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FAQ

Teaching in Newark

  1. What does a typical day look like?

    School days are typically about seven hours long; however, class schedules, length of the school day and school year may vary from school to school. Teachers also spend time outside the classroom preparing lessons and grading schoolwork. You can also expect to attend professional development sessions or faculty meetings after school hours. A teacher's first year in a new school is always intense, regardless of his or her background or previous experience. You should be prepared to work long hours.

  2. Once I am a full-time teacher, will I teach over the summer?

    You will participate in an intensive summer training program before entering your classroom for the first time. Review the Training & Resources section for more details. However, once you are a full time teacher, you would not be required to teach over the summer. Many teachers elect to teach summer school, although the number of positions is limited.

  3. What part of Newark will I be teaching in?

    Most TeacherNex teachers are hired to teach in high-need schools, typically with a record of low academic achievement.  Upon acceptance and enrollment into TeacherNex, you will be able to work with a TeacherNex job search support specialist who will assist you in finding a school that is a strong fit for you.  For more information, review the Finding a Teaching Position page of this website.

  4. How safe are the schools?

    We believe our schools are safe. We encourage concerned candidates to visit the areas in which they may teach during a regular school day to determine their own level of comfort with the environment.

  5. What is a charter school?

    Charter schools are independently-run public schools that operate according to the terms of a contract, or charter, between a private group and a school district or state for a set period of time. In exchange for greater freedom over items such as the academic program, management structure, and length of the school day and year, charters are held accountable for concrete performance targets. The agency that granted the charter can close schools that do not meet their targets, among other reasons.

    The greater autonomy given to charter schools means that the experiences of teachers in these schools can vary greatly from building to building. The vast majority of these charters serve the state’s highest-need students and incorporate different strategies to raise their students’ academic achievement, including longer school days and extended or additional opportunities for learning (often on the weekends).

    In New Jersey, charter schools must be renewed every five years after the school’s fourth year.

  6. I am interested in teaching special education but nervous about that type of job. What does it really mean to teach special education?

    Special education is designed around the concept of individualized curriculum to provide greater support for certain students. Therefore, there is a wide range of special education experiences. One of the most exciting aspects of a placement in special education is the opportunity to be both advocate and teacher. While teachers are first and foremost responsible for academic goals, they also work to develop a positive school environment for students with special needs. The best way to get a sense of what it means to teach in a special education class is to talk to a special education teacher or visit a classroom. Applicants should also familiarize themselves with the basic information available in the Subjects You Will Teach section of the website. More information about and training on supporting students with special needs will be available during the summer training and through the licensure program.

  7. How long is the commitment?

    One of TeacherNex’s goals is to build a network of teachers in Newark who are passionate about educational equity and ready to work actively to achieve results in their classrooms on a daily basis. Therefore, we hope that outstanding individuals who enter the teaching profession through TeacherNex will find a long-term career as an educator in Newark, fulfilling our shared mission of closing the achievement gap, for many years to come. Initially, however, we expect all TeacherNex candidates to teach for a minimum of three years in Newark.

  8. Why should I join TeacherNex?

    Your knowledge and experience can help ensure that every child in Newark has access to a high quality education. High-quality teachers are the single most important factor in raising student achievement and closing the achievement in this city and in our nation. Through TeacherNex, you will join a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to closing the achievement gap and to making a difference. Find out more about what TeacherNex can offer you.

Certification

  1. What does “alternate-route” mean?

    As an alternate-route pathway, TeacherNex accelerates the process of bringing new teachers to the classrooms that need them the most. Rather than completing a traditional teacher education program prior to entering the classroom, TeacherNex candidates engage in a short but intensive summer training program and complete further academic requirements while they teach full time, earning a full salary and benefits. Review the certification page of this website for more information.

  2. Will I receive state certification?

    Yes.  All TeacherNex teachers formally commit to working toward and completing their certification requirements when accepting their offer to join the TeacherNex hiring pool.  While it is not required in order to enroll in the hiring pool, all TeacherNex teachers must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility by May 31, 2010, and will begin teaching under a Provisional Certificate.  Once you find a full-time position and start teaching, you will complete alternate-route coursework and requirements.  Please review the certification section of this website for more information.

  3. What exams will I need to take?

    You must register for, study for and pass the Praxis II subject area exam(s) and verify sufficient knowledge of physiology, hygiene and substance abuse issues, including the effects of narcotics and alcohol through passage of an exam offered at county offices or through previous college level coursework in biology, health or nutrition or through basic military training.   Candidates to teach Bilingual/Bicultural Education and Spanish must also pass oral and written language proficiency exams in Spanish and/or English.  All required exams MUST be passed before enrollment in the hiring pool can be finalized and before one can become eligible to interview with TeacherNex partner principals.  It is imperative that all candidates study thoroughly for these exams. They often prove difficult even for individuals with deep content knowledge or relevant professional experience. Review the Testing Requirements section of this website for more information.

  4. Can I receive a waiver or exemption from the subject area based on my undergraduate coursework or professional experience?

