Re: TEACHNOLA

Posted by Dawson on 7/11/07

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I actually had many of the same concerns as you last when I
was debating whether or not to go to the interview event.
As far as I know, you have to interview in person. A big
part of the interview event is actually discussing two
education situtations with other interviewees while the
interviewers observe and take notes. You will most likely
have 10-15 other candidates in your interview group.

I traveled 1200 miles for my interview event and the
teachNOLA staff was great. They actually e-mailed me at
2:30 in the morning on the Sunday after my interview to let
me know that I was accepted. I was then able to change my
travel plans and stay in town an extra day to take the RSD's
teacher assessment. The RSD test is key, so if you are
still making travel arrangements be sure to include an extra
day or two to take this test, as principals can't hire
teachers who don't pass this test. The principals last year
would check with the RSD to see who had passed the test that
day and immediately call teachers for interviews.

Now I interviewed at the end of August last year, so my
experience may be a little different from your's as schools
were in a real crunch at that time to get teachers hired. I
actually had three messages from a principal before I made
it home and within 48 hours of my teachNOLA acceptance I had
a job offer.

I think that teachNOLA's rigorous screen process is well
respected, which makes the interview process with principals
easier. I was able to interview with my principal over the
phone.

Interview advice:
1. Try to find your interview location the day before your
interview event if you can. Many street signs in New
Orleans are still missing which makes finding places
(especially if you're not familiar with the area) an
adventure.

2. You are scored on a rubric, so don't view the other
interviewees as competition. That being said it is
important for you to get involved in the group discussion.

3. As always, be yourself.

I hope that this helpful and that you get this before your
interview event. Remember that if you are really committed
to teaching in New Orleans, you can always apply directly
with the Recovery School District. They are estimating a
need for 300-500 new teachers for the upcoming school year,
so your chances of finding a teaching job (especially if you
are certified) are pretty good. Good luck!


On 6/27/07, Aslan King wrote:
> Hi,
> I'm wondering if anybody can tell me more about the
> interview events. How many applicants attend? Is there an
> interview process available online or over the phone, and
> has anybody traveled significant distance to attend these
> (over 1500 miles). I was invited to attend, and I want to,
> but the thought of paying 400.00 dollars to go to an
> interview for a job I may not be offered is quite daunting.
> Thanks for any insight that you may be able to provide.
> Aslan King
> Massachusetts

Posts on this thread, including this one

• TEACHNOLA, 6/27/07, by Aslan King.
• Re: TEACHNOLA, 7/11/07, by Dawson.