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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PRAXIS series? How do I register for it?

The Praxis is the teacher’s standardized aptitude test.  You can find more information on the PRAXIS series in the ETS website.  Go to www.ets.org and click on Praxis.

Why is a teaching license required?

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 requires teachers to have mastery of their content area.  It also requires all teachers to be “highly qualified”, meaning they must obtain a license in the area they teach.  The idea is that effective teachers have more of an influence on student achievement than other factors such as parent’s educational level, socioeconomic status among others.

What if I applied last year?

You will not need to fill out a new application, but you will be able to log back into your original application using the e-mail and password you provided when you originally applied. All of the information previously provided will be saved but you will have to fill out the blank ones. You will have the opportunity to update and make changes to your original application, which must then be resubmitted for consideration.

What if I have trouble completing the online application?

Please make sure you have filled out all of the required fields on the application, which will be marked with an asterisk *. If there is a problem with a particular field, instructions will appear in blue at the top of the page that you are attempting to complete. If you are still having problems, please contact the Office of Recruitment at 202-442-5384.

What if I don’t have my resume the right format?

Your resume MUST be in Microsoft Word (.doc) format. We do not accept resumes in Microsoft Works, Rich-Text (.rtf) or Word Perfect format.

What if I don’t submit the required documentation in time?

You must submit the required documentation in the time allotted to be moved to the new teacher pool. If you do not, you will not be considered to enter the new teacher pool.

What if I need to make changes to my application after it has been submitted?

You can make changes to your contact information by logging back into your application using the same e-mail address and password provided when you originally applied. To make any other changes, please email teachers@teachdc.org with the information on what needs to be changed.

What if I’ve been invited to attend a job fair and I can’t make it?

You are not required to attend job fairs to be considered for positions, but many positions are often filled during these events conducted during the summer. Depending upon how late it is in the hiring season, you may be invited to attend future fairs. There is no guarantee that there will be future job fairs for candidates in your subject areas or that there will be positions available after these fairs.

What if I know a principal has recommended me for hire and I haven’t heard from DCPS yet?

Human Resources generally contact candidates within one week of receiving a recommendation from a principal. However, there are sometimes delays in processing. If you have not heard from a member of Human Resources within one week of recommendation, please contact HR. The staffing specialist for the school at which you were recommended will be able to assist you.

What if I’m in the new teacher pool but take a job elsewhere?

You can withdraw yourself from any position by loging back into your account and withdrawing your application. If you are unable to do so please let the Office of Recruitment know that you would like to withdraw your application by calling 202-442-5384 or e-mailing teachers@teachdc.org with your name and “Withdraw” written in the subject line of the e-mail.

After I’ve received an email asking me to turned in all required documentation -- and i do so, what can I do to increase my chances of getting hired with DCPS?

• Check your e-mail for updates
• Contact principals at schools you are interested in
• If you are not certified, enroll in a teacher education program now
• Contact ETS and register for the Praxis series if you are not certified
• Research lesson planning, curriculum, and classroom management techniques
• Do classroom observations of excellent teachers to develop and expand your repertoire of skills.

How do I know which schools have vacancies?

Once your submitted paperwork has been verified, you will be notified by e-mail when positions are posted on the TeachDC website.  You may also be notified via e-mail with a list of schools that have vacancies in your subject area.

Do you need to live in DC to teach there?

No. DC Public Schools does not have a housing requirement or require teachers to live within the city limits. 

Does DCPS offer relocation assistance?

No. DCPS does not currently provide housing or relocation assistance.

My teaching certificate has expired. Am I still eligible to teach in DCPS?

If your teaching license has expired, please contact the office of Academic Credentials at www.k12.dc.us/dcsea.   All candidates must have a valid license to be considered for a position.

When does school start?  How long are the breaks?

For a glimpse at the 2006-2007 school calendar, click here

Do I get paid through the summer?

Yes. Your yearly base salary is divided into 12 months.

I have been teaching for over 20 years in another state? Will I get the same salary that my state gave me?

Salary placement is probationary, newly hired teachers shall be limited to 9 years (entrance step 10). Steps correspond to full years of teaching experience in an educational program of recognized standing as determined by the District of Columbia Public Schools. DCPS defines a year of teaching experience as at least 75 percent of a year as a full-time classroom teacher.

I graduated from an accredited education program located outside of the District of Columbia and I have completed Praxis I and II. Do I qualify for a DC license?

Visit http://www.k12.dc.us/dcsea/  to get information on certification questions.