Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below we've addressed some frequently asked questions. The questions answered are listed below in order that they are answered further down the page.
Moving to & Living in the Louisiana Delta
- When do I need to be in the Louisiana Delta?
- How will I find housing in the Louisiana Delta?
- Who will I live with in the Louisiana Delta?
- Where should I live in Louisiana Delta?
- Will I need a car? When and how should I get one?
- How do corps member integrate into the Louisiana Delta community?
- What transitional costs should I expect when moving to the Louisiana Delta?
- Does Teach For America provide financial assistance if I need help with transitional costs?
- Can I live comfortably on a teacher’s salary in the Louisiana Delta?
- When will I receive my first paycheck?
- Will I have health insurance?
- Do I have to be certified to teach in Louisiana?
- What if I’m certified already in my state?
- Can I complete a Master's Degree during my corps commitment? What Master's options do I have?
- When will I find out what grade and in what school I will be teaching?
- I have questions about my grade and/or subject assignment. What should I do?
- How does assignment to a certain parish in the Louisiana Delta happen?
Moving to & Living in the Louisiana Delta
When do I need to be in the Louisiana Delta?
Induction, which happens before summer Institute, marks the beginning of your Teach For America commitment. Induction is a time when all new Louisiana Delta corps members come together to meet with staff, alumni, second-year corps members, and community members to transition into life in the region. During this event, you will meet your fellow corps members, store your belongings (if you brought them), learn about our region and the education landscape, and interview for teaching positions. In addition, you will learn about the various support structures our regional office has in place to help you become an effective teacher. You will meet local community leaders who will deepen your understanding of the communities that we serve: their culture, schools, and some of the deep-rooted challenges facing your students. You will receive more information about this in the coming months, but as of right now it looks likely that Induction will begin in the afternoon on the Tuesday before institute the first week of June.
How will I find housing in the Louisiana Delta?
Staff and current corps members assemble a list of housing opportunities to give out during the summer for people to use. Otherwise, given there are few online options, it’s best to network through people the Louisiana Delta team and corps member have relationships with, like our office landlord who is a real estate agent, or go to local business and meet people to see if there are any options out there. Part of the regional team’s plan will be to support corps members in securing housing.
Who will I live with in the Louisiana Delta?
Most corps members live with other corps members and decide whom to live with during or after Institute, though some also choose to live alone or with significant others or friends that move here with them. Securing a roommate and housing in the Louisiana Delta is very different from doing so in college and in many other cities, as in our communities it is less common to advertise for roommates online.
Where should I live in Louisiana Delta?
After corps members are hired officially they can look into the different options in or near the town they’ll teach in. Most choose to live in or right outside the town they teach in, but it’s not uncommon for people to live in a neighboring town between 20-45 minutes away so they can live with people or in a place they want to for personal reasons.
Will I need a car? When and how should I get one?
A car is required in the Louisiana Delta area. As corps members are expected to engage in various tasks as early as the summer, including interviewing for teaching positions, locating housing, and setting up bank accounts, it is recommended that corps members try to purchase a car prior to the end of summer Institute.
How do corps member integrate into the Louisiana Delta community?
Corps members are able to become active members of their community through involvement in extracurricular activities and an active interest in involving parents in their students’ classroom. On some occasions, teachers who have built a rapport with their students are asked to attend ceremonies or community events. Corps members who bring enthusiasm and energy to their school and their classrooms will find great potential for learning about community events. Teachers are charged with building a strong rapport with their students, colleagues, and broader communities so they can understand the experience of others while also feeling more connected to their work.
Induction, which happens before summer Institute, marks the beginning of your Teach For America commitment. Induction is a time when all new Louisiana Delta corps members come together to meet with staff, alumni, second-year corps members, and community members to transition into life in the region. During this event, you will meet your fellow corps members, store your belongings (if you brought them), learn about our region and the education landscape, and interview for teaching positions. In addition, you will learn about the various support structures our regional office has in place to help you become an effective teacher. You will meet local community leaders who will deepen your understanding of the communities that we serve: their culture, schools, and some of the deep-rooted challenges facing your students. You will receive more information about this in the coming months, but as of right now it looks likely that Induction will begin in the afternoon on the Tuesday before institute the first week of June.
How will I find housing in the Louisiana Delta?
Staff and current corps members assemble a list of housing opportunities to give out during the summer for people to use. Otherwise, given there are few online options, it’s best to network through people the Louisiana Delta team and corps member have relationships with, like our office landlord who is a real estate agent, or go to local business and meet people to see if there are any options out there. Part of the regional team’s plan will be to support corps members in securing housing.
Who will I live with in the Louisiana Delta?
