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Louisiana Teachers Chatboard

by Barbara

Oct 4, 2008

I am just curious if there is still a teacher's union in LA or if it was busted up after Hurricane Katrina. Also what happened to all the teachers the state fired? Were they given the option of early retirement? Did they get rehired? Go to other districts?

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Oct 14, 2008

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Jobs in Louisiana

by Kelly

Oct 26, 2008

I see that Louisiana is hiring teachers in several areas. Are there any insiders who can give me an overview of working in Louisiana? Pros, cons, etc.? Any insight or advice would be appreciated.

view previous comments

4th teacher I think that, like the previous poster stated, it depends on the school and the system. East Baton Rouge has had many openings over the last few years and has had difficulty filling all of the positions. After Katrina, we experienced tremendous growing pains from which we haven't completely recovered. The system itself is all right, although some t...See More

Oct 28, 2008

New Teach Thank you to all for posting. I started the Teach Louisiana job application and just need to post my cover letter and resume. I live in Florida and will be relocating in April; because of personal reasons. I'm certified in Pre-k-3rd grade as well as ESE K-12. I’m looking to teach in Jefferson Parish, or St. Charles Parish, so hopefully there are ...See More

Oct 28, 2008

UTNO? Liability Insurance?

by Considering options

Nov 8, 2008

Hi folks, I'm seeking opinions from NOLA teachers re: coverage in the event of a lawsuit. I taught in the FL public school system for 10 years & never felt the need for liability insurance. But, in the 2 years I've been teaching here for the RSD I've encountered a few families who've been openly hostile. This year, I keep a log to document (yes...See More

view previous comments

Merrill Are you in a teacher's union? Wouldn't they protect you from civil suits? In any case, you may want to speak with the principal about this. I would make it clear that if a frivolous lawsuit were launched against me, I would resign and make sure all the other teachers knew about it (really bad press for the district).

As long as you are doc...See More

Nov 19, 2008

Considering Options I spoke with a teacher who was sued by a student's family here in NOLA. The teacher was accused of shoving a student. Despite accounts by witnesses (2 adults & other students) claiming the teacher was innocent of charges, she still had to go to court. Though ultimately found innocent, the ordeal dragged on for almost a year & cost her thou...See More

Dec 11, 2008

Does anyone teach in Shreveport?

by wondering

Nov 9, 2008

Is it nice over there?

Shreveport Teacher All depends on where you teach.

On 11/09/08, wondering wrote: > Is it nice over there?

Nov 10, 2008

Please answer my question?

by Tampa Teacher

Nov 9, 2008

Why is your governor ashamed of his real first name? Obama in not afraid of his or his culture.

8th Grade Teacher I'm going to assume this is strictly a question out of curiousity and answer it as such. I would hope that as an educator, you would not be asking to be disrespectful.

Gov. Jindal is not ashamed of his "real" first name. He uses it on all official correspondence and during his inaguration. The name "Bobby" is a nickname given to him when h...See More

Nov 9, 2008

PRAXIS PLT test

by Merrill

Nov 11, 2008

Does anyone here know if the PRAXIS 2 Principles of Teaching and Learning exam is offered on the computer? It would be much easier for me to type this exam rather than write it out long hand (I have awful handwriting).

view previous comments

Menna On 12/26/11, abbalah doon wrote: > On 3/08/11, vince wrote: >> On 9/18/10, Vicki wrote: >>> I just took the Praxis II PLT today (9/2010). The test was easier >>> than some of the sample tests I reviewed. Two questions in the case >>> studies had you identify typical adolescent behavior the students >>> w...See More