    No, all TeacherNex candidates must take and pass the Praxis II subject area exam before finalizing enrollment in the hiring pool and becoming eligible to interview with TeacherNex partner principals.

  5. How much will my certification coursework cost?

    TeacherNex teachers are eligible to complete New Jersey certification requirements through any state-approved certification program.  This may include one of the many alternate-route programs offered throughout the state, or a post-baccalaureate or Master’s degree program offered by a college or university.

     TeacherNex partners with several different certification providers in order to offer our teachers a streamlined pathway toward full certification.  More detailed information about these partnerships will be provided upon acceptance and enrollment into the hiring pool. 

     TeacherNex candidates are responsible for the cost of all tests and fees associated with receiving their certification.  The intensive summer Training Institute, however, is provided by TeacherNex at no additional cost to the candidate, and all TeacherNex teachers receive a $1,000 non-taxable stipend to help defray living expenses once they complete the training, and all other hiring requirements. 

Qualifications

  1. What type of person is a good candidate for TeacherNex?

    There is no one profile for an ideal TeacherNex candidate; our teachers come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring to the program a diverse set of talents and skills. Strong candidates are those who are committed to having a positive effect on student achievement, who display excellence in their previous endeavors, and who are dedicated to reaching and influencing students—especially those in under-resourced areas—on a daily basis. No previous coursework or experience in teaching is required.

  2. How do I know if I am eligible for TeacherNex?

    Applicants to the TeacherNex hiring pool should review the eligibility section of this website to check if they meet the requirements.

  3. Am I eligible if I have no prior teaching experience or prior coursework in education?

    Yes. Individuals without prior teaching experience or coursework in education are eligible for the program and encouraged to apply. TeacherNex is specifically designed to attract high-quality applicants from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession. Click here for more information.

  4. Are individuals who have worked as substitute teachers eligible?

    Yes, as long as you have not completed a teacher certification program with student teaching. For more details, visit the eligibility section of this website.  If you are a substitute teacher who has worked full-time and is certified, please visit the Certified Teachers section of this website.

  5. What if I don’t have an 3.0 GPA?

    Individuals must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher from an accredited college or university to be eligible to apply to the TeacherNex hiring pool.  However, TeacherNex acknowledges that GPA is one factor among many in judging an applicant, and, in some instances, consideration may be given for individuals whose GPA falls between a 2.5 and 3.0 and who display exceptional past achievement elsewhere.  Candidates with less than a 3.0 GPA will have the opportunity in the online application to address any issues that may be relevant to their academic performance.  Please review the eligibility section for more information on our eligibility requirements before applying.

Application Process

  1. How do I apply to join the TeacherNex hiring pool?

    An application consists of a complete online application form, a resume, and short essay responses to three application questions.  We encourage you to read through this website for more information about the application process.

  2. What should I include in my resume?

    Your resume should provide details about your education and professional experience, highlighting those jobs, activities, and awards that display your excellence and reflect achievements and concrete results.

  3. Can I include letters of recommendation with my application?

    No. Because of the sheer number of applications we receive, we are unable to consider documents or materials other than those required for a complete application (application form, resume, and application questions). Materials that are not required will be discarded. However, we do ask for references on the application, which we may contact to receive further insight on our applicants.

  4. Do I need to send transcripts with my application?

    Although transcripts are not required with the initial TeacherNex application, you must submit one (1) official (sealed) transcript from every college and/or university attended—including community colleges—at the Interview Event. If accepted, you will be required to submit a total of three (3) official, sealed, transcripts from all institutions attended in order to finalize your enrollment in the hiring pool.  As part of your application to the university certification program you may also need to submit official transcripts from every college attended, therefore we encourage you to request several copies when making your request for transcripts. Because it often takes universities several weeks to process requests for official transcripts, we highly recommend you request official transcripts now.  Please note that transcripts submitted to TeacherNex are not returnable.

  5. What happens after I submit my application?

    All applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility, and then for content. You should receive notification if you are invited to interview within approximately two weeks of our receipt of your completed application. (You will also be notified within this timeframe if you are not invited to interview.) Learn more about the application process.

  6. What happens during an interview event?

    The interview represents one of the most important elements of the application process, offering candidates a chance to demonstrate their strengths and commitment to making a difference in Newark’s neediest schools. Candidates will be placed in groups of up to ten, along with one to two TeacherNex interviewers. An interview event consists of both a group session and an individual interview. Each candidate will be asked to teach a five-minute lesson to the larger group, participate in a group discussion, write about a specific educational scenario, and engage in a one-on-one interview with a program representative. At the event, candidates have the chance to meet other potential TeacherNex teachers and to gain a deeper perspective on the program. More information about the interview event will be provided in advance of your scheduled interview date.

  7. Where and when do interview take place?

    All interviews are conducted in person in the Newark area. Most interview events are held on weekends, and each candidate will be given the opportunity to sign up for an interview event that is most convenient for him/her. We encourage candidates to apply early, as this may allow more opportunities to select a convenient interview event date. All applicants invited to interview must interview in person in Newark in order to move forward in the application process.