Most corps members live with other corps members and decide whom to live with during or after Institute, though some also choose to live alone or with significant others or friends that move here with them. Securing a roommate and housing in the Louisiana Delta is very different from doing so in college and in many other cities, as in our communities it is less common to advertise for roommates online.
Where should I live in Louisiana Delta?
After corps members are hired officially they can look into the different options in or near the town they’ll teach in. Most choose to live in or right outside the town they teach in, but it’s not uncommon for people to live in a neighboring town between 20-45 minutes away so they can live with people or in a place they want to for personal reasons.
Will I need a car? When and how should I get one?
A car is required in the Louisiana Delta area. As corps members are expected to engage in various tasks as early as the summer, including interviewing for teaching positions, locating housing, and setting up bank accounts, it is recommended that corps members try to purchase a car prior to the end of summer Institute.
How do corps member integrate into the Louisiana Delta community?
Corps members are able to become active members of their community through involvement in extracurricular activities and an active interest in involving parents in their students’ classroom. On some occasions, teachers who have built a rapport with their students are asked to attend ceremonies or community events. Corps members who bring enthusiasm and energy to their school and their classrooms will find great potential for learning about community events. Teachers are charged with building a strong rapport with their students, colleagues, and broader communities so they can understand the experience of others while also feeling more connected to their work.
Finances
What transitional costs should I expect when moving to the Louisiana Delta?
The transitional costs of moving to the Louisiana Delta vary greatly from corps member to corps member. However, there are standard costs that most corps members can anticipate, such as testing and certification costs (approximately $200-$400), storage and moving costs (varies by corps member), professional costs such as the cost of a professional wardrobe and classroom supplies (varies by corps member and school). As such, it is absolutely imperative that you reach out for financial assistance if needed and take the time to plan a suitable budget.
Does Teach For America provide financial assistance if I need help with transitional costs?
You can receive need-based transitional grants and no-interest loans to help you offset the costs that you will incur during your transition. Packages range from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on your demonstrated need. Grants and loans are awarded at the beginning of Institute. If you feel that you need some financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for transitional grants and loans. If you haven't applied for grants and loans, it's not too late. Please visit the Applicant Center for details and instructions for applying. The Louisiana Delta team does not have access to your transitional funding so if you have any questions or want to check the status of your application, log onto the applicant center or e-mail [email protected].
Can I live comfortably on a teacher’s salary in the Louisiana Delta?
Yes. The average starting teacher’s salary in Louisiana Delta ranges from $29,000 to $34,000 and the vast majority of corps members find that they can live comfortably throughout their time here. Towns in the Louisiana Delta have a low cost of living and while there will be periods of high expenses, corps members report living comfortably on their salaries, though also note how important it is to budget.
When will I receive my first paycheck?
You should anticipate your first paycheck from your school district in approximately early October. We strongly encourage you to begin budgeting accordingly, as security deposits, utilities, rent, and transitional costs can accrue quickly. If you are concerned about finances at all, you should email [email protected].
Will I have health insurance?
Healthcare is provided in all of our school districts. In addition, you can often choose your plan for dental and vision benefits. There may also be a small fee taken out of each paycheck to cover these benefits. Health care coverage usually does not start until October, however, so please plan accordingly.
The transitional costs of moving to the Louisiana Delta vary greatly from corps member to corps member. However, there are standard costs that most corps members can anticipate, such as testing and certification costs (approximately $200-$400), storage and moving costs (varies by corps member), professional costs such as the cost of a professional wardrobe and classroom supplies (varies by corps member and school). As such, it is absolutely imperative that you reach out for financial assistance if needed and take the time to plan a suitable budget.
Does Teach For America provide financial assistance if I need help with transitional costs?
You can receive need-based transitional grants and no-interest loans to help you offset the costs that you will incur during your transition. Packages range from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on your demonstrated need. Grants and loans are awarded at the beginning of Institute. If you feel that you need some financial assistance, we encourage you to apply for transitional grants and loans. If you haven't applied for grants and loans, it's not too late. Please visit the Applicant Center for details and instructions for applying. The Louisiana Delta team does not have access to your transitional funding so if you have any questions or want to check the status of your application, log onto the applicant center or e-mail [email protected].
Can I live comfortably on a teacher’s salary in the Louisiana Delta?
Yes. The average starting teacher’s salary in Louisiana Delta ranges from $29,000 to $34,000 and the vast majority of corps members find that they can live comfortably throughout their time here. Towns in the Louisiana Delta have a low cost of living and while there will be periods of high expenses, corps members report living comfortably on their salaries, though also note how important it is to budget.
When will I receive my first paycheck?
You should anticipate your first paycheck from your school district in approximately early October. We strongly encourage you to begin budgeting accordingly, as security deposits, utilities, rent, and transitional costs can accrue quickly. If you are concerned about finances at all, you should email [email protected].
