Teacher Certification (New Orleans: mortgage broker, broker, house)

[MegDrew]

Hi All. Quick question: How long does the LA teacher certification process take once one has submitted all materials? I'm an out-of-state applicant and meet all of the criteria; I'm just wondering how long it takes to be processed. I'm looking to teach in or around New Orleans come the 2010-2011 school year. Any insight on this (and any other teaching in NOLA matters) is appreciated. Thanks!

[juana_the_piranha]

Hi, so am I correct in assuming you've already submitted the paperwork? If not, don't sweat it. You can get a job here without holding a LA license, particularly if you hold a license from another state. Do you? If so, go ahead and start applying to schools!

I held a license from another state, got hired here, and the school district for which I work (not Orleans parish but nearby) submitted the licensure paperwork for me. I had it within a month, probably more like 3 weeks.

So, I'd recommend getting a job first and letting the school district get the LA license for you. I hold a level 2 LA teaching license, and all I did was give my district a copy of my license from the other state, copies of Praxis scores, and proof of teaching history. It was quite simple and painless.

I can talk to you about applying if you don't already have a license, but before I go into that, I'll wait for your reply.

Good luck!

[MegDrew]

Thanks for the response, Juana. I've got all my paperwork in order. I already applied for the certification. (I'm permanently certified in NY, so I know it will transfer easily). I was accepted into the teachNOLA Master Teacher Corps which, I've heard, pretty much guarantees a job, but I am interested in surrounding areas. I teach in a "rough school" now, so I know I can handle the RSD, but I don't want to limit my options.

Next question: How do teachers fare in New Orleans (and surrounding areas)? I'm tenured with a job on Long Island and people think I'm nuts for wanting to leave that because of the pay cut, but Long Island is ridiculously expensive (and it's not all about money to me)! I'm just wondering what the comfort level and quality of life is for teachers in the area. I expect to hear positive responses; I'm just very cautious. I've never done anything remotely close to such a major move - I currently live 12 minutes driving distance from the house I grew up in) - so the whole thing is pretty scary ... but exciting!

Also, what's the job market like in general? My fiance will be searching. He's a mortgage broker -- not such a good thing to be in this market -- but also has experience in healthcare staffing among other things. All advice welcome.
Thanks!

[Teacher383940]

MegDrew,

I am really sorry noone else posted another reply to you. I would love to know the same things. I am considering doing exactly what you suggested and didn't want to repeat the same questions. So I hope someone can chime in and give us both some direction. I'm not concerned about the schools or even the pay because it is on par with what Michigan pays. So I won't go up, but I wont go down. I have applied to teach in DC and was getting great interest, but the weather has been so stifling out east, no one has had the time to get back to me. So I applied to teachnola as a back up plan. I'm either going east or south,for sure. Anyway, all I really want to know is about the public trans system. How do you get around in nola or sola or whatever you call it. I found a great place that is reasonably priced, applied for the cert, applied to teach nola and it's just me and the dog, so we are ready to roll whenever someone calls. So DC or NOLA, somebody had better ring my phone soon. LOL