training on class management and was placed in her school early in the spring - while TFA focuses more on data tracking and some TFA teachers were still searching for placements into late summer.  One MTC corps member flat out told me he would not recommend the program (it sounded like he was dropping out after his first year), while a few others did say they felt their work to be rewarding. 

The application process is simple.  Maybe too simple.  They have four application deadlines throughout the year and they tell you what date that you should expect to hear back.  They do not require an in-person interview.  I've heard from accepted corps members that they didn't really have much of  phone interview either.  When the program director called it was mostly to say they had been accepted and any questions were mostly cursory.  It sounds like they mostly accept corps members based solely on the application, so it important that your written application be impressive.

I can't personally attest to how the acceptance process works past the application step, because on the date they said I would hear back, I received a generic rejection letter.  They said they received over 100 applications for 8 spots.  They indicated they preferenced candidates who could teach Math or Science (did not have an undergrad degree in that area) and those that could coach a sport (did not play any college level sports).  So, it's pretty clear why I wasn't accepted.

I still think it sounds like a great program.  If I were to apply again, I'd first spend a semester volunteer coaching a sport to pump up my resume for the MTC application.

The Wait is (Almost) Over!

Tomorrow I find out whether I've been accepted into Teach For America!

I am fortunate, as it has only been 2-1/2 weeks since my Final Interview.  Apparently, those who apply during other rounds have a much longer wait.  

Whether good news or bad news, it will be good to at least know what all of my options are for the coming year.  


Though, I hear there's this horrible thing called the wait list.  Apparently some candidates get wait listed, and depending upon how many other candidates withdraw, openings may become available.  

I have no expectations for tomorrow.  I won't be terribly shocked to be accepted or rejected.  I know there were approximately 10,200 people interviewed during this final round.  I believe last year's corps had about 4500 members.  There are three final interview rounds throughout the year.  Assuming they accept equal number of corps members in each interview round, there are approximately 1500 spots available  for 10,200 interviewees - giving me about a 15% chance of being accepted.  Of course, this is just an estimate - they may be accepting more applicants this year or they may save more spots for the final interview round.  The point is, even though I feel like I'm a good candidate, I don't take anything for granted.

Despite having no expectations, I will be disappointed if I don't receive an offer.  I feel like Teach For America has very thoroughly interviewed me.  They know me better than nearly any other prospective employer I've interviewed with.  So, to be offered a position will be a great validation of how they feel about my past successes and future potential.  If I don't receive an offer, the disappointment will not be just about the lost opportunity, but it will also be a bit of a blow to the ego since it's coming from an organization who has examined me so closely.

To use an online dating analogy:  I don't take it personally if a guy looks at my picture, doesn't think I'm his type, and moves on without even reading my profile.  TFA is not that guy.  TFA is the guy who read my profile (my application), was intrigued enough to ask me for my number, called me (phone interview) and when our first conversation went well, asked my friends about me (references), and took me out on a date (final interview).  Now, I'm waiting for either a curt email with a generic rejection...or wedding proposal.  

To be continued...

How it began...

In the beginning, on January 28, 2011, I came across an article about Teach For America.  Having graduated from a small state college more than 10 years ago, I had not heard about Teach For America when I was in school.  There was no campus recruiter...or if there was, they weren't looking for me.  I was actually fairly uninvolved in college life.

So January 28th, a mere two months ago, was my first introduction to Teach For America.  I was immediately intrigued and wanted to apply.  I figured that at least I should apply and then if I received an offer I could decide if this was really really something I was willing to do.

I read all about the TFA mission and began getting excited about the opportunity to be a part of reforming education in America.  I sent in my application 7 days after reading that newspaper article to meet the February 4th final deadline.  

After my application was sent, I continued to read more.  I started to get more invested in the possibility of being a teacher.  And then I came upon information about TFA's highly competitive application process and low acceptance rate.  I wondered how I would compare to young ivy league grads.  I read that in 2009 nearly 10% of Princeton graduates applied to the program and only 25% of those who applied were accepted.  I started to become concerned that this newly hatched dream may not become a reality.  


So I started making contingency plans.  I discovered that there were other alternative certification programs, many other programs.  I quickly became overwhelmed and tried to narrow down my options based on cities that I thought I would want to live in, cities I could afford to live in, cities that weren't laying off significant numbers of teachers already, cities in states that weren't completely bankrupt, and programs that seemed to offer some financial incentives.  

In the end I applied to:  

• Memphis Teaching Fellows  
• Because of the comparably lower cost of living and comparably higher teacher salary, and while knowing very little about Memphis the idea of it appealed to me
• teachNOLA
• Because I love New Orleans
• Mississippi Teacher Corps
• For the program benefits and although I knew nothing about the Mississippi Delta, it sounded intriguing
• DC Teaching Fellows
• Because I love DC

I was offered in person interviews with each program except for Mississippi Teacher Corps (Mississippi Teacher Corps does not do in person interviews).  

I will detail my experience with each program in greater detail in coming posts.  However, as of today 3/31, here is the status of each:

• Teach For America
• Phone interviewed, In-person interviewed, waiting for results to come in 4 days!
• Memphis Teaching Fellows
• In-person interviewed for an English position, received an offer! 
• teachNOLA
• Received an offer to interview for a Special Ed position, but didn't sign up quickly enough and wasn't sure if I could afford to live comfortably in NOLA on a teacher's salary
• Mississippi Teacher Corps 
• No phone interview or in-person interview, received rejection email :(
• DC Teaching Fellows
• Received an offer to interview for Elementary Education, but canceled the interview mostly because I didn't think I could afford to live in DC on a teacher's salary and it sounds like things in the school district are a particularly big mess

So now I'm weighing options of my current job, Memphis Teaching Fellows, and hopefully a 3rd awesome TFA option next week!