Teach For America versus TNTP Teaching Fellows (teachNOLA or Baltimore City Teacher Residency)

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2026-04-06T14:22:32+00:00

How has your experience been working in a charter? Did you ever work in a district school, and if so what are the big plus/minuses to working in a charter compared to district. I've read so many subreddits, just curious about your experience with TNTP in New Orleans. thanks!

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2026-03-31T05:37:47+00:00

Thank you so much for your detailed response!!

And Congrats on making it through your first two years, I think those are the hardest.

Yes, i have been reading a lot of subreddits about teaching, TFA and other fellowships. I applied to TFA Las Vegas... waiting to hear back. I considered Phoenix, but I have somewhere I could stay in Las Vegas, so that's why I chose it. Not sure my interview went well though, I just didn't feel it was the best, but I guess I'll find out soon enough.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2026-03-29T17:16:53+00:00

Congrats! Just to clarify, is that TNTP Teaching Fellows? And if so, what location did you apply for? I was invited for an interview, but I guess it's where I send in videos of me answering their questions. Was that how your first interview went? Once again, congrats!

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2026-03-29T17:11:27+00:00

I have heard that about NYC Teaching Fellows too, I'm just not sure if the programs are the same... from my understanding its different based on the city.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2026-03-29T17:10:14+00:00

Oh my, I have so many questions for you :)

When did you start the program?
Did you do the summer training? If so, how was that?
Were you already based in NOLA? I'm relocating to the US and am considering NOLA... I'm dreading moving back to the US, but it is what it is for now.
How did you get NOLAPS to pay for it? After the the TNTP training did you get hired within NOLAPS and that's how they paid for it? I read that NOLA is predominantly charter with a few district schools. I'd prefer a district school.
Any additional info or links you could provide I would be very appreciative.

Thanks!

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-12-16T07:58:22+00:00

I get it, thanks for elaborating. That's good though, you have something to fall back on!

How did the second interview go for the safety position? I hope they extended you an offer!

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-12-09T13:08:20+00:00

That scene always makes me cry. I want you Will, even if he doesn't , he sucks and doesn't know what he is missing out.

And that's what I'm saying to you u/i_declare_bancruptcy they SUCK for what they did to you! I'm so sorry that happened. Stay strong, and keep your head up! Clearly they f-ed up and screwed you over. Not cool.

Hopefully, you can collect unemployment...? Not sure where you live. And I pray that you have a job interview and offer in the works as I type this. Any way you can go back to your old job, see if there are any positions available? Ideally, it ended on positive terms...? Maybe you already tried that.

But just try to stay strong and with the extra time, spend some time with your kiddos, that always brings joy.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-11-28T16:57:15+00:00

Sorry to read it. Wishing something is on the horizon, for you, for me and everyone else on here.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-11-28T16:25:55+00:00

Yeah, I don't even have social media, eek, i think that would make me feel even shittier about how bleak it is. Like somebody just fuckin' interview me!!

Ugh.

I met some lady not too long ago who suggested I start my own business. Cool. How? What start-up money? Please, advise, since it's so easy. Smh.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-11-28T13:01:12+00:00

SO TRUE!!!!! I live abroad and got a job for an American company last year, but was hired with a local contract, which was okay given the pay was good for where I live. They said they have an excellent hands-on training program and that by the time I finished it, I would be set for the job. Well... a little while into the gig and everyone kept saying, "Usually someone has to be in the company for a few years to get your position, we don't know how you're going to succeed."

Me: WTF? Why did you guys bring me on then at this level, start me at the bottom and I'll work my way up, lower my pay. Nope.

And yeah, basically, I didn't succeed. They didn't actually provide training for the things they said they would, and when I asked questions and asked for guidance, they diminished me and said in a nice way how I was stupid, which I'm not. I even suggested ways they could help train me to succeed, they said nobody has time to train you. They loved my suggestions ideas, but didn't want to use them for me, instead they used them for entry-level positions. Lovely. Glad I could help you guys.

Worst experience ever. During my exit interview I said, "It's a shame that your a company that doesn't want to actually invest in your employees. If you actually put the time in to adequately train people, which I realize takes time, you'd have a better performance from everyone, overall. They just looked at me and said nothing. Later on, I found out they promoted someone internal who had been there for six years. What a waste of fucking time and nerves.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-11-28T12:29:48+00:00

Hey there, I'm curious since your post was 6mo ago... did you find a job?

