Locals (and non-locals, too), some advice

[mightyradgumbo]

Ok, I have decided to find out from my TH friends their opinion on this.
Peeps that I have a great deal of respect and love ;) for have told me in a roundabout way that I am crazy (or maybe more crazy than I know).
I also have a great deal of respect and love for y'all too.
Well here is the skinny:
There is a program called teachNOLA where non-teaching professionals are being recruited to teach in the school system. After some testing and certification (who knows maybe one test is a mental apptitude one :rolleyes: ) you then teach in the schools (public not private).
I am contemplating a move there as it is, and this just give the possibility more purpose.
So I ask you, my TH friends, am I crazy or not??? (for thinking of going this route, my normal crazy is a given)

[Amy Winette]

Not crazy, great idea, but then I've already told ya that :)

[pokerchick66]

A public school teacher in Orleans Parish? Absolutely bonkers! but God bless you for taking on this endeavor. You're a remarkable person, G. New Orleans is lucky to have you.

[mightyradgumbo]

A public school teacher in Orleans Parish? Absolutely bonkers! but God bless you for taking on this endeavor. You're a remarkable person, G. New Orleans is lucky to have you.

I already knew that I was absolutely crazy. I just remember the handful of teachers that gave a crap about me when I was just a bowl of roux and they contributed to the Gumbo I am now and I guess I feel I have some payback to do. Ya know that whole Karma thang. I just gotta figure how to cheat my way through the whole PRAXIS exam LOL

[mightyradgumbo]

Not crazy, great idea, but then I've already told ya that :)

YYR, Ames. I appreciate it.

[bluedog]

RAD what a fabulous idea! I think it's great that you want to give back and have a profound effect on young people! They NEED it badly! NOLA will welcome you with open arms! History in the making! Good luck with your endeavors!

[Jaypee]

Gumbo my lad...you'd make the rest of us T-heads here in your neck o' the woods mighty proud...

[Staxsun]

Perhaps you should come down for a few days (or maybe when you're at fest) and go to a school and see what it is like.

[mightyradgumbo]

Perhaps you should come down for a few days (or maybe when you're at fest) and go to a school and see what it is like.

Stax, that is an excellent idea! That didn't even cross my mind. I will check into that. Thanks for the idea.

[chicagomike]

Stax is a wise man. Visiting someplace you love is a lot different then living someplace you love. Both good and bad. This seems like one of those things that requires a lot of self-honesty and a healthy dose of realism. However, if it is in the cards, it sure would be a great thing to experience. May the force be with you.

[katowoman]

I really don't think your crazy. Your heart and instincts are taking you there so you can't go wrong. Just as long as you stay open-minded and Zen about the whole experience.

It is a good idea to come check out the scene before committing, and it would also be helpful to be in contact with others that have worked through teachNOLA.

I wonder if it would matter to you if when speaking to people they told you it was the worst or greatest experience. You just might be the kind of person who goes for things no matter what. The only way you'll really know though is by being in it yourself.


I think it's awesome that you're looking into things for the children...all the best with this.

[rosetree]

Will this be one of the charter schools??? Have you ever taught before??? Have you ever been to an inner-city school? I think that it is a noble thought and it might be suited for you, but......I agree with Stax. Definitely look around first before you make such a huge commitment. I worked in the public schools for 5 years and Mrs. RT for twenty. We both were in JP, and that was an eye-opener. I applaud your effort to do what you can to help, but evalute the situation the best that you can before you jump in head-first.

[Priestboy]

Time for me to "jump in" and add my "two cents": I think it's an awesome idea. As one who has seen you in many different "lights" and walks of life, the common thread you've always had is a love of people. Combine that with your work ethic and humanitarian heart, I think you'd do great. Plus, it would give me a place to stay while in NOLA!;) Seriously, though...I think it would be awesome. Practically speaking, I think Stax's idea of going down and "auditing" some class time is a great idea - it'll give you a feel and flavor for the environment, culture, etc. GO FOR IT!!! DREAM BIG....LIVE BIGGER!:D

[steffie]

Stax, that is an excellent idea! That didn't even cross my mind. I will check into that. Thanks for the idea.

It would be a bonus if you could speak with others who have done what you are contemplating. Compare notes, network, and hey you could probably do it over a cocktail ( another bonus ).

