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Virginia Teachers Chatboard

Ocean Science Lecture & Reception @ Smithsonian--Hurricanes!

by Christine

Oct 4, 2010

On Thursday Oct. 7th, Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History and the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE) will host the second installment of Changing Tides: A Series of Ocean Discussions. The lecture will feature hurricane modeling expert, Dr. Isaac Ginis from the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Ocean...See More

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Virginia Education Budget

by Green Goat

Oct 7, 2010

How are those budget cuts working for everyone?

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Loudoun County VA

by want to work here

Oct 17, 2010

I currently work in Jefferson County WV. I want to leave this county if possible. I have wanted a job in VA for at least two years. I am a special education teacher. I see that some elementary SPED jobs are posted. Does anyone have any info about who gets hired for these jobs in Loudoun or what is it is like to work there? Or

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lcps teach2 I have been in LCPS several years. I also spent numerous years in Clarke...the grass is no greener there and far less admin support is available. Let's post the furlough update....the time off was enjoyed with two extra days for thanksgiving A WHOLE WEEK!!!! and the monies have been restored to our checks.....When reporting, let's provide the whole...See MoreI have been in LCPS several years. I also spent numerous years in Clarke...the grass is no greener there and far less admin support is available. Let's post the furlough update....the time off was enjoyed with two extra days for thanksgiving A WHOLE WEEK!!!! and the monies have been restored to our checks.....When reporting, let's provide the whole story. Loudoun is a good as it gets in Virginia.

On 10/27/10, Ditto, Look elsewhere wrote: > I have been teaching in Loudoun for 10 years and this is my last. I > am done, part of this decision comes from my desire to start a > family and begin working from home and because I am in > the "dreaded" itinerant position with over an hour commute to all > of my schools except my home school. But secondly my decision also > is based on prior teaching experiences elsewhere. Loudoun has not > met my expectations at all. > > The bragging of "Highest Paid" is bull, when one breaks their work > hours down, teachers in LCPS work one of the longest school years > and work with some of the longest weekly contracted hours out any > school system in this country. Top this off with a high cost of > living and the fact that teachers were forced to take furlough days > and have not received raises, and yet the county itself is building > multi-million dollar schools complete with "pro-styled" sport > stadiums that rival the top college stadiums in the country > (complete with uber expensive "fake" grass") and one really has to > wonder, where is the support for the teachers? > > This county has a huge lack of support for its teachers. Teacher > turn-over is quick here given the nature of the DC-Metro area so > the school system itself will never have a real "lack" of teachers > and that is why the school system doesn't emphasize the support > they should for its teachers and this idea futher spawns the idea > that "teachers are expendable" in their minds.. > > Though, I will say there are teachers who do have a great > experience here. It all depends. I just haven't had a great one > because of my "itinerant" position, which really makes having a > family quite difficult and planning daycare and after school > activities difficult especially when you consider that Loudoun > County is nearly the size of a small state. I am placed at opposite > ends and it is a rough commute with this traffic here. > > I would also like to add that there is a very HIGH demand placed on > the teachers by the parents. Parents do a great job supporting > their schools, and this is wonderful, but the idea that teachers > need or "have" to be at all these weekend functions, after school > activities, and PTA meetings is ridiculous. Do they forget we are > human too? We have families? We would like to go to our kids’ > weekend soccer games instead of a school tag sale fundraiser? Maybe > we want to cook dinners for our own families and make sure our kids > our doing their homework...after all after contract hours belong to > us and our families! > > Nowhere in any other area of the country I have taught in, has the > demand for a teacher's time been so high and the regard for a > teacher so little, by both the administrators and the parents. I > have taught in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Howard County, > Montgomery County, Prince Georges County, New Britain Schools in > CT, and while I was in graduate school I worked in three private > schools, one being Quaker, and the other two non-religious. > > I'd also try Clarke, Fairfax, or Frederick counties instead if you > have to work in this area. I have several friends who work in > Fairfax and love it, and three of them are former LCPS employees. > > > > On 10/26/10, Try elsewhere wrote: >> if it were me, I'd look elsewhere. The teachers there are so >> upset with the furlough days, getting a pay cut, poor >> administration, and getting more and more added onto their laps. >> There are still a FEW good places, but they are waning as well. >> Also, the western jobs are hard to get because everyone wants to >> get away from this and that, therefore, they all apply there. >> I'd try Clarke or Frederick counties instead! >> >> On 10/19/10, LCPS Teacher wrote: >>> On 10/17/10, want to work here wrote: Hi there, >>> I work for LCPS and like it so far. Your commute from WV >>> will be awful unless you get a job out in the Western >>> counties. The pressure and stress is high but I am sure it >>> is where you are as well. You get community support (but >>> that is waning) and it all depends on your administration. >>> Apply, it can't hurt! >>>> I currently work in Jefferson County WV. I want to leave >>>> this county if possible. I have wanted a job in VA for at >>>> least two years. I am a special education teacher. I see >>>> that some elementary SPED jobs are posted. Does anyone have >>>> any info about who gets hired for these jobs in Loudoun or >>>> what is it is like to work there? Or

