About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the time commitment?
Leading Educators commit two years to the program (for details see Your Commitment).

When are the application deadlines?
The priority application deadline is April 11, 2008 and the late application deadline is April 25, 2008.

What is the difference between the priority and final deadlines?
We will fill up to two-thirds of the program places by the priority deadline. The remainder of program places will be filled on a rolling basis.

Our application process is designed so that every candidate who meets our Candidate Profile is extended an offer to join us until the program is full. However, we strongly encourage you to apply to the priority deadline. There are many benefits to applying to the priority deadline, including earlier notification.

Can I apply after the application deadline?
Yes, but preference will be given to applicants who complete their application prior to the deadline.

What if I am working in another parish or in another state?
You are still eligible for the program, and can be accepted with the provision that you find a teacher-leader role in an open enrollment public school (charter, RSD, or OPSB) in Orleans Parish. We can help you find a suitable position through our networks and partner organizations, such as teachNOLA (www.teachNOLA.org). Please contact us if you would like assistance applying to teach in a school in New Orleans.

What does the ideal candidate look like?
Leading Educators are current teachers and teacher-leaders who though diverse in every respect share our core beliefs and have an unwavering commitment to working in open admissions urban schools that aspire to provide their students with an outstanding education. All successful candidates will possess a drive to realize the program’s core beliefs, most importantly the belief in the potential of every child to succeed academically.

Who is eligible to apply? What is the minimum number of years of teaching experience required to apply?
Leading Educators must have 2 or more years of classroom experience in a K-12 setting.

Can I fax or email my application?
No, only email applications are accepted at: recruitment@leadingeducators.org. The first step in this process is to complete our Register Your Interest online form so that we have your contact information in our database.

When will you call references?
Leading Educators will call references for certain candidates after each Interview and Assessment Session. We will not contact references beforehand, although your principal will be required to submit a Principal Recommendation form in the second step of your Application Process.

What type of training and support is provided?
From the weekend trainings to the summer intensive session and school year twilight workshops, Leading Educators receive training and support throughout their two-year commitment, including an annual trip to a different city each year to visit open admissions urban schools that have closed the achievement gap. Peer coaching and advisory support from successful urban educators provide on-going support to the Leading Educators during the year. For a more detailed description see Program Overview.

Do I have to attend the entire Summer Intensive Session?
Yes. The Summer Intensive Session is one week long, and it is critical that you fully engage in the entire week of programming. Through this week of intensive workshops, you will gain essential knowledge and skills that will become the foundation of your school year.

Do I have to pay a fee for the coursework and instruction I am receiving?
No, all accepted applicants receive full scholarships for the entire program.

What is your relationship with New Leaders for New Schools?
Leading Educators is a subsidiary program of New Leaders for New Schools. Both programs reflect a commitment to building a movement of school leaders skilled at creating open admissions urban schools.