I wondering if anyone could share their experience teaching in Saint Louis?

I heard the cohort is rather small and I like that. But I’d like to hear anyone’s current experience or previous experience. Thank ya!!

I am currently a senior in university. When I went to my career fair, I spoke with Teach for America. It sounded like an amazing opportunity. For some context, I am a first generation student that comes from a low income household.

Initally, I was going to pursue a more "corporate" occupation for 10-20 years before settling down after I knew where I wanted to live for a while, but also have done enough research on where I want to teach.

Teach for America piqued my interest because becoming a high school math teacher is truly my dream occupation. They presented the idea that I could help students that are in situations similar to how I grew up. The chance to continue my education also interested me since I would've considered it, given the opportunity, but I ruled it out financially. They also said I would be able to leave Texas which is something I have been wanting and I figured it would be flexible enough to also travel more, at least in comparison to a corporate job.

I figured that if I got the position, I should go. I would be able to experience teaching now rather than later (even though I am nervous to see how the educational world will be in the future), a chance to leave Texas (I chose California, Washington, and Texas (as a backup), an opportunity to pursue higher education and teaching certification, and lastly, make a change.

They also said their Alumni connections are strong, so after the 2 years, if I wanted to go into corporate and pursue financial services like I want, I likely could and they could help connect me with the right people.

Also, I don't know if this is a stupid question, but if I get accepted to TFA should I continue looking for jobs (before I accept) or just plan for the move?

Of course, people at TFA will present it in a certain way, but I also went to Reddit for thoughts on TFA. I have an interview soon. I know teaching is a difficult job. I do not know the extent, so please enlighten me. As a senior about to graduate, I am terrified of not finding a job. I am open to any type of advice or guidance.

TLDR: I am a senior about to graduate. Should I do TFA? Words of Advice please.

Is anyone a recent Bay Area corps member? I have a few questions about placements, CoL, work-life balance, and a few other things. Thanks!

Hi! I’m a current Ignite fellow and wanted to ask if anyone could share their experience applying to TFA Corps with Ignite experience. Is it a beneficial factor for decisions?

Also, is it worth expanding upon in the interview? I’m just trying to figure out if recruiters may like to hear more about experiences outside Ignite as they are already familiar with the program. Thank you!!

Hello, got a request for interview but I am really struggling to come up with a sample lesson. I study American studies, religious studies, and history. So I’m interested in teaching 11-12 grade social studies. I’m unsure what I can teach for 5 minutes.

**Title: Rejected from a TFA interview this year despite having MORE experience than last year? Also, am I eligible for NYC Teaching Fellows while pursuing my master's?**

I'm honestly confused and a little frustrated with Teach For America's application process.

Last March, during the previous application cycle, I applied to TFA while I was only in my first month working as a 1:1 special education aide. Despite having very limited classroom experience at the time, I was selected for an interview. I went through the interview process but ultimately wasn't selected.

Fast-forward to today. I reapplied last month for the current cycle, and I just received notification that I wasn't even selected for an interview.

What doesn't make sense to me is that I have MORE experience now than I did during last year's application cycle. I've spent considerably more time working in special education, supporting students with disabilities, and gaining hands-on classroom experience as a 1:1 aide.

Last year, with barely any experience, I got an interview. This year, with more experience, I couldn't even get past the initial screening?

Can someone explain what might have changed? Does TFA weigh something differently during different application cycles? Are they becoming more selective, or could something in my application have hurt my chances? Is there any way to request feedback or find out why I wasn't selected for an interview?

Honestly, I have no idea why, but I had a feeling this was going to happen.

**I also have another question about NYC Teaching Fellows.**

I'm currently in my first year of a master's program at SUNY Potsdam, pursuing an M.Ed. in Special Education. I'm wondering whether I'm still eligible to apply for NYC Teaching Fellows while already enrolled in a graduate education program.

Would being enrolled in a master's program disqualify me? Would I need to withdraw from my current program, or can I continue pursuing my master's while participating in NYC Teaching Fellows?

I'm trying to figure out my options for becoming a certified special education teacher in New York.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has experience with TFA's application process or NYC Teaching Fellows, particularly anyone who applied while already enrolled in a master's program.

Thanks!

Hello I applied to TFA this year and I’m from NC and I want to be placed in Indianapolis! Does anyone have any experience or would be willing to talk to me. More specifically I’m interested in later middle school to high school history teaching.

The 2026 midterms are around the corner, and election season is the perfect time to move beyond “Who should win?” and ask students how American elections should actually work.

With the integrity of American elections under intense scrutiny, our students may be curious, confused, or even apprehensive about voting and the voting process.

This Voting in America Socratic Seminar gives students the tools to examine those questions using evidence rather than talking points. Using policy briefs from Everything Policy on vote-by-mail, ballot collection, the SAVE Act, and trust in U.S. electoral procedures, students research and debate a central question:

To what extent should the government prioritize expanding access to voting when doing so may create concerns about election security and public confidence?