Dec 2, 2010

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WVLOVER BE HAPPY WITH WHAT YOU GOT SCROOGE!

I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE COST OF THE HEALTH INSURANCE, LONG MILES OF COMMUTE IN RT. 9 , AND THE SPED MEETINGS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL W/O UNION REPRESENTATION IN LOUDOUN WILL FAST CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT WORKING IN LOUDOUN. IN WW THE SALARIES ARE LOWER, BUT THE BENEFITS, THE SUPPORT AND THE STUDENTS MAKE U...See More

Dec 20, 2010

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Contemplating a Move to VA

by Need Some Input

Nov 5, 2010

Hi. I've spent a lot of time checking this board and I was wondering if I could get some input. My family and I are living in NY, but "living" is kind of a stretch. I am a certified teacher (Social Studies) and have been without a job since June 2009. I am substituting now, and my wife is working at a grocery store. We have 2 kids. Every month it i...See MoreHi. I've spent a lot of time checking this board and I was wondering if I could get some input. My family and I are living in NY, but "living" is kind of a stretch. I am a certified teacher (Social Studies) and have been without a job since June 2009. I am substituting now, and my wife is working at a grocery store. We have 2 kids. Every month it is a struggle to make it. We've been keeping up with the mortgage but have been late on other payments like car payment, utilities, etc. I have been applying to every SS job that I can find, the problem is there is not a lot of them to apply to. In my area of NY (upstate, very rural) there's not alot that a Masters Degree in Education is good for, so it's not like I'm limiting myself to only a teaching job. I'm trying and trying, but NY state's budget issues are really affecting schools, and though teachers are retiring, to save $ schools are not replacing teachers.

We are looking to move to VA when this school year ends (June, here in NY), as we don't want to pull my daughter out of school early. This also is gives me a chance to get my VA teaching license, and start to look for and hopefully find a job before we move down.

All of this sounds great, but I'm getting nervous. We have friends and family in NC (Greenville and Charlotte) but no one in Virginia, so we have no input on where would be best to look or even if NC schools are good. From what I've read, there are some issues, but it sounds like all states are having difficulties with their education systems/departments because of state budget woes.

Would those of you living in VA help me by answering these questions.

1. Is VA a good state for teachers? 2. Is there an area of the state which is better than others? Like, are there new schools being built, that would need new teachers? 3. Will having my Masters and 10 years of experience help or hurt me in finding a job? 4. Will we have problems being from NY? I've heard that there are lots of NY transplants in Southern states, but how hard will it be to fit in? We are in our mid to late 30's, kids in preschool and early elementary, and we are church goers, so we'd like to find the best place with others with similar lifestyles and interests if possible. 5. How is the cost of living, specifically real estate? Where we are now, we have a 3BR 1BA and prices around here are in the early $70's for similar homes. If I find a teaching job, will a teaching salary be enough for us to buy a home? Or are there homes for rent, like townhouses, not mobile homes. We don't have a problem with renting for a while, till we find something to buy, but just want to know that homes are out there.

Any help you can give would be great. I posted a similar post on the NC teachers board, as VA and NC are our top choices for a move. Thanks in advance.

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Cost of living and fitting in & so forth. They do love transplants in urban parts of VA, and yes church is very accepted and very good in education, especially for role models as educators. New Yorkers fitting in, yep, lots of military all over so notherners are more the rule than the exception.

Cost of living, be prepared to pay more for a nice house in a nice neighgorhood. For ...See MoreThey do love transplants in urban parts of VA, and yes church is very accepted and very good in education, especially for role models as educators. New Yorkers fitting in, yep, lots of military all over so notherners are more the rule than the exception.