[KYfunkfan]

Ok, I have decided to find out from my TH friends their opinion on this.
Peeps that I have a great deal of respect and love ;) for have told me in a roundabout way that I am crazy (or maybe more crazy than I know).
I also have a great deal of respect and love for y'all too.
Well here is the skinny:
There is a program called teachNOLA where non-teaching professionals are being recruited to teach in the school system. After some testing and certification (who knows maybe one test is a mental apptitude one :rolleyes: ) you then teach in the schools (public not private).
I am contemplating a move there as it is, and this just give the possibility more purpose.
So I ask you, my TH friends, am I crazy or not??? (for thinking of going this route, my normal crazy is a given)

i'm not even going to read the comments first...

i will say two words.....do it...

it's the right thing to do, and i suspect it will change your life and make you a better person than you already are...

[Zydekitten]

Ok, I have decided to find out from my TH friends their opinion on this.
Peeps that I have a great deal of respect and love ;) for have told me in a roundabout way that I am crazy (or maybe more crazy than I know).
I also have a great deal of respect and love for y'all too.
Well here is the skinny:
There is a program called teachNOLA where non-teaching professionals are being recruited to teach in the school system. After some testing and certification (who knows maybe one test is a mental apptitude one :rolleyes: ) you then teach in the schools (public not private).
I am contemplating a move there as it is, and this just give the possibility more purpose.
So I ask you, my TH friends, am I crazy or not??? (for thinking of going this route, my normal crazy is a given)

My good friend, Dan - I not only think it's a great idea (as you'd be a GREAT teacher!), but would be very interested in accompanying you on any fact-finding tours/meetings you might happen to have while down for JF, as that sounds like something I'd like to seriously consider for my own self!!!

I currently do software training for healthcare providers and would love to find a way to teach (without having to spend a lot of time going back to school first) younger folks. Not to mention, I've been thinking about moving to NOLA ever since Mark and I broke up a year and a half ago - and Denbear's been thinking about moving back . . .

Is it okay if I horn in on your action on this? I don't want to step on any toes . . . :)

[dank_bass]

Also, If youre contemplating the move anyway ... if the teaching gig doesnt work out, you're still where you wanna be, right?

[pokerchick66]

Will this be one of the charter schools??? Have you ever taught before??? Have you ever been to an inner-city school? I think that it is a noble thought and it might be suited for you, but......I agree with Stax. Definitely look around first before you make such a huge commitment. I worked in the public schools for 5 years and Mrs. RT for twenty. We both were in JP, and that was an eye-opener. I applaud your effort to do what you can to help, but evalute the situation the best that you can before you jump in head-first.

Good point.

[steffie]

www.teachNOLA.org for those interested.

[NeenAtlanta]

Two close friends of mine jumped on a similar recruiting effort here in Atlanta, where they recruited non-teaching professionals to become teachers. They both still had to do about a year of classes, I believe.

Unfortunately, both did not like teaching as much as they thought they would A lot has changed since we were kids, and they eventually were worn down by the constant disrespect, frustrating bureaucracy, and plain fear of violence. One quit after about 2 years. The other is still at it, but is miserable and looking for a different line of work.

That is not to say that you will feel the same, of course. Just be sure you know what you are getting into. And of course, find out about the pay. It usually sucks, although benefits can make up for some of it.

I hope you do it!

[grisgris]

Gumbo, you remember PappaFrog from last year huh? Saw him during Festgiving & he is volunteering/ working in the schools & loves it. May want to check with him.

[ibjamn]

Ok, I have decided to find out from my TH friends their opinion on this.
Peeps that I have a great deal of respect and love ;) for have told me in a roundabout way that I am crazy (or maybe more crazy than I know).
I also have a great deal of respect and love for y'all too.
Well here is the skinny:
There is a program called teachNOLA where non-teaching professionals are being recruited to teach in the school system. After some testing and certification (who knows maybe one test is a mental apptitude one :rolleyes: ) you then teach in the schools (public not private).
I am contemplating a move there as it is, and this just give the possibility more purpose.
So I ask you, my TH friends, am I crazy or not??? (for thinking of going this route, my normal crazy is a given)

I'm not going to read the comments before I post!! God Bless you, Dan!
I have no idea what you do now, but this is an opportunity for you to make a difference. We need you and anybody like you who is willing to put up with a whole lot of shit to try to make our town a better place.
I think you're awesome!!

