Job Discussion Forums

[shantaram]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has anything to say about the state of teaching ESL in New Orleans. What is the most profitable part of the industry, and what prerequisites are necessary to break into the business? I'm considering moving there soon and any information would be appreciated.

Cheers in advance!

[Chancellor]

[shantaram]

Thanks Chancellor, that's golden!

[shantaram]

I'm now based in New Orleans, and am looking for a job teaching English. To quickly recap my situation, I have a BA in History from a University in New Zealand. I worked in South Korea through EPIK for a year. I taught ESL in Australia for 3 months, followed by a month volunteering at a school in India, followed by another 3 months teaching ESL in Alberta, and 18 months of part-time teaching at Berlitz in Montreal, during which time I learned French to Berlitz level 6. I also have above average scores in Praxis writing, reading and math. My goal is to get into an alternative teacher certification program next year, but in the meantime I've come across KIPP. My question is, has anyone here been through/is going through an alternative teacher cert program, or done KIPP? I would be interested in hearing any stories and/or anecdotes. Kia ora y'all.

[chinagirl]

Unless you have desire to work one of the hardest jobs you will ever have, alternative certification and teaching in urban Louisiana is one of the most challenging things you will *ever* do.

It's not for the feint of heart. That said, the kids need good teachers. But it's not something to do just to get a teaching job. I teach ESL in an urban public school in NY now, but years ago began in an alternative cert program in Baton Rouge - I didn't last long there.

You have to really want it and be willing to work in very difficult, stressful conditions. It didn't work for me in Louisiana. I ended up taking the traditional route and going back to school for my certification. Much happier here in NY. Just passing on my experience.

[shantaram]

Thanks Chinagirl. I really do have the desire to work in one of the hardest jobs I've ever had- or I would have stayed in one of the other jobs I already had. I don't mean that to sound glib or as if I don't appreciate your caution though. Your caution is noted!

[Symphany]

Good on you, Shantaram, for deciding to teach in New Orleans! Let us know how it goes...this is kind of off topic but I wanted to ask you how teaching in EPIK was, I understand its similar to the JET Program in Japan? How did you find it?

[Chancellor]