Cost of living, be prepared to pay more for a nice house in a nice neighgorhood. For 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with 1700 to 1800 sq. feet starting at with low interest 1500 to 1700 a month. That is normal neigbor hood, not upper middle. Upper middle can cost you 1800 to 2000 a month. Rentals not much cheaper, but the advantage is you have 2 incomes and as you are established teachers, will have good income and they will love it that you are from NY.

In NC though, less teacher jobs, cost of living very low, can have a beautiful home with land for very cheap in a lot of NC. Downside is unless in Raleigh or Durham, Charlotte ect, social life on weekends is Waltmart and eating out, not much water like in VA. Hve heard and read about Wilmington, NC near Wrightsville Beach? lots of good schools, cost of living fairly low and great place for water if you have a boat and growing fast. Also, a tourist town with lots of money and great places to go for those who live there.

On 11/05/10, Bulldog wrote: > Jobs in VA are hard to come by as well. However, there are > possibilities. Some districts in Northern VA are building > and hiring, but not much in my neck of the woods (southside). > Now to answer your Q's. > 1. We are a right to work state, so I would say yes and no. > Yes in that we are treated decently. No in that we have no > real bargaining power for wages and such. > 2. Northern VA is better wage-wise, but the cost of living > is much higher. I'd shoot for Chesterfield or central VA - > possibly Shenandoah Valley. > 3. Probably a little of both. > 4. It depends on where you live. Some areas are a > bit...um...provincial, whereas others are a bit more > cosmopolitan. > 5. In northern VA way more expensive than what you're > referring to. In most rural areas, about what you've > indicated. > > Good luck on the search. > > Bulldog! > >> On 11/05/10, Need Some Input wrote: >> 1. Is VA a good state for teachers? >> 2. Is there an area of the state which is better than >> others? Like, are there new schools being built, that >> would need new teachers? >> 3. Will having my Masters and 10 years of experience help >> or hurt me in finding a job? >> 4. Will we have problems being from NY? I've heard that >> there are lots of NY transplants in Southern states, but >> how hard will it be to fit in? We are in our mid to late >> 30's, kids in preschool and early elementary, and we are >> church goers, so we'd like to find the best place with >> others with similar lifestyles and interests if possible. >> 5. How is the cost of living, specifically real estate? >> Where we are now, we have a 3BR 1BA and prices around here >> are in the early $70's for similar homes. If I find a >> teaching job, will a teaching salary be enough for us to >> buy a home? Or are there homes for rent, like townhouses, >> not mobile homes. We don't have a problem with renting for >> a while, till we find something to buy, but just want to >> know that homes are out there. >> >> Any help you can give would be great. I posted a similar >> post on the NC teachers board, as VA and NC are our top >> choices for a move. Thanks in advance.

Nov 9, 2010

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Powhatan Teacher I love my job and I love working in Powhatan County. We are just west of Richmond/Chesterfield. There are not many teaching jobs available but the schools are excellent and the community is still somewhat rural. There are New Yorkers too...even have a retired NY teacher teaching part time! After listening to what others are faced with each day, I c...See More

Dec 21, 2010

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VA NBPTS Bonus

by is it worth it?

Nov 5, 2010

Has Virginia cut National Board certification bonuses? Does anyone think the process is worth it? Does your district add to the state bonus (if any?)

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Monica Good afternoon fellow teachers!

I work with a solid, ethical health and wellness company where there are no politics and they enjoy helping others get out of debt. Weare an award winning pharmaceutical company whose health and wellness division is expanding in your area.

A comprehensive training program with mentoring and full sup...See More

Nov 29, 2010

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NBCT in VA Good afternoon,

I completed the National Board process last school year and found it a very valuable process. In my opinion, it is the best professional development a teacher can do. It makes you reflect on WHY you do what you do in your classroom. Yes, there are financial benefits as well, but you can't just do it for the money because it...See More

Dec 6, 2010

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Any Licensed Art Teachers here? Route to Licensure

by hopefullyartsgal

Nov 15, 2010

Hi - I am wondering if anyone can provide me with some info. I am trying to find a program for licensure to become and art teacher. I recently checked out the Reston cohort option through Marymount however found out to become a teacher I would need to complete close to 20 credits undergrad in addition to the Master program of 39 credits. Does anyon...See More

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checkoutshenandoah On 11/15/10, hopefullyartsgal wrote: > Hi - I am wondering if anyone can provide me with some info. > I am trying to find a program for licensure to become and > art teacher. I recently checked out the Reston cohort option > through Marymount however found out to become a teacher I > would need to complete close to 20 credits undergr...See More

Nov 27, 2010

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"working to the rule"

by anyone?