Will I have health insurance?
Healthcare is provided in all of our school districts. In addition, you can often choose your plan for dental and vision benefits. There may also be a small fee taken out of each paycheck to cover these benefits. Health care coverage usually does not start until October, however, so please plan accordingly.
Certification
Do I have to be certified to teach in Louisiana?
Yes. There are three types of certification in Louisiana: 1. Practitioner’s License (this is what you’ll apply for and use for your first year teaching). 2. Out of State Certification (this is for corps members who are already certified to teach in another state). 3. Level 1 Certificate (this is what you’ll work towards during your first year teaching).
What if I’m certified already in my state?
We work with you to obtain the correct information and documentation as well as leverage our partnerships with the department of education to ensure your certification transfers over.
Can I complete a Master's Degree during my corps commitment? What Master's options do I have?
We fully support and promote our corps members to obtain higher education degrees. We have a special TFA-LAD partnership with Johns Hopkins University, the number one graduate program in education, as well as Louisiana College, University of Southern California, and there is nearby University of Louisiana-Monroe. Additionally, there is also Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy in New Orleans. Click here to learn more about our Master's Degree Options.
Yes. There are three types of certification in Louisiana: 1. Practitioner’s License (this is what you’ll apply for and use for your first year teaching). 2. Out of State Certification (this is for corps members who are already certified to teach in another state). 3. Level 1 Certificate (this is what you’ll work towards during your first year teaching).
What if I’m certified already in my state?
We work with you to obtain the correct information and documentation as well as leverage our partnerships with the department of education to ensure your certification transfers over.
Can I complete a Master's Degree during my corps commitment? What Master's options do I have?
We fully support and promote our corps members to obtain higher education degrees. We have a special TFA-LAD partnership with Johns Hopkins University, the number one graduate program in education, as well as Louisiana College, University of Southern California, and there is nearby University of Louisiana-Monroe. Additionally, there is also Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy in New Orleans. Click here to learn more about our Master's Degree Options.
Teaching / Hiring
When will I find out what grade and in what school I will be teaching?
We make every effort to ensure that all of our corps members are hired as soon as possible. While we work year-round, the earliest you could be hired is during the spring. Please keep in mind that the school-year cycle means that principals will not be planning for the upcoming school year until the spring before so our districts and schools often do not know their vacancies until later in the spring and summer. Some corps members will be tentatively hired before or during Induction, while most will not complete the hiring process until closer to the start of the school year. Your ability to remain flexible and work closely with the regional team will help ensure that you are hired in the most timely fashion possible.
I have questions about my grade and/or subject assignment. What should I do?
Your grade and subject assignment is determined based on a balance between regional need and your background. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about all certification areas in case additional needs arise in these areas. However, if you have concerns about your assignment, please e-mail [email protected] or discuss them with your regional contact during your phone call.
How does assignment to a certain parish in the Louisiana Delta happen?
We prioritize the specific needs of our partner school districts in order to greatly influence the overall education landscape in our region. We will work to meet these needs by ensuring that our corps members are hired where they will make the most significant impact and serve the students with the highest needs. We can not accommodate parish preference for this reason, but do our best to get to know your unique strengths and preferences to find the best fit both ways. Our corps members, whether teaching in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, find that their students face similar challenges, common to most low-income communities. We will provide you an opportunity to learn more about the communities we serve in as many ways as possible leading up to the start of school.
We make every effort to ensure that all of our corps members are hired as soon as possible. While we work year-round, the earliest you could be hired is during the spring. Please keep in mind that the school-year cycle means that principals will not be planning for the upcoming school year until the spring before so our districts and schools often do not know their vacancies until later in the spring and summer. Some corps members will be tentatively hired before or during Induction, while most will not complete the hiring process until closer to the start of the school year. Your ability to remain flexible and work closely with the regional team will help ensure that you are hired in the most timely fashion possible.
I have questions about my grade and/or subject assignment. What should I do?
Your grade and subject assignment is determined based on a balance between regional need and your background. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about all certification areas in case additional needs arise in these areas. However, if you have concerns about your assignment, please e-mail [email protected] or discuss them with your regional contact during your phone call.
How does assignment to a certain parish in the Louisiana Delta happen?
We prioritize the specific needs of our partner school districts in order to greatly influence the overall education landscape in our region. We will work to meet these needs by ensuring that our corps members are hired where they will make the most significant impact and serve the students with the highest needs. We can not accommodate parish preference for this reason, but do our best to get to know your unique strengths and preferences to find the best fit both ways. Our corps members, whether teaching in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, find that their students face similar challenges, common to most low-income communities. We will provide you an opportunity to learn more about the communities we serve in as many ways as possible leading up to the start of school.