Feb 12, 2012

Robert On 3/08/11, vince wrote: > On 9/18/10, Vicki wrote: >> I just took the Praxis II PLT today (9/2010). The test was easier >> than some of the sample tests I reviewed. Two questions in the case >> studies had you identify typical adolescent behavior the students >> were exhibiting and ways to deal with it. I think I did alr...See MoreOn 3/08/11, vince wrote: > On 9/18/10, Vicki wrote: >> I just took the Praxis II PLT today (9/2010). The test was easier >> than some of the sample tests I reviewed. Two questions in the case >> studies had you identify typical adolescent behavior the students >> were exhibiting and ways to deal with it. I think I did alright on >> the answers but wish that I had reviewed that. One case study dealt >> with classroom management (the teacher in the case would give in >> whenever the students complained). Another dealt with a teacher who >> did not communicate well with a student. His communcation >> immediately put the student on the defensive. One dealt with a >> journalism teacher who wasn't happy with her students' grammar or >> their choice of subjects for an article assignment. The final case >> studied detailed a female student who was very artistic but didn't do >> all her homework and did poorly on tests or assignments that didn't >> seem to have a real-world application (ex. Trig). She was also the >> daughter of a farm worker and probably moved a lot. >> Overall the hardest part was finishing on time. My hand was tired by >> the end of the exam. I should have studied for the case studies more >> than for the multiple choice. The multiple choce questions were all >> very straight forward. >> Good luck everyone! Hopefully I passed it! >> >> On 3/14/09, max wrote: >>> were you able to pass the Praxis 2 if you didnt finish the 4th case >>> study? the same thing happened to me? >>> >>> >>> On 11/13/08, Merrill wrote: >>>> The material isn't particularly difficult--it is the crazy time >>>> restraints. I had four large case studies (one over 20 pages in >>>> length) and something like 40 multiple choice questions in 2 >>>> hours. I estimate to read the case studies will take roughly >> 30 >>>> minutes. The multiple choice will take another 30 minutes at >>>> least. That leaves one hour for four written essays. That's >> 15 >>>> minutes an essay. I only got through 3 of them before time ran >>>> out. I wasn't able to even begin on the fourth. >>>> >>>> You have to be able to write about 30-40 words a minute long >>>> hand. I can't do it. My hand was about to fall off. And it is >>>> in pencil, which means you have to press harder. >>>> >>>> I guy I talked to after the exam was a PhD in history--he had >>>> taken the exam three times. He just couldn't write fast enough >>>> to get through the questions. >>>> >>>> I don't know why ETS is doing this, or what kind of purpose it >>>> serves. Adding an additional 30-60 minutes would make the exam >>>> fair and reliable. As a guy, I felt discriminated against--our >>>> handwriting isn't as good as women's, and we don't write as >>>> quickly. We are at a BIG disadvantage. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 11/12/08, chrissy wrote: >>>>> Unfortunately for everyone, the PLT is ONLY paper based. I >>>>> think all educators would rather do the computer thing because >>>>> most people can type faster than they can write. I know that I >>>>> have really bad hand cramps and like arthritis and am going to >>>>> have a really hard time trying to write as much as I should in >>>>> that two hour window. Are you taking the PLT 7-12? I am and I >>>>> was wondering what to really study.... help is appreciated!! >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On 11/11/08, Merrill wrote: >>>>>> Does anyone here know if the PRAXIS 2 Principles of >>>>>> Teaching and Learning exam is offered on the computer? It >>>>>> would be much easier for me to type this exam rather than >>>>>> write it out long hand (I have awful handwriting). >>> > I took the test and did not have time to finish the last essay and got > 196out of 200, missed it by 4 pts. Did not study or have all my classes > done that would have helped me on the test. I agree I have a very hard > time writing that fast.

It is available on the computer, but only in a certain time frame...

Feb 8, 2013

Physics in Louisiana

by Default Name

Nov 13, 2008

I'm currently studying for the Physics Praxis in order to get into an alternate certification program this summer or next fall. I've heard that there's a big demand for physics teachers, but will I have a chance to get a job if I'm *only* certified in physics, as opposed to physics and chemistry, biology or general science?

Helen/HS/La. Heh-heh-heh...

Well, you have to teach SOMETHING else the rest of the day. I never heard of a school so big that the physics teacher did NOTHING else.

You'll have one section of physics.

Then what?

Nov 25, 2008

Default Name I've got no interest in coaching. I've passed the general science praxis, so I'll probably be able to teach that.

Do you need to be certified to teach environmental?

On 11/25/08, Helen/HS/La. wrote: > Heh-heh-heh... > > Well, you have to teach SOMETHING else the rest of the day. I > never heard of a school so big tha...See More

Nov 25, 2008

TeachNola Application Process for 2009-2010

by Wondering

Nov 25, 2008

I decided to start the application process for the 2009- 2010 Master Teacher Corps for the 2009-2010 school year.

Is there anyone else going through this process or if wanting to teach in Louisiana, are you going through the TeachLouisiana process?

Please share your experience, Thank you in advance.

Best regards,

...See More

view previous comments

Thanks for your post On 12/12/08, NOLAteach wrote: > I am very interested in TeachNOLA because there does seem to be a very great need for those who are not "faint of heart." My resume was reviewed by Teach NOLA and I've been invited to interview, and I was worried after I read Merrill's post. Here's my dilemma: I'm in California, so I would have to move my family a...See MoreOn 12/12/08, NOLAteach wrote: > I am very interested in TeachNOLA because there does seem to be a very great need for those who are not "faint of heart." My resume was reviewed by Teach NOLA and I've been invited to interview, and I was worried after I read Merrill's post. Here's my dilemma: I'm in California, so I would have to move my family all the way across country for a position that does not offer any tenure? Also, I've heard that there are no medical or pension benefits...true?