Nov 25, 2010

Are any of the school divisions "working to the rule"? How does it work? There is some talk of it here for next year.

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loudoun nbct Yes, a few LCPS schools are doing a modified "Work to the Rule." Because no teacher wants to be guilty of not doing an adequate job, it's hard to get people to leave at a certain time, but a few schools did have their faculties gather on the sidewalks in front of their schools in the morning (about 15 minutes before school) and stand there until co...See More

Nov 25, 2010

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Bulldog Basically, it means the teachers only work contracted hours. I think this is a great idea especially with the pay cuts. If the students want to stay after for tutoring, we get paid for it. But if the districts keep cutting our wages (actual or effectively), then we need to let them know that they will no longer balance the budget on the backs of te...See More

Nov 26, 2010

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Getting Masters degree online?

by need info

Nov 30, 2010

Hello! I'm currently a teacher in VA and am interested in getting my masters degree. I've been looking at several online programs but wanted to ask around to see what fellow VA teachers had to say about their experiences, who they recommended, etc. Thanks!

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Kathy I have almost completed my Masters in Guidance and Counseling online from the University of West Alabama. They are affordable (approx 1200 per class) and professional. They offer a number of other online degrees in Education as well. I've been impressed with most of my professors. Most encourage as much interaction with classmates as is possible. U...See More

Nov 30, 2010

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terri On 11/30/10, need info wrote: > Hello! I'm currently a teacher in VA and am interested in > getting my masters degree. I've been looking at several > online programs but wanted to ask around to see what fellow > VA teachers had to say about their experiences, who they > recommended, etc. > Thanks!

Hey needs info. I am cur...See More

Dec 2, 2010

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denied lunch by principals

by CPA

Nov 30, 2010

Can a teacher be denied lunch time? My sister is teaching in two schools and the principals refuse to work together to give her a lunchtime. She can't eat during planning because she has to use a lot of it to go from one school to the other. These two principals and other administraters know this because she has brought it to their attention multip...See More

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I want to apply at that district. nfm On 12/27/10, lcps2 wrote: > I am both amazed and appalled that you pretend to be > educators. You may be employed as teachers; however, > that , in and of itself, doth not an educator make you. > You have paid time off to enjoy your geography, wherever > you prefer to live, with both family and friends....yet > you spend your days...See MoreOn 12/27/10, lcps2 wrote: > I am both amazed and appalled that you pretend to be > educators. You may be employed as teachers; however, > that , in and of itself, doth not an educator make you. > You have paid time off to enjoy your geography, wherever > you prefer to live, with both family and friends....yet > you spend your days on the internet. To teach requires a > bachelor's degree and a liberal arts educational > exposure... try using yours. > > On 12/26/10, WV Wild and Wonderful wrote: >> Go ahead and like many others in VA you are PRO PAT >> ROBERSON correct MR. >> BULLDOG Cavalier! That can tell a lot about you! >> >> You seem to find the perfect cheap place in VA, bible >> belt to be, RURAL too, and NARROW MINDED that goes >> along! >> >> Keep an open minded as a Teacher and stop being >> "conservative"! >> >> Happy Holidays and Happy New Year >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 12/26/10, Bulldog back to WV - the final word pt 2 >> wrote: >>> Whoops! Hit the send key by accident. >>> >>> Anyhow, my house is 2500 sq ft and only cost about >>> $70k. It's on a quiet street where my kids can play >>> without fear of being shot at. My school is about 650 >>> students. Some good, some bad - as with all schools. >>> >>> I am in southern VA. Redneck? Ok. I'll let you get by >>> with the stereotyping and, really, ethnic slur. It >>> just shows how feeble your understanding of the >>> diverse cultures in VA is. >>> >>> As far as the election of y2k - Jeb didn't win it for >>> W. The ballot in question was designed and approved >>> by the dems. I teach social studies and did my thesis >>> at Syracuse on the election. I know of what I speak. >>> Too bad so many "independent" thinkers as >>> yourself have not done the same amount of research as >>> I. >>> >>> As far as you thinking I am several steps >>> "down" from LA...I disagree. I love LA but >>> I believe that VA is better to raise a family. The >>> state isn't bankrupt and the crime rate in MY area is >>> much better. >>> >>> My sister-in-law is teaching in MD. My WIFE is an >>> aide for special ed kids here in my county and she >>> wouldn't want to go anywhere else. She is from >>> Northern California (see? I have a mixed >>> marriage...NorCal and SoCal! chuckle). She loves the >>> area as well. >>> >>> My biggest problem with your post is that you >>> immediately denigrate Pat Robertson because of his >>> faith. Why are you so bitter? It's a shame really. I >>> look at people as people, not tags. You can't seem to >>> get over that. I really feel sorry for people like >>> you that seem so bitter. >>> >>> Live well. And try to be happier in your life. >>> >>> Bulldog! >>>

