Application Process
Please note: We strongly encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. teachNOLA runs a rolling admissions process, and our interview events tend to fill up quickly. The sooner that an application is submitted, the sooner candidates receive their subject-area assignment and invitation to interview (if applicable). Additionally, applying early in the season ensures that candidates have the most time to prepare for and pass the required Praxis tests.
The application for the 2012 cohort of Teaching Fellows is now open. Please click on the "Apply Now" button to being your application today. It is in your best interest to apply early as our admissions process is on a rolling basis.
1. Read our website thoroughly.
We recommend that you carefully read and review all information contained on this website and familiarize yourself with the program before applying.
2. Check your eligibility.
Applicants must meet a number of eligibility requirements in order to be considered. Before applying, please make sure that you are eligible by reading the Eligibility section of our website.
3. Complete the online application.
Our online application process is easy and streamlined. An application is deemed complete when it contains all of the following:
- Completed online application form
- Resume
- Responses to three application questions
You do not need to provide a cover letter. Your answers to the application questions will provide the additional information that we need to evaluate your candidacy. Every application is reviewed for completeness, eligibility and potential for success as a Fellow. You will receive notification of your application status within two weeks of our receipt of your complete application.
Please note there is a non-refundable $30 application fee that you are required to submit for processing through PayPal. You can submit this payment at any time, and you will be required to upload your payment receipt to your application. Please see the PayPal Guide which contains step by step directions for submitting the payment. You can begin to submit this payment by clicking on the "Pay Now" link below. If this fee presents a financial hardship to you or your family, you may apply for a fee waiver. Please send a message to teachNOLA through your TeacherTrack account to request the Fee Waiver Form.
4. Register for the Praxis.
If selected for an interview, teachNOLA will assign each candidate a subject area and provide instructions on how to register for the appropriate Praxis tests. Please see the Required Tests page for more on test requirements.
We encourage applicants who are invited to interview to register for the Praxis exams early; doing so helps to ensure that all testing requirements are complete prior to the start of our training Institute. Please note that you will be required to bring proof of test registration to an Interview Event should you be invited, so it is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with program testing requirements early.
5. Request transcripts.
If selected for an interview, each applicant will be required to submit at least one copy, official or unofficial, of their transcripts from each institution of higher learning (college or university) attended. Candidates should bring their transcripts on the day of the interview.
Once accepted into the program, candidates must submit at least three official (sealed) copies of transcripts from each institution of higher learning (college or university) that you attended to the teachNOLA office. Final admission is contingent upon receipt of official transcripts from all institutions attended, including community colleges.
Because it often takes universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we recommend that you request these transcripts now. Please note: we cannot return transcripts after they have been submitted, even if you are not admitted to the program.
6. Schedule your initial phone interview (selected candidates only).
Candidates who demonstrate strong potential to be effective teachers will be invited to participate in an initial phone interview via email notification. The phone interview is the first of the two-part interview process and is designed to assess candidate strengths in the following essential traits:
- Your commitment and potential to become an excellent teacher and lead high-need students to high levels of academic achievement, including students with disabilities and those who are performing below grade level;
- The ability to think critically, make sound judgments, and generate multiple solutions to challenges; and
- Exemplary professionalism, including reliability in meeting commitments and deadlines, professional oral communication skills, and professional interactions with your interviewer
(Note: teachNOLA is adding the initial phone interview on February 1 as part of streamlining our application process. Candidates who participate in an in-person Interview Event prior to February 25th will not take part in a phone interview, and this will have no negative effects on your status as a candidate.)
7. Attend an Interview Event (selected candidates only).
Candidates who demonstrate strength in our essential traits during their phone interview will be invited to participate in a final in-person Interview Event via email notification We will provide information regarding the Interview Event dates and times, as well as how to prepare, when you receive an invitation to interview. (Note: teachNOLA is adding the initial phone interview as of February 1 as part of streamlining our application process. Some candidates may have received an invitation to an in-person Interview Event before receiving notification of the required phone interview. As long as these candidates complete the phone interview at least X days before their scheduled Interview Event, they may participate in their scheduled Interview Event as planned.)
Interview Events are designed to assess our essential traits and baseline proficiency in our Fast Start skills via candidate demonstrations of real teaching tasks and a personal interview. Participants will be asked to:
- Teach a five-minute demonstration lesson on a topic selected from a list provided by us. In this activity, you will be assessed on the following criteria.
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Clearly communicating lesson content, including displaying thorough knowledge of the lesson content and presenting content in a way that is logical and precise
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Using time during the demonstration lesson well, including progressing at a quick pace with no unnecessary pauses or wasted time
- Presenting lesson content in an engaging way and being intentional about engaging all participants actively in the lesson
- Giving directions to participants that are clear and short
- Re-teach a portion of your lesson, incorporating feedback from your interviewer. In this activity, you will be assessed on how well you incorporate feedback, including following specific directions given by your interviewer and accurately interpreting the feedback given by your interviewer.
- Engage in a one-on-one interview, where you will be assessed on your commitment and potential to become an excellent teacher and lead high-need students to high levels of academic achievement, and your ability to think critically to make sound judgments and develop multiple solutions to challenges.
Throughout the in-person Interview Event, you will be assessed on your professionalism (one of our essential traits), including being on-time and well-prepared for all activities, your use of professional oral and written communication, and having professional interactions with others.
All interviews take place in New Orleans, and alternate interview arrangements are not available. The interview will include a teaching sample, a discussion with other candidates, a writing sample and a personal interview.
7. Await the decision.
Application decisions are based on the strength of a candidate’s submitted application materials and performance at the interview. Interviewees will typically be notified of our decision within approximately two to three weeks of the Interview Event.
Selected applicants will receive an enrollment package with additional information on the program and a deadline by which to enroll as a Fellow.