Appreciate your help.

I work in the 9th ward and it is not the most dangerous area of > the city. Yes, New Orleans has a lot of poverty and crime but > that does not mean that you are going to be attacked in your > school or murdered as Merril seems to imply. > > I came to New Orleans through TeachNOLA a little over two years > ago and have been able to teach without any physical assults in > one of the worst high schools in New Orleans (and arguably the > country). A teacher (Dineral Shavers) was murdered in 2007. What > Merril neglected to mention is that that teacher went to pick up > his step son who had had an altercation with some boys in a rival > ward. The boys who were chasing his step son fired their guns at > the car and ended up killing Dineral instead of their intended > target. Obviously this was a very tragic event, but I want you to > know the details because you shouldn't think that teachers are > being gunned down at school or targeted because they are teachers, > nor are teachers routinely assulted by their students. I've > actually found that my students are quite protective of me (even > as they curse me out from time to time for insisting that they do > their work or are heaven forbid asked to get out of the hallway > and go to class). > > Teaching in New Orleans or any high-needs urban area is not for > the faint of heart. You really have to be passionate about > working with at-risk to survive teaching in any school run by the > RSD. > > On 12/09/08, Wondering wrote: >> Thank you for your post! >> I did post my application on the TeachNola website and they are >> reviewing it right now. I wasn't aware that all of the >> elementary teaching positions will be in the 9th ward. I also >> applied through TeachLouisiana. West Baton Rouge contacted me >> after I put my application, cover letter and resume through >> TeachLouisiana; so now I’m sending them their application and >> will go through their process. >> >> I plan on visiting Baton Rouge in February. I currently live >> in Florida but I’m from the north, any help on (West) Baton >> Rouge would be of great help and I do greatly appreciate it. >> >> Thank you again for the post! >> >> w >> >> >> >> >> On 12/09/08, Merrill wrote: >>> Are you sure you want to do the TeachNola thing? >>> >>> Have you been to the 9th Ward New Orleans? It is the most >>> crime-ridden area in the country. Dire poverty, gangs >>> everywhere, shootings on a daily basis, 60-75% illiteracy. >>> Teachers are routinely assaulted--a couple have been killed. >>> >>> Better know what you are getting into! >>> >>> On 11/25/08, Wondering wrote: >>>> I decided to start the application process for the 2009- >>>> 2010 Master Teacher Corps for the 2009-2010 school year. >>>> >>>> Is there anyone else going through this process or if >>>> wanting to teach in Louisiana, are you going through the >>>> TeachLouisiana process? >>>> >>>> Please share your experience, Thank you in advance. >>>> >>>> >>>> Best regards, >>>> >>>> Wondering >>>>

Mar 1, 2009

NOLAteach I'm happy to help.

Lack of teacher tenure is a sore point for many teachers here. I work for the Recovery School District (RSD) which is run by the state and is also where most of teachNOLA's recruits are hired. I would say that teachers who do what any normal teacher is expected to do have nothing to worry about in terms of maintaining t...See MoreI'm happy to help.

Lack of teacher tenure is a sore point for many teachers here. I work for the Recovery School District (RSD) which is run by the state and is also where most of teachNOLA's recruits are hired. I would say that teachers who do what any normal teacher is expected to do have nothing to worry about in terms of maintaining their employment status. Quite frankly I have seen teachers get away with some behaviors that in most other areas would result in removal from their classroom and/or terminiation of employment. I'm talking about colleagues who call out sick 2-3 days EVERY week, are caught sleeping in class when they are supposed to be teaching (yes, their students are in class at the time), teachers who send their students off campus (all campuses are closed) so that they can leave early, come into school on a regular basis reeking of alcohol, etc. Slowly but surely these types of teachers are being weeded out, but it is taking 2-3 years to do this. From my standpoint teacher tenure within the RSD is a moot point for anyone who is at least trying to do their job. In terms of retirement and health insurance, RSD teachers are part of the Teacher's Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) and we have several different health insurance plans to choose from.

Charter schools are a little different however, teachers are held much more accountable for test scores and can be dismissed in the middle of the school year. I have never worked for a charter school but my understanding is that benefits such as retirement and medical insurance vary depending upon the charter school. Some charter schools offer benefits and others do not. This is something that you may want to ask teachNOLA staff members about or you can wait to ask the individual schools themselves.