  8. Do I have to interview in Newark to secure a teaching position?

    Yes.  After acceptance and enrollment in the TeacherNex hiring pool, all candidates will interview with school leaders once they are ready to secure a teaching position.  Find out more about securing a position.

  9. What is the application deadline?

    We are no longer accepting applications from alternate-route teachers for the 2010 school year.  We encourage you to visit My TNX and create an account; we will contact you when we begin accepting applications for the 2011 school year.

  10. How can I get more information?

    For more information, explore this website.  If you have specific questions, please contact us at info@newark.teachernex.org or 973-910-0647.

Admission and Enrollment

  1. Can I defer acceptance into the hiring pool?

    Candidates may not defer acceptance into the TeacherNex hiring pool; however, they may re-apply in the next school year.

  2. Can I reapply to the hiring pool next year if I’m not accepted?

    Yes, as long as you are applying in a new school year. Keep in mind, however, that in order to be considered, you must be able to demonstrate improvements in your candidacy since your previous application. The process for applicants who are re-applying is no different than that for applicants applying for the first time. Because the needs of the school system change from year to year, even those applicants who were admitted in a previous year and declined our offer of admission or withdrew from the hiring pool, must re-apply to begin teaching the following year.

  3. I met all of TeacherNex’s eligibility requirements. Why wasn’t I accepted?

    TeacherNex is extremely competitive and maintains high standards for all applicants. Our eligibility requirements are only the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the hiring pool, and meeting them in no way guarantees an applicant acceptance. Neither is an achievement or experience sufficient to guarantee acceptance. We require all candidates to complete an application and only those who best meet our selection criteria will be selected to join the TeacherNex community.

Your Teaching Position

  1. What will I be teaching?

    Candidates for TeacherNex are accepted to teach specific subjects.  The subject that you are accepted to teach is based on the staffing needs of our partner schools, your eligibility, and, when possible, your stated subject area preferences.  Your eligibility is determined according to strict district and state regulations.  Newark is in need of strong teachers in all subject areas, but has a particular need for teachers in science, math, special education, and bilingual education. 

  2. How do I know what subject I am qualified to teach?’

    What you are qualified to teach largely depends on your academic history and your successful passing of the appropriate Praxis II exam.  Generally speaking, to be qualified to teach math or science, you must have a major in the field.  To be qualified to teach special education and bilingual education, you must have a bachelor’s degree.  All candidates must pass the appropriate Praxis II subject exams.  Please visit the eligibility section for more detailed information.  All candidates will receive more specific direction on what test they are required to take with their invitation to interview.

  3. How does the process of finding a teaching position work?

    Once they are fully enrolled, TeacherNex teachers will receive multi-faceted job search support from our staff members.  Our services fall into four primary categories: 1) Resume and cover letter; 2) Interviewing; 3) Individualized coaching; and 4) Profile distribution.  These services are focused on maximizing your chances of finding a full-time teaching position here in Newark.  Learn more about finding a teaching position through TeacherNex.

  4. Can I choose where I will teach?

    Throughout your job search, the TeacherNex staff will provide highly personalized support in order to maximize your chances of finding a full-time position that is a strong match for you, whether that means you would only like to teach at a district school, in a certain area of the city, or at a school that aligns exactly with your educational philosophy.  We encourage you, however, to keep in mind that our mission is to close the achievement gap here in Newark and that means providing a high quality education to all of our children. 

  5. Do you provide a job guarantee?

    Here in Newark principals are responsible for their own interviewing and hiring; therefore, we are unable to provide a job guarantee.  As we strongly believe that a critical part of closing the achievement gap is giving principals the autonomy to create their own instructional teams, we are excited to be working in a district that gives such power to school leaders.

Training and Resources

  1. How will I be prepared for the classroom?

    All alternate-route TeacherNex candidates will complete an intensive training program that includes observation and practice teaching in a summer school classroom, daily sessions led by experienced teachers focused on the practical aspects of teaching and issues faced by teachers in high-need schools, and additional coursework related to the foundation of strong teaching practices.  Attendance at all components of training is mandatory. Find out more about the training and resources you will receive as a TeacherNex candidate.

  2. How intensive is summer training?

    The TeacherNex program concentrates a great deal of training into only a few weeks; thus, training is extremely demanding. Due to the critical part that training plays in preparing you to be successful in the classroom, you cannot miss any portion of the training. Please review the Training & Resources section of this website for more information.

  3. How long is summer training?

    The training program is a full-time, six week commitment over the summer.

  4. Will I be paid for training?

    During the summer training session, participants are provided with a $1,000 pre-tax stipend. The stipend is generally distributed at the end of the summer training for those who have completed training and met all requirements needed to teach (testing, certification, etc.).  Because the time between the start of training and a teacher’s first paycheck may be lengthy, we encourage all program participants to take appropriate measures to ensure their financial well-being during this time. Please review the Salary and Benefits section of this website for more information.

Compensation and Benefits

  1. What is the starting salary for a TeacherNex teacher?

    Please refer to the Salary & Benefits section of this website for more information.

  2. What employment benefits do TeacherNex Teachers receive?

    Please refer to the Salary & Benefits section of this website for more information.

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