[dank_bass]

And of course, find out about the pay. It usually sucks, although benefits can make up for some of it.

http://www.teachnola.org/ar/salaryandbenefits.html#

[mightyradgumbo]

Thanks y'all-some sage advice indeed. To give y'all a little background. While I have not taught, I have done instructional programs for inner-city utes ;) Mostly around sports but some tutoring mostly single-parent kids who had no role model (not that I necessarily would be a good role model unless they want to learn how NOT to drink Monsoons and shop in da quawtah) but some pretty hardcore kids.

Zkitty-I definitely could use a partner-in-crime for this venture. I am going to email the co-ordinator of the program and see if there is any possibility of auditing some classes to get a feel of the environment of the system.

Thanks to all for voices of reason, information, inspiration, and encouragement. As for the pay, I am sure it is what it is. As for living in the environment rather than just visiting, I have been there done that and got that t-shirt as well (so.fla beaches for a few years). Definitely a different animal, indeed.
/Gumbo runs off to find those PRAXIS cheat sheets LOL/
Again, my thanks to all y'all for the

[tangledupinblue]

It will be a NEW beginning for you and for the kids! I think it is wonderful.
My mom taught in city schools for 30 years and it was so tough at times BUT when she made a difference in one child's life, it meant everything to her.
God Bless You!

[stlbarb]

Ok, I have decided to find out from my TH friends their opinion on this.
Peeps that I have a great deal of respect and love ;) for have told me in a roundabout way that I am crazy (or maybe more crazy than I know).
I also have a great deal of respect and love for y'all too.
Well here is the skinny:
There is a program called teachNOLA where non-teaching professionals are being recruited to teach in the school system. After some testing and certification (who knows maybe one test is a mental apptitude one :rolleyes: ) you then teach in the schools (public not private).
I am contemplating a move there as it is, and this just give the possibility more purpose.
So I ask you, my TH friends, am I crazy or not??? (for thinking of going this route, my normal crazy is a given)

No crazier than being a priest in Boston.
obviously the whole family is certifiable.

i think the work will be hard, but rewarding.
questions: can you live on what they can afford to pay you? what type of time commitment: 1 year, 2, 5? what will you be giving up personally to make this move?
only you can decide. true friends will be supportive.

ps - get lots of couches for us to sleep on when we come visit!

[funkkjunkie]

Having taught kids ages 5-10 the last 30 years, I agree with staxsun. A visit in the nola schools will help you make a decision. But I'm gonna give it to you straight up, gumbo. NObody loves kids more than I do. No way could I have taught kindergarten for 20 years if I didn't; but the expectations for teachers are just plain wrong and stressful. We must have every student on grade level. We are responsible for administering endless assessments. We must teach character traits because parents don't. Parents don't care, unless you dare to discipline their child. Then they will be at school and in your face. So kids don't care nor do they respect us. My school is one of the poorest in my town of 40,000 and the downward spiral i am witnessing each year is sobering and frightening. AND the praxis is a hard test. Career teachers are becoming a thing of the past. That being said, if you visit the schools and you feel led to teach, PLEASE work to make it happen. We need you!
And yall support Instruments a comin! It's for the kids!

[Mardigrasbaby35]

As a local, i'd love someone like you to be in our ailing NOLA school system - however, i would second, third, fourth the suggestion of coming down and spending some time in the school system first - i had a good friend who lived down here, his sister (in her 20s) came down and loved it - she was a school teacher and to her credit, taught "problem" children in the Boston area in some of the toughest schools - she made it in the NOLa school system for less than a year.......

Not trying to discourage you, just giving you the heads up, our school system can be a tough place - but, it needs as much help as it can get.

[festivalgirl]

I would ask myself:

Is this something I would have considered Pre-Katrina?
Would I consider teaching anywhere else?
NOLA is a great place to vacation. What will be different living there?


All that being said - do it!! Even if teaching doesn't turm out to be the right thing for you, there are plenty of other worthy opportunities. And, you CAN go home again.

[Corona]

I would ask myself:

Is this something I would have considered Pre-Katrina?
Would I consider teaching anywhere else?
NOLA is a great place to vacation. What will be different living there?