The strongest piece of advice that I can offer you, is to spend a few extra days here when you come for your interview event with teachNOLA. Set up classroom observations at RSD schools and various charter schools. This will serve a couple of purposes: 1. you'll have the opportunity to meet with principals and possibly even get an informal interview (this will help later on when the hiring frenzy begins); 2. you'll be able to talk to teachers about their schools and get an insiders view; and 3. you'll be able to observe student behaviors/discipline issues. With all of this information you should be able to make a much more informed choice about what type of school environment you would find most conducive to your personality.

Good luck at your interview!

On 3/01/09, Thanks for your post wrote: > On 12/12/08, NOLAteach wrote: >> I am very interested in TeachNOLA because there does seem to be a > very great need for those who are not "faint of heart." My resume was > reviewed by Teach NOLA and I've been invited to interview, and I was > worried after I read Merrill's post. Here's my dilemma: I'm in > California, so I would have to move my family all the way across > country for a position that does not offer any tenure? Also, I've > heard that there are no medical or pension benefits...true? > > Appreciate your help. > > I work in the 9th ward and it is not the most dangerous area of >> the city. Yes, New Orleans has a lot of poverty and crime but >> that does not mean that you are going to be attacked in your >> school or murdered as Merril seems to imply. >> >> I came to New Orleans through TeachNOLA a little over two years >> ago and have been able to teach without any physical assults in >> one of the worst high schools in New Orleans (and arguably the >> country). A teacher (Dineral Shavers) was murdered in 2007. What >> Merril neglected to mention is that that teacher went to pick up >> his step son who had had an altercation with some boys in a rival >> ward. The boys who were chasing his step son fired their guns at >> the car and ended up killing Dineral instead of their intended >> target. Obviously this was a very tragic event, but I want you to >> know the details because you shouldn't think that teachers are >> being gunned down at school or targeted because they are teachers, >> nor are teachers routinely assulted by their students. I've >> actually found that my students are quite protective of me (even >> as they curse me out from time to time for insisting that they do >> their work or are heaven forbid asked to get out of the hallway >> and go to class). >> >> Teaching in New Orleans or any high-needs urban area is not for >> the faint of heart. You really have to be passionate about >> working with at-risk to survive teaching in any school run by the >> RSD. >> >> On 12/09/08, Wondering wrote: >>> Thank you for your post! >>> I did post my application on the TeachNola website and they are >>> reviewing it right now. I wasn't aware that all of the >>> elementary teaching positions will be in the 9th ward. I also >>> applied through TeachLouisiana. West Baton Rouge contacted me >>> after I put my application, cover letter and resume through >>> TeachLouisiana; so now I’m sending them their application and >>> will go through their process. >>> >>> I plan on visiting Baton Rouge in February. I currently live >>> in Florida but I’m from the north, any help on (West) Baton >>> Rouge would be of great help and I do greatly appreciate it. >>> >>> Thank you again for the post! >>> >>> w >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On 12/09/08, Merrill wrote: >>>> Are you sure you want to do the TeachNola thing? >>>> >>>> Have you been to the 9th Ward New Orleans? It is the most >>>> crime-ridden area in the country. Dire poverty, gangs >>>> everywhere, shootings on a daily basis, 60-75% illiteracy. >>>> Teachers are routinely assaulted--a couple have been killed. >>>> >>>> Better know what you are getting into! >>>> >>>> On 11/25/08, Wondering wrote: >>>>> I decided to start the application process for the 2009- >>>>> 2010 Master Teacher Corps for the 2009-2010 school year. >>>>> >>>>> Is there anyone else going through this process or if >>>>> wanting to teach in Louisiana, are you going through the >>>>> TeachLouisiana process? >>>>> >>>>> Please share your experience, Thank you in advance. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Best regards, >>>>> >>>>> Wondering >>>>>

Mar 4, 2009

Questions about increasing leap scores

by Jennifer

Nov 28, 2008

I am going to school to be a teacher and I am having to do a project on increasing LEAP scores. I had to come up with two ways to increase scores and evaluate those options. The two I chose were the PASS program and after school tutoring. If anyone particiapes in these two options I would appreciate some help.

PASS Program * If you used i...See More

Cruella br> > PASS Program > * If you used it have you seen it to be effective? Yes. My students have used it. It is helpful because the students become familar with the way the questions are asked and also how to respond to the "not" or "except" questions. > * Was it easy to implement with your students? Once the school gives your the students...See More

Nov 29, 2008

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