Where should I be trying to teach in Atlanta?

[rackensack]

Originally Posted by coldinchicago

People are telling me that there is no teacher's union in Atlanta. Is this true?

As others have mentioned, since Georgia's a right-to-work state, there's no requirement for teachers to belong to a union, and no collective bargaining agreements that I know of between districts and teachers. Most Georgia teachers belong to one of two professional associations that perform lobbying and advocacy services, administer philanthropic and education programs, and that offer members legal assistance and professional liability insurance (the last being the main driver for many teachers to join one or the other). The Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) is affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA) and mandates NEA membership as part of GAE membership. The Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) is independent of the NEA and was formed in the 1970s by teachers who wanted the benefits of a professional organization but were uncomfortable with being required to be NEA members.

[Saintmarks]

I erred in my previous post on county school systems to check out on the eastern side of metro Atlanta. I mentioned Monroe County when I meant Walton County. Monroe is the county seat of Walton County. Monroe County is north of Macon and the county seat is Forsyth. Forsyth County is due north of Atlanta and the county seat is Cumming. Thank goodness there isn't a Cumming County in Georgia so I can bring this to a close.

It does get confusing at times

[aries4118]

Originally Posted by coldinchicago

My wife and I are planning to move to Atlanta this summer. I am a high school English teacher and my wife will be attending UGA Law in the Fall. What are your recommendations for teaching locations in the Atlanta area?

First of all, congratulations to your wife on getting accepted to and starting law school! I just started law school myself...I'm also a former teacher (seven years...upper elementary+middle school!)

Since your wife needs to be close to Athens (which is just under 1.5 hours east of Atlanta proper) I recommend applying to the following schools systems:

Eastern Metro Atlanta:
-Gwinnett County
-Barrow County
-Walton County
-Jackson County
-Social Circle City Schools
-Hall County

Metro Athens (or "near" Athens):
-Athens/Clarke County
-Oconee County
-Oglethorpe County
-Madison County
-Morgan County
-Greene County
-Banks County
-Morgan County

Things to know...
*all of the systems mentioned will position you and your wife relatively close to UGA Law.
*Keep in mind--some of the counties stretch pretty far...if you get a position, make sure your school is in the part of the county closer to Athens.
*You will need to cast a wide net (like lastminutemom mentioned), I recommend applying to all of the systems.
*Gwinnett County is really growing...and they are opening 3 new high schools over the next two years (and I think 2 are opening in in 2009...in the eastern part of the county to boot...the other new high school is in the northern part of the county). A great opportunity for you.

Good Luck. I hope this helps!