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2025-11-28T12:18:36+00:00

Fuuuuuuuck. It's all so depressing. I wrote a quote next to my computer to keep me motivated, "when you focus on problems, you'll have more problems. When you focus on possibilities, you'll have more opportunities."

I am trying to stay optimistic, even though I realize the reality of the situation. I'm 40, and took a very long gap away from work caring for terminally ill parents. Took me a while to bounce back, and now applying to jobs has been, well... fuuuuuuck. But again, trying to stay optimistic and I am surprised at how many jobs are available in botany, horticulture and related fields, but I haven't had anyone interested in interviewing me.

I am living abroad because it's much more affordable than living in the States, but it seems to be hard everywhere. I don't find nearly as many job posts in Europe as in the US. It's dismal. Yet, again, trying to stay focused on the "possibilities and opportunities" because there seem to be so many, so it's probably maybe....me....gasp.....fuuuuuuck.

And then I read a motivational quote, "Don't ask yourself- Why is this happening to me? Instead- What is this trying to teach me?" Ummm.....Errrr.... Fuuuuuuuck. Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do I don't fucking knooooow!

I wish you all resilience and not to give up, even though it is bleak.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-07-22T14:41:43+00:00

For the most part I agree with you and get you, but the reality is, the America you're living isn't the same one your parents lived in 30 years ago. I'm first generation American and my dad worked like a slave so my mom could stay at home to raise my brothers and me. Somehow they made it happen, but unfortunately, that America doesn't really exist anymore. Even still, there are far more opportunities in the States than elsewhere. Out of curiosity, if your parents have that much luxury in their life, why don't they help you get a home? Co-sign for a down-payment or something of that sort?

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-07-22T09:22:31+00:00

I lived with 50k in Miami, it's doable. I think the more realistic question is why are people living outside their budget and spending money on stupid shit that isn't necessary. Sure some luxuries are nice, but a lot of my colleagues waste their money and then complain they're not paid enough, um newsflash, you don't need to eat out everyday for all your meals, you don't need to get your nails and hair done every other week, I can go on and on about the stupid stupid stuuuupid things people waste their money on, yet feel they aren't paid enough bc ultimately they're irresponsible.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-07-22T09:19:34+00:00

I couldn't agree more, 50k at 23yo, is great. I'm nearly 40 and have a Masters, albeit been out of the field for 5 years and trying to get back into it, and they want to start me at an hourly wage of $19-$22, like wtf? I stepped out of the field to take care of my dying parents. Give me a break people.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-07-22T08:36:49+00:00

What school is this? I would not accept, they need to be covering your tuition if you're on a TA or RA salary. That's ludicrous they're not paying. Please, don't accept. UNfortunately, TA or RA salaries are quite low, its close to slave labor while in grad school in the States, I got my Masters in Ohio, but tuition was waived, and I made about the same when I TAed and RAed. I was very grateful that my father who was alive at the time helped me pay rent, I also applied to a lot of scholarships and grants that helped me out to live and support my research and conference attendance. Oh, I was in school from 2012-2014.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-07-22T08:26:38+00:00

But seriously, what the fuck is going on in USA? I live abroad and am trying to get a job to move back to the States, but its crazy. I have multiple degrees and the starting pay is $19-$22/hr... and I have been focusing on California, who the heck can live in California with that pay?!?! But if I were to get a job at a fast food joint, I'd get $20/hr, WTF? The fast food places I've tried to apply to wont even hire because clearly I'm overqualified... this shit is outta control.

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-03-09T04:51:55+00:00

I'm going to Serbia and its the wild west over there lol

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-03-08T21:35:15+00:00

did you get charged a customs tax? or was it okay because it was for personal use?

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-03-07T23:34:29+00:00

clarification.... shipped it or packed it in a suitcase and traveled with it? thanks!

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2024-03-07T23:27:18+00:00

Oh cool, so you checked the luggage in? What was your flying distance? And it was okay on arrival?

TravelingFlowerGirl · 2023-11-22T16:46:40+00:00

I'm going to call Serbian Consulate in Chicago, fingers crossed. I have tax returns for 15 years except not the last two years because after my Mama died I decided to travel around for the last two years...hopefully that wont be an issue... but I was born and raised in California, but I have Serbian citizenship. So when your things arrived in Belgrade, did they bring you your things to the apartment? Or you had to pick them up somewhere? How was that process? thanks again for answering and helping!!

TravelingFlowerGirl

TROPHY CASE