NYCTF Interview

Before I had my interview I spent hours searching for blogs by fellows, trying to figure out what kind of questions would be asked during the interview. I didn't have much luck, so I thought I'd post some of what I remember here for other applicants ;)

Before the Q&A section of the interview, we completed a writing assignment where we wrote a letter to parents addressing complaints and describing the approach we would take with the class.

1. I was told my letter was lacking in certain areas and asked to address them. I disagreed with the interviewer, so I pointed out exactly where in the letter I did address them. I basically said "you asked xyz, and in the letter I said abc." I don't know if the interviewer actually thought I didn't answer the questions or wanted to see how I would react when challenged, but I am happy with my response.
2. I was asked how I thought my 5 min demo lesson went, and what I thought I could improve. Mine was a bit long for the time so I rushed a bit, and that was most of my answer. I said a bit more, but can't remember what.
3. I was asked what I thought the biggest challenge would be. I was also asked how I would deal with lack of support from the administration.
4. This was the worst--I was asked to give a percentage of how much a teacher is responsible for students' learning. I personally think it is impossible to put a number on it and said so (and I backed it up with my reasoning.) The interviewer pushed for a number so I gave one, but I think the explanation of why is the important part of this question.

If you are planning on applying or going through the interview process, good luck and feel free to ask any questions you have! I will do my best to answer.

Common Sense

Do you ever look back on a decision you made and wonder what on earth you were thinking? That's how I feel about law right now. I did well in college & law school and enjoyed it--particularly classroom discussion and study groups. Anything where I had to work alone was boring. What I really disliked was writing papers--I always waited to the last minute, and they were often sub-par. And guess what--that is what my job is!

Now I wonder why didn't I think about the day-to-day practice of law more? I enjoy thinking & talking about law, but that doesn't happen much in real life. I sit in an office, alone, for 10 hours a day researching and writing stuff. Yes, I do sometimes speak with clients and other attorneys, but it is minimal compared to the rest of my day. The tasks I enjoy the least are where I spend most of my time.

I am very much looking forward to teaching! I am scared about classroom management, but I love science and I love interacting with people. In college & law school I thought that I eventually wanted to teach college, but it would take years of experience practicing law before most colleges or law schools would consider me, and it's well known that professors are expected to publish papers and law review articles! This would be more research and paper writing, which is not what I am interested in. Teaching high school or middle school will be much more interactive and challenging in new ways.

No matter how hard teaching is, and I am prepared for complete misery in my first few years, it certainly won't be boring!

What is that girl thinking?

I am currently an attorney. What kind doesn't matter much--just one of the many varieties of litigation. No, litigation does not mean going to court. It means writing papers. Serving papers. Pushing paper, shoving paper, even throwing paper at the opposition. After one-too-many paper cuts, the alluring subway ads of the NYC Teaching Fellows captured my attention. A mere(!) six months later, I submitted my application, interviewed, and was accepted to the NYCTF Science Immersion program!

Not to teach Social Studies, which would the the logical subject, but to teach Science. Biology, or Living Environment as it is now called. The problem is that Social Studies is not a high need area, so I picked an area where I have many college credits, but no experience in. Finally--all those Bio and Chem courses that previously did nothing but drag down my GPA will be of use!