Re: Jobs in SC

Thanks for all the info. Laid back is good!
On 8/03/08, PA transplant wrote:
> On 8/02/08, connie wrote:
>> Would you define culture shock? What are the issues a northerner
>> would encounter? Thanks.
>
> It may be a cliche, but things move at a more relaxed pace here. I'm
> used to hurry up get it done now, being very anxious and stressed,
> but that's not how it works here. That can be good and bad!
> Northerners are also used to not speaking to people we encounter when
> out and about. Southerners talk to everyone; they strike up
> conversations with you everywhere. When I moved here, my little one
> was under a year old, and maybe two people had commented on her when
> I lived up north (out in public/strangers). When I got here, I
> couldn't go out anywhere without people stopping to talk to her/me,
> commenting and complementing her. Northerners are more uptight; it
> is a broad generalization, but it is what I've experienced.
>
> Food is different; you won't find some of the things you are used to.
> Forget pizza and al dente pasta. Learn about chicken bog and okra.
> Sweet tea is iced tea with lots of sugar. Bread brands have a
> different texture (Bunny Bread and Merita). If you want deli meat
> thin, you have to explain "shaved" or "chipped" meat. `
>
> There are no unions here for teachers. In my district, it hasn't made
> a big difference. My school is excellent, with great
> administrators-but you have many things to do that are "extra."
> Retirement/benefits are not at all what you will find in a union
> state. You really need to save on your own. Same with salary. You can
> beef it up in some districts by getting your National Board
> certification (adds a hefty stipend in my district).
>
> School culture is different; more social, less competition among
> students (unless you have advanced). Many districts have much
> poverty--this brings different problems to the classroom, as a lot of
> kids/parents don't put a premium on traditional education. My
> district has a great Tech program that directs a lot of kids in useful
> ways. Low parent involvement is a problem. Funding for schools is a
> problem. You need excellent management skills and a real connection
> with the kids to be successful. I don't want to be flamed for saying
> these things; I love my students, and there are similar kids/districts
> in northern states. This is my experience so far here, that is all.
> There are good/bad districts everywhere. Of course, there's more to
> say, but I feel like I'm gonna get it for what I have already said!!!