Mathis St
Harvey, LA 70058

I am a teacher, new to Helen Cox, but not new to the profession. I have taught in three regions of the US and two foreign countries, but I was still nervous about teaching in a big, urban school. It's true there are a lot of students with behavior problems here, but mostly they are typical teens. The most common problem that students have is managing their work-life balance. A lot of the students have jobs and are exhausted when they get to school. They also do not prioritize school. Work, family, and friends come first for many if not most of them; school is last. As a teacher you have to be prepared for that reality, and it's a challenge for all of us teachers to keep them alert and engaged despite the fact that about half of them are sleep-deprived and grumpy, and a good many of them are simply not motivated to do school work. That said, contrary to what the other teacher reported in his/her review, I've found the administrators to be incredibly supportive to teachers and fair all around. They back teachers when students act out, and students do have consequences every time they disrupt class. I have never been told that a student's misbehavior is my fault or my problem, but I have been given candid and constructive advice when I seek it. I've also been told that if I have any problems or need any help, it is there. Yes, students can get suspended many times before an expulsion. If you are hoping for students to get expelled quickly and easily, then find a time machine and go back a few decades. Expulsions aren't considered good practice anymore, so they truly are a last resort. The staff in the disciplinary office are also incredibly supportive. If a student is repeatedly insubordinate and/or disruptive, you can send them to the disciplinary office and continue teaching. I have also not heard any teachers praised for "unprofessional behavior and cursing" like the other teacher's review suggested. In fact, I have been humbled by how many amazing, hard-working, positive, no nonsense teachers there are in this school who are dedicated to the profession, to their students, and their team. There is a lot of serious talent among the faculty here. Most of the teachers are not only dedicated to their own professional development as educators, they're also serious academics and intellectual powerhouses. I think if I can cut it here that I would like to stay.

My daughter has autism and she has truly blossomed since attending Woodland West. The staff look after her and work very well with her. The school has provided a positive and safe learning environment for her.