Teach NOLA (New Orleans, Jefferson, Many: home, school district, college)

[hanewahr]

Hello everyone. I am searching for some advice. I just got offered to interview with Teach NOLA and before I do so, I wanted to get some information or advice on what teaching would be like in the NOLA. What should I expect? Is anyone involved in the program right now? Or, does anyone know what kind of support they provide?

[Micktooth]

I think it is great that you are willing to help the children of New Orleans. Where will you be moving from and what are you expecting? Right now life in New Orleans is very challenging.

[hanewahr]

I am moving from Wisconsin. I lived in Beloit and, now, I am in Eau Claire. I am 22 and just graduating from college with a Secondary teaching degree in English and Spanish.
Thanks so much for your response. If you have any advice, please send it my way!

[Micktooth]

I think it is great what you would like to do, any reason why you want to go to NOLA? I lived there for 15 yrs and my family and I had to leave after Katrina. My wife worked at a private school while we lived there and my sister in law still teaches down there. NOLA can use all of the teachers it can get. You should know that the teacher pay is not great in LA. Also, if you will be teaching in Orleans Parish, you might find some difficult students and a lot of beaurocracy (please don't criticize my spelling):-)

[cassarina]

As a former educator in the New Orleans area I can tell you that you will encounter some behavior problems with some students. New Orleans has always had a lot to poverty and there seems to be a permanent underclass made up of black people who work two or more service jobs while the children raise themselves. I have seen young white females with teach for america reach kids who were "unreachable" so if you feel that you have been "called" to teach PLEASE GO TO NEW ORLEANS!

[Timmo]

Whew!
I can definitely tell you what it is like teaching in New Orleans, esp. if you're from somewhere else like me.

First of all, leave the naivette at the door. It is very rough teaching here. Not as violent as in some other places (NYC), but there is a culture of ignorance that is very hard to overcome. There is a HUGE lack of administrative support in this city. Some administrators have little or no real teaching experience, and become administrators to rise up in the ranks. Many people here don't care about these kids, so even if you love to help, you'll get a very negative response. Also, there is quite a bit of racism if you're white or Latino.

My advice: stay at home and teach near home, unless you love the uniqueness of this city, like me.

Good luck!!!!

[IloveNOLA]

Originally Posted by Timmo

Whew!
I can definitely tell you what it is like teaching in New Orleans, esp. if you're from somewhere else like me.

First of all, leave the naivette at the door. It is very rough teaching here. Not as violent as in some other places (NYC), but there is a culture of ignorance that is very hard to overcome. There is a HUGE lack of administrative support in this city. Some administrators have little or no real teaching experience, and become administrators to rise up in the ranks. Many people here don't care about these kids, so even if you love to help, you'll get a very negative response. Also, there is quite a bit of racism if you're white or Latino.

My advice: stay at home and teach near home, unless you love the uniqueness of this city, like me.

Good luck!!!!

Has that been your experience at the charter schools or the Recovery District schools or both?

[Timmo]

That has been my experience teaching for Orleans Parish before the storm and the Recovery School District after the storm.

[parsley5]

what about the private schools? or jefferson parish? Is there a place aorund nola that is not as difficult?

I teach in Akron and have been in inner city many years. The past few, I have had children that have not been so wild.... and Ive never had it before in my career... wow. love it.....

but am thinking aobut moving to nola...... not hearing a lot of other teaching options?????

I make a super wage now... so, when i move south whether it be NOLA or Charleston..... I will be taking a tremendous pay cut. oy!

any suggestions on that?

Parsley

[Drouzin]

The best salaries are going to be with the public school systems, mostly. Check into Jefferson, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany (north of the lake), Parishes, if you are looking for something, "not so wild." I'll say that suburban schools don't have as much drama, but after doing some sub work in the 'burbs, I perfer the inner city kids. Inner city schools have fewer prima donnas and the kids are more down to Earth. I totaly understand looking for something slower paced; I burned out a couple of years ago. Best wishes.