All that being said - do it!! Even if teaching doesn't turm out to be the right thing for you, there are plenty of other worthy opportunities. And, you CAN go home again.
Dan, I say check it out and then go with your gut.....I have a feeling you'll end up doing it. You know what? My job is hard as hell- Child Protection- but for as hard as it is, I can't see myself doing anything else. If it feels right, do it! :)

[pokerchick66]

lol, I think he's got his mind made up already! :)

[Orleansnj]

Thanks y'all-some sage advice indeed. To give y'all a little background. While I have not taught, I have done instructional programs for inner-city utes ;) Mostly around sports but some tutoring mostly single-parent kids who had no role model (not that I necessarily would be a good role model unless they want to learn how NOT to drink Monsoons and shop in da quawtah) but some pretty hardcore kids.

Zkitty-I definitely could use a partner-in-crime for this venture. I am going to email the co-ordinator of the program and see if there is any possibility of auditing some classes to get a feel of the environment of the system.

Thanks to all for voices of reason, information, inspiration, and encouragement. As for the pay, I am sure it is what it is. As for living in the environment rather than just visiting, I have been there done that and got that t-shirt as well (so.fla beaches for a few years). Definitely a different animal, indeed.
/Gumbo runs off to find those PRAXIS cheat sheets LOL/
Again, my thanks to all y'all for the

DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT. Just FYI - the whole reason I am in NJ is for advanced education and the whole purpose of that education is to bring it back to New Orleans and teach........k?

[Zydekitten]

Thanks y'all-some sage advice indeed. To give y'all a little background. While I have not taught, I have done instructional programs for inner-city utes ;) Mostly around sports but some tutoring mostly single-parent kids who had no role model (not that I necessarily would be a good role model unless they want to learn how NOT to drink Monsoons and shop in da quawtah) but some pretty hardcore kids.

Zkitty-I definitely could use a partner-in-crime for this venture. I am going to email the co-ordinator of the program and see if there is any possibility of auditing some classes to get a feel of the environment of the system.

Thanks to all for voices of reason, information, inspiration, and encouragement. As for the pay, I am sure it is what it is. As for living in the environment rather than just visiting, I have been there done that and got that t-shirt as well (so.fla beaches for a few years). Definitely a different animal, indeed.
/Gumbo runs off to find those PRAXIS cheat sheets LOL/
Again, my thanks to all y'all for the
Well, after checking out the website it appears I'm not qualified, as I don't possess a completed Bachelor's degree - just over 25 years of professional experience - oh well, I'll find another way to give back to the New Orleans community if I do move there (and help out every other way I can from here in the meantime).

I would very much like to hear about your findings though, Gumbo and I totally support you in this endeavor - I think it's just excellent!!! Hard work, but then being an urban pioneer is - and that's really what this would be in the NOLA education system.

You rock, MRG!!! :D

[Amy Winette]

Well that's bizarre Kitty, is that a hard and fast rule? Seems to me like you'd be another who would be great at this!

[Priestboy]

No crazier than being a priest in Boston.
obviously the whole family is certifiable.

i think the work will be hard, but rewarding.
questions: can you live on what they can afford to pay you? what type of time commitment: 1 year, 2, 5? what will you be giving up personally to make this move?
only you can decide. true friends will be supportive.

ps - get lots of couches for us to sleep on when we come visit!

YYR, stl...the "crazy" streak runs in the family!:D that having been said, i think he should go for it (at least investigate...nothing ventured, nothing gained!)!

[glinda]

Gumbo, it is mighty courageous and loving of you to even investigate it. Whatever you decide, god bless. And we want a running report on your journey!

[Corona]

Kitten, I'd send in the resume just in case....ya never know how desperate they are to bend the rules ya know?

[Orleansnj]

Kitten, I'd send in the resume just in case....ya never know how desperate they are to bend the rules ya know?

That is good advice. I think that sometimes job descriptions read something like "degree required - employer reserves the right to substitute experience for educational requirements at its discretion......" By posting the requirement it weeds out a lot of people who may not be as serious.....

I'll tell you what I said to Mightyradgumbo - DO IT DO IT DO IT....you're only out an application form, a couple of stamps and an envelope if it doesn't work out - but if it DOES - well then, it's a whole different story.

[ohio]

Wow Dan! I don't know about crazy, saintly maybe....
That you are even contemplating this says a world about you. Proud to know you, man!

[Amyloves...]

This is absolutely amazing and I admire the hell out of you for considering it. You've gotten some great advice above. I love you man!!!

[Zydekitten]

That is good advice. I think that sometimes job descriptions read something like "degree required - employer reserves the right to substitute experience for educational requirements at its discretion......" By posting the requirement it weeds out a lot of people who may not be as serious.....

