The interview process is the same for many other teaching fellowship programs. All communication is done via a "teachertrack" website; it's hard to speak with someone in person. The initial phone interview was very distant. They asked a question and I was just left to speak until I thought I was finished. There was a long pause (while they completed notes) and then they moved on the the next question. This lasted for about 25 minutes. They said thank you and goodbye. I was invited to an in-person interview where I was required to give a sample lesson in 5 minutes. DCTF provided the lesson objective. After a group of 5 other candidates and I finished our samples we met for a one-on-one interview where they gave is "feedback". It was hardly that. I asked for the interviewer to clarify and they were unable to do it. I then had to incorporate the feedback into a re-teach of my lesson. I bombed it. Not one of my finest moments. When I left the interview, I was just glad the process was over after nearly 4 months.

The interview process was fairly simple. If you meet the base requirements, then you will upload a series of videos regarding your teaching methods in a “video interview” format where you get 2 tries to create the best video. I didn’t accept the offer because there was NO human interaction before I was accepted into the program. I usually base my decisions on whether I will work with a set program based on the people I will be working with and learning from, as that is where the true value in non-profit work lies. It was only until after my acceptance that I had the opportunity to speak with someone about the program. This screamed desperation, and rightly so considering how this program propagates the issues they claim to solve by severely undervaluing the teachers they accept into their program. Not only is there a severe lack of economic value that they burden their fellows with, but the lack of human interaction before I was accepted into the program sealed my decision to reject the offer. Objectively, the program offers very little. They give you a 6 week unpaid 8-5 training bootcamp. During or after this 6 week bootcamp, you are tasked with finding a job - no guarantees. You pay a discounted rate for a masters in teaching degree from Marian University, although this is offset by the cost of paying for the programs summer training. This is what the ITF program offers. What’s disappointing is the human aspect of what they’re doing. As a non-profit organization that is supposed to be people focused, they should want the opportunity to meet their prospective fellows before they bring them on, as I also wanted the opportunity to meet who I would be working with and learning from. If you believe teachers are underpaid and overworked, it’s already a no brainer to stay clear of this program and programs like this. If you’re looking to transition to teaching and want to find the right people to learn from, it’s probably best to find another program, as it’s clear that the people who run the program have lost touch with the human aspect of what they’re doing.