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There are similar programs to TFA that might do a better job of preparing her for a career in teaching. Unfortunately TFA has made it clear that it isn't entirely interested in preparing career teachers, but instead preparing advocates to work in other areas to influence their reform and union-busting policies.
Stay away from TFA. It is corporate funded non-profit that throws inexperienced people into inner city schools. That is not fair to those students in the school and it's not good for the teaching profession. My husband was an engineer who now teaches physics. He did a one year professional certificate. Your niece can do that or a certified alternate program. The only reason TFA got labeled "quality" was due to their political lobbying. My husband has run across a few former TFA. Many have bad things to say about it and the only ones that rave about it are rather self-centered and have this cult like loyalty to TFA.
As someone who came out of industry and went into teaching I would say TFA is probably the way to go if she wants to be in teaching. My MAT was a waste of my time. You learn how to be a teacher on the job not by sitting in a classroom. I wish I'd gone TFA instead of getting my MAT. Education college is all theory. Then there's reality. If she goes TFA and likes teaching she'll reach proficiency sooner than if she sat in classes for 2-3 years before stepping into a classroom. If she goes TFA and doesn't like teaching, she hasn't wasted thousands of dollars on a useless degree.
IMO she'll become a teacher faster through TFA. She can get her ticket punching classes done later or better yet take workshops specific to her needs.
This is a horrible idea. What you've written basically says that TFA will be best for HER and not for the students.
TFA is the worst way to get into teaching. Aside from a long and complicated application process, it pays crap and doesn't prepare people for the classroom. Much better would be an "alternative route to certification." There are many. You only have to google it. You can start by checking the home page of your own state's board of education.
Another good way is to get a job in the school system as something besides a teacher. An aide, for example. They don't make much money (but probably more than TFA), but they do get full benefits and are in the system. Many school districts offer programs to help non-teaching employees get certified to teach. At the very least, there is usually tuition reimbursement. More importantly, if you work in a school you develop relationships with the administrators and will most likely have a job waiting for you the moment you get certified. That's much better than TFA, which is looked down upon by many real educators.
Oh wow...after reading reviews of what others have said about the program she has decided to withdraw application..I will tell her to look into alternative certifications.
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