I'll tell you what I said to Mightyradgumbo - DO IT DO IT DO IT....you're only out an application form, a couple of stamps and an envelope if it doesn't work out - but if it DOES - well then, it's a whole different story.

Good points, all! I'll send it in - who knows . . . it could happen. :D

[ScoopJohnD]

MT from reading your brother's testimonial I have no doubt that you'd be able to handle the day to day classrooom experience, but the auditing of classes is definitely an excellent suggestion.

Personally my concerns would be the New Orleans and Lousiana school system itself. (and that system concern would apply no matter what city you wanted to teach in) Talk to teachers and adminstrators and parents and do research to find out if the commitment to excel on the part of the city and state is equal to the commitment you are willing to give. (see n.o firefighters vs the city as an example). And make sure it is a realistic commitment on their part. What I mean is their plan based on a bunch of intangibles or hoped for commitments from state or federal agencies or is it a plan that could be expected to succeed in present day conditions. Because frankly from what I read the impression I get from the powers that be is alot of " if this happens" or "well, WHEN we get this" as opposed to, "this is what we have, and here's our plan for it. It's plan for today that can easily be adapted to whatever the future holds." Swimming in a sea of indifference can be a wearying thing.

I would think the answer would be clear after that. And if not you can always ask the Magic 8 Ball !!!

[Zydekitten]

Or the Online Ouija Board! ;)

[luvdancin]

Wow. Whatever you decide to do, I am very impressed that you would even consider it. You are a better person than me and I wish you all the luck if you decide to do it.

[mightyradgumbo]

Scoop, you raise some very good points as well-There are definite challenges to working in a public sector position, especially where the admin is a tad on the bent side.
LMAO regarding the magic 8-ball and Ouija bored-might be as safe as listening to myself hehehe

[mightyradgumbo]

I would ask myself:

Is this something I would have considered Pre-Katrina?
Would I consider teaching anywhere else?
NOLA is a great place to vacation. What will be different living there?


All that being said - do it!! Even if teaching doesn't turm out to be the right thing for you, there are plenty of other worthy opportunities. And, you CAN go home again.

FG
No it isn't something I considered pre-kraptina but it is a different world I guess. I have contemplated teaching previously but was not really as jazzed about it as I am now.
As far as the whole vaca v. living thing, I know what you mean. I lived in South Florida and Southern Cal for some time so I lived in touristy areas b4 and understand the difference
Great points however and yes I can go home again. I just don't plan to if I make the leap ;)

[mightyradgumbo]

lol, I think he's got his mind made up already! :)

Not, totally. :p I still have to pass the PRAXIS and get certification (which I have to do in the city). I also have to figure out my housing and clear up some bizness here. All are weighing in my decison, but YYR my mind is leaning towards it ;)

[csoul]

MRG - I'm loving your courage, here. And, let me just say, I've heard of crazier things. I've lost track of the number of people I've met doing relief work who have just uprooted their lives and moved to the coast after what was supposed to be a week of helping out.
Add to that the fact that you want to be involved in teaching. Shaping young folks lives in a place where it is so urgently needed; I say "BRAVO, you". Ultimately, only you will know if the move is the right decision. And, frankly, you may not know for sure, until after you make the move. Do the research, have a reasonable game plan, but don't let nay-sayers sway you.
Not a day goes by that I don't think about moving to NOLA. I applaud your commitment, and say if it feels right to you, go for it.

[festivalgirl]

FG
No it isn't something I considered pre-kraptina but it is a different world I guess. I have contemplated teaching previously but was not really as jazzed about it as I am now.
As far as the whole vaca v. living thing, I know what you mean. I lived in South Florida and Southern Cal for some time so I lived in touristy areas b4 and understand the difference
Great points however and yes I can go home again. I just don't plan to if I make the leap ;)

It sounds like this is something you need to do! Sometimes you just have to follow that little voice - it's usually right.

[stlbarb]

It sounds like this is something you need to do! Sometimes you just have to follow that little voice - it's usually right.

little voices are telling you what to do too?
at least i'm not alone now.
does yours tell you to eat more chocolate?

[Corona]

little voices are telling you what to do too?
at least i'm not alone now.
does yours tell you to eat more chocolate?
mine do...on a daily basis! Make them stop, make them stop!!!!