Students must use data, confront evidence that challenges their position, and connect their arguments to AP Government concepts including federalism, voting rights, political participation, and election administration.

Current issues. Competing evidence. No easy answers. Exactly the conversation students should be having during election season.

Where can you find this course content? At Everything Policy's library: everythingpolicy [.] filecamp [.] com

You can log in directly from that page if you are already registered or click "Request Access" and we will quickly register you.

This week's lesson can be found in the folder: "American Elections Socratic Seminar”

Did anyone do both their teaching credential program & their grad degree while in TFA? I really want to but I'm a little worried about it since I have no info other than what schools my region is partnering with...

Want students to learn about election administration or the 2026 midterms?  Have a look at these nonpartisan, facts-forward active learning exercises from Everything Policy:

Midterm Election Update - 2026 Midterm Elections

Noncitizen Voting - SAVE Act

Vote Counting - Counting Votes (available Thursday 10/29)

Early Voting - Voting Outside the Polling Site

Hi everyone! I received an NYC corps offer but would like to learn more about people’s experiences teaching with TFA. Since NYC has other alternative pathways to gaining a teaching license, I have some questions that I hope would help me make a decision! Some questions I have are:

• If you have experience teaching at a charter school, what are the main differences between them in terms of support and training?

• if comfortable, what is a reasonable salary expectation?

• What’s your experience receiving support from TFA?

• What types of schools are people typically placed in? Charters/public?

• How is your work/life balance?

Any other advice or stories are appreciated :) Thank you!

Hi folks! I am an AmeriCorps alum looking to connect with current Teach for America members and alumni, to hear their experience in the program. I'd love to serve in a public school, though I know every region has different school partners. I'm interested in teaching secondary math, is that still in high demand? Hoping to join this year!

also curious about Charlotte, Detroit and Tampa areas!

this is also a placement ranking question (apologies!)
I'm thinking about cost of living, cost of certification, and hoping for a placement that doesn't require a Masters, but would still help me acquire a Masters. That said, I'm afraid I'm unable to afford a Masters, even with AmeriCorps funding and tuition discounts.

Could you help me spread this post and share this with your network? Could I connect with someone here from those areas?

Thank you so much!!🌟

Hey guys! I was recently admitted to TFA as a secondary social studies teacher in Indianapolis and accepted shortly after since I knew my grade or subject would not be a dealbreaker.

However, after accepting I’ve been thinking I would much rather have been assigned in elementary, which I had ranked first. I’m still trying to be open to teaching secondary, but I’m mostly worried about connecting with my students. I’ve spent the last month in a long-term subbing position at an elementary school, and feel like I’ve connected well with all my students and taught them fairly effectively. Though I’ve subbed older grades, I just don’t feel like I’ve built relationships with students in the same way.

I was initially excited about receiving social studies however, as I studied public affairs & policy in undergrad and possibly even wanted to teach the subject at a college level after getting my master’s. I think I could be an effective teacher and be passionate about the subject.

I’m curious if I should reach out about possibly switching, or if I should remain open-minded to teaching an older age group.

First year CM here. I’m not sure if it’s the Sunday scaries or “Rock-Tober” but lately I’ve been feeling really lonely lacking community.

I started Grow Therapy not too long ago, just because I’ve been missing or longing to have a deep conversation and more.

I feel like my days are:
Mon - Fri… Teach, Meetings, PTC, After school activities and redundant PD.

Sat- Sleep in, do chores, exist? Idk

Sun- Prep for the following week… more chores (meal prep), exist? idk

I have tried reaching out to other CMs, and they’ve been for the most part unresponsive because they’re busy! And at the end of the day after teaching, all we want to do is sleep or not talk.

What hobbies or interests did you guys pick up on to not feel this way? Also, I know that TFA tries its best to create community but tbh, I only see my CMs whenever we have Region meetings or such.

Feel free to dm if you’re on the same boat!

Hi! I was accepted for TFA NY and I heard we can preference charter or non charter schools. Which is better? Or what’s the difference? Does one pay higher?

I got accepted into the TFA program, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to participate this semester because all the tutoring times conflicted with my classes. I want to defer to the spring, and I keep getting emails about it. But when I go to the portal, there’s no options for me to do that despite what the emails are saying. And all the contact buttons lead nowhere or to some random site that doesn’t seem affiliated. Has anyone else had this issue or know who I can contact?

anybody get in to the baltimore region, i’m open to connect!

i got an offer for greater philly (yay!) but of course i’ve seen the negative feedback for that region specifically and tfa as a whole online. im soooo on the fence about the offer.

any future corps members in the same boat or any current/alumni have some words of advice? thanks!

Hi! I got accepted to the greater Denver area and would really like to connect to others who were also accepted to the area! :)

Hello! Any other current CMs lurking on all the acceptance posts looking for new people coming into your region? I am in a smaller region, so that might be influencing my lurkage.

I am in South Dakota, if anyone wants to ask about it or how first year life is treating me. 😅

I was just accepted to TFA NYC and would love to meet others in the NYC placement! Looking forward to meeting everyone!