I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at NYC Teaching Fellows (New York, NY)
Interview
The interview is all about finding out whether you believe in the NYCTF mission or not. It is a very intense interview that gets at whether you have the right skills and attitude to give very quick very direct feedback.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
If you did not believe that a teacher trainee had what it took to make it in the classroom, would you be able to tell them (and the NYCTF) that they should not pass the program?
The interview felt overwhelming—rapid-fire questions, an intense panel, and unexpected topics. My mind raced, palms sweated, and words stumbled, but I pushed through, hoping my effort outshined my nerves.nevertheless I succeeded.
I applied online. The process took 4 weeks. I interviewed at NYC Teaching Fellows (Bronx, NY) in Apr 2024
Interview
The purpose of, at least the first interview, is simply to eliminate candidates based on details inconsequential in truly being able to determine a candidate's true fit and potential to succeed as a teacher. Also, though this is a fellowship for PROFESSIONALS, NOT TEACHERS, they ask questions that one would expect a teacher, instructional designer, educational psychologist, etc., to know. It's one thing to gauge a candidate's basic knowledge and understanding of learning or past experience leading trainings, giving presentations, etc., and something entirely different to grill candidates with no formal education or teaching experience on classroom management, student behavior correction, evidence-based techniques, etc. Candidates might as well interview for licensed teaching positions... It's a complete waste of a candidate's time to invite them to interview for a teacher development program only to ask them questions about the mechanics of teaching... Then they're eliminated based on their lack of knowledge or the strength of their answers to questions about teaching. The initial interview should focus less on teaching and more of capacity, personal approach to learning, logic and reasoning, memory, stress and conflict management, emotional intelligence and temperment, understanding and facilitation of DEI and engaging multicultural and diverse socioeconomic populations, etc.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
You notice a male student who is disengaged and distracted, staring off into the distance during your lesson. You call on the student and ask him a question about the information you just communicated to the class. He cannot answer the question or recall details you just explained. Another male student laughs at his inability to answer questions. You continue with the lesson and notice that the student still appears disengaged. What steps and strategies would you use to address the student's poor engagement with the lesson and material? What are some reasons for the student's poor behavior? (Or some variation of this scenario and the following questions.)