Teaching in Pinon Unified District (Flagstaff: middle school, live in, price)

[Madisonfaith]

There is also a sign on bonus they should have mentioned... Oh, and the rent is taken straight out of your check as well as the trash and any deposits. The deposits are taken out in payments though, unless you pay it upfront.

[quilter64]

I did ask, they said 33, I was just trying to see if there was an increase or not. Don't have a contract yet. Recommendations were being taken to the school board today for approval I guess. I am supposed to get a letter of intent today I think. Around here, unless you get into a "rich" district the average is about 32 or so. But with what it costs for rent and other things, I don't think anything under 40 really seems to go very far.

[TeacherfromNY]

I just saw your conversation running about teaching in Pinon. I am interviewing for a position on Wednesday (at 4 your / their time). It seems you had a lot of knowledge about the area. Have you been teaching there for long?

How is it living on the reservation - I know the housing (from what I read) is right near the schools.

If you are moving there without incredibly reliable transportation, are there other forms of transportation to go into town from there (my car is ok in the area of reliability, but it is up there in age and miles (6 years and over 100 thousand miles) so I don't know how well it would or wouldn't hold up during LONG trips in and out of the area.

LOL - I saw how well you were able to answer the other person's questions so figured I'd ask some of you too, lol. Thanks you for any information you might be able to give me.

[Madisonfaith]

I taught in Pinon for one year recently. It doesn't sound like long, but seems like forever, lol. There is no bus or anything going in or out of Pinon. There is a Basha's grocery and a Conoco convenience store about a mile from the school district. Other than that, you will have to drive a couple of hours for shopping. If you are non-Native, you can drive a couple hours for medical care as well. There is also the Sage Memorial Hospital and clinic, which I used for my children, which is an hour away at Ganado. Sometimes teachers catch rides from other teachers going places.
Living on the reservation is rough for new-comers, especially if you have children in the schools. As you may or may not have read in previous posts, my children had a really rough time. That is the main reason I decided to move. I will let you read the previous posts, rather than repeat everything, but if you have any more questions, go ahead and ask. Good luck on your interview!!! What grade/subject are you interviewing for?

[sun-scorpio59]

One of the reasons that the rent may go up on teacher housing is that many people brought their animals with them or found animals here to take in . Sadly said animals destroy many of the houses . Believe it or not animals chewed walls. floors peed on carpets that required the whole house to be recarpeted and ripped down screen doors, got and knocked trash cans down through the whole complex. This year has been the worst so far. Its upseting because some of us dont make enough money to have a higher rent.
You would think its cheaper to live out here but its not it becomes very exspensive what with all the travel to take of things like medical, food or jujst getting out of town which you will want to do.
I still dont have Cable to much money. i lived here a year before i had enough money for a washer, no dryer yet. i do have internet but will cancel shortly because they raised the bill by 15 dollars which is over my budget.
If you come here be prepared to work extra long hours with no reward in site. Rarely wil some one say good job or thank you for doing that.
You must has strong self esteem that is based internally not externally and have a strong work ethic and focus on what you need to do. Be prepared to struggle with yourself and others. You will learn something about yourself you never knew before.

[MrKindergarten]

I've accepted a position at Pinon. I can't wait around and MAYBE get a job elsewhere.

Where is the closest place to get a washing machine there? If I don't have one, is there a laundramat or something?

Internet in the houses....is it an issue? I can live w/o TV, but not internet. I don't think the isolation will be too big an issue. I'm coming from Phoenix, but don't go out all that much.

[kimpayne]

I find your comments very enlightening as I am considering relocating to Pinon for a teaching position. Currently we live in South Carolina and I can assure you the children here are disrespectful and unkind at times. Parents don't always cooperate and accept responsibility for the student's behavior and the teacher is charged with being parent, disciplinarian, guide, mentor among other duties! I am a new teacher(graduated in 2008) and although my children are grown, I believe children should be given a chance and I will do my best to teach them. My concern about moving to AZ are about my being able to "fit in" and relate to fellow teachers, students parents and members of the community. School starts in a few weeks and there is not much time to "get adjusted". ANy advice would be appreciated. THank you for your comments and honesty.

[MrKindergarten]

Well, I figure we'll all be living in the same little area, so I think we'll have plenty of opportunity to hang out and get to know each other.

I'm a calm guy in my 3rd year of teaching kindergarten....probably be moving up to Pinion the middle of next week.

[mitmom]

I am interviewing on Mon 7/20 for a job in Pinon elementary school. I have a son going into 11th grade that will move with me should I decide to. How is the HS. I am very concerned about him fitting in. Is there a closeness among the teachers? I am a single parent with 4 children of various ages. The only one that can come with me is my son. one is too young and two are college age . I am up for a challenge but worry about being even more lonely than i am here in my little town in Central NYS. I am concerned about feeling safe there. I read a bit about the crime. can you shed some light on this issue too? Lastly, what is all that about deductions from the paychecks? confused. thanks

[mitmom]

I also need to know if the trouble discussed above is primarily in the HS?? I may be taking a position in the elementary school. smaller children smaller problems????