Dec 27, 2010

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South Florida Lover HERE COMES ANOTHER VA CLOSED MINDED AND CONSERVATIVE ONE TRYING TO IMPOSE HER IDEAS! LEARN TO SPELL FIRST "DOTH"???, c'mom, run your spell check at least!

REAL COUNTIES IN VA ARE FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON!

And since I have licenses in 4 states and in 6 subject areas and working in a Master in ESE that makes me a desired teacher so kee...See MoreHERE COMES ANOTHER VA CLOSED MINDED AND CONSERVATIVE ONE TRYING TO IMPOSE HER IDEAS! LEARN TO SPELL FIRST "DOTH"???, c'mom, run your spell check at least!

REAL COUNTIES IN VA ARE FAIRFAX AND ARLINGTON!

And since I have licenses in 4 states and in 6 subject areas and working in a Master in ESE that makes me a desired teacher so keep quiet!

I am here to exhange ideas, so go away if you do not like this forum!!!

On 12/27/10, lcps2 wrote: > I am both amazed and appalled that you pretend to be > educators. You may be employed as teachers; however, > that , in and of itself, doth not an educator make you. > You have paid time off to enjoy your geography, wherever > you prefer to live, with both family and friends....yet > you spend your days on the internet. To teach requires a > bachelor's degree and a liberal arts educational > exposure... try using yours. > > On 12/26/10, WV Wild and Wonderful wrote: >> Go ahead and like many others in VA you are PRO PAT >> ROBERSON correct MR. >> BULLDOG Cavalier! That can tell a lot about you! >> >> You seem to find the perfect cheap place in VA, bible >> belt to be, RURAL too, and NARROW MINDED that goes >> along! >> >> Keep an open minded as a Teacher and stop being >> "conservative"! >> >> Happy Holidays and Happy New Year >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> On 12/26/10, Bulldog back to WV - the final word pt 2 >> wrote: >>> Whoops! Hit the send key by accident. >>> >>> Anyhow, my house is 2500 sq ft and only cost about >>> $70k. It's on a quiet street where my kids can play >>> without fear of being shot at. My school is about 650 >>> students. Some good, some bad - as with all schools. >>> >>> I am in southern VA. Redneck? Ok. I'll let you get by >>> with the stereotyping and, really, ethnic slur. It >>> just shows how feeble your understanding of the >>> diverse cultures in VA is. >>> >>> As far as the election of y2k - Jeb didn't win it for >>> W. The ballot in question was designed and approved >>> by the dems. I teach social studies and did my thesis >>> at Syracuse on the election. I know of what I speak. >>> Too bad so many "independent" thinkers as >>> yourself have not done the same amount of research as >>> I. >>> >>> As far as you thinking I am several steps >>> "down" from LA...I disagree. I love LA but >>> I believe that VA is better to raise a family. The >>> state isn't bankrupt and the crime rate in MY area is >>> much better. >>> >>> My sister-in-law is teaching in MD. My WIFE is an >>> aide for special ed kids here in my county and she >>> wouldn't want to go anywhere else. She is from >>> Northern California (see? I have a mixed >>> marriage...NorCal and SoCal! chuckle). She loves the >>> area as well. >>> >>> My biggest problem with your post is that you >>> immediately denigrate Pat Robertson because of his >>> faith. Why are you so bitter? It's a shame really. I >>> look at people as people, not tags. You can't seem to >>> get over that. I really feel sorry for people like >>> you that seem so bitter. >>> >>> Live well. And try to be happier in your life. >>> >>> Bulldog! >>>

Dec 29, 2010

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