Robeson County vs. Gaston County (Charlotte, Fayetteville: teaching jobs, schools, pros and cons)

[Chapster06]

Hello!

I am from Ohio and have two possible teaching jobs. One for Gaston County Schools and one for Robeson County Schools. Which area is better? What are the pros and cons of the areas? Any help would be greaty appreciated!!

[CharlotteAgent]

All i know is Gaston County is a nice little secret. While there are many jokes that go along with Gastonia and Gaston county it is an up an coming area. As for the schools I really could not say for sure.

Good Luck on your choice!

[Chapster06]

Thanks! I really hope to get more information on Robeson County. I know virtually nothing about it other than they really need teachers!

[CharlotteAgent]

http://www.co.robeson.nc.us/

[mm34b]

I lived in Robeson County for 7 years. It's a poor rural county by NC standards. The largest city is Lumberton with a population of around 21,000. The county's racial makeup is:

American Indian - 38.2%
White - 35.5%
Black - 24.7%

Summers are very hot and humid. The worse I've ever experienced in NC, but great for growing Border Belt flue-cured tobacco. The closest commercial airport is Fayetteville which is about 25 miles north of Lumberton on I-95.

[roxors]

Robeson is a poor rural county, as stated above. I've worked with their local law enforcement on software issues on several occasions, so I have a little bit of knowledge. I wouldn't guess teachers would make much money there, even in comparison to NC's low paid teachers in general. I can't say much on Gaston County.

[Golden Tornado]

I'm from Robeson County. What has been said is true. Summers are hot and humid and the winters mild. Life is slow. The people are friendly but it is pretty much family oriented and gaining a social life outside of work may be difficult unless you are highly involved in church or you are "extremely" outgoing. The pay is low, but so is the cost of living. Everybody knows EVERYBODY and the dogs can run free! 30-60 (depending on where you live) minutes from Fayetteville/Fort Bragg.

I currently live in Charlotte, (just outside of Gastonia). I don't know as much about Gastonia, but from what I see it has a small town feel with the advantages of living near a larger city. Charlotte isn't as "metropolitan" as it may want to believe, but it does have more activities to involve yourself in whether you single are with a family.

I have experienced the schools systems of Robeson County. They are lacking but the students and teachers make the best of the situation. Even so, they have turned out some successes. We often times choose not to return until later in life but the teachers care. As far as the students are concerned, you may have some “bad apples” but overall they are willing to learn. From what I have seen about Gaston County, the advantages may again be greater simply because of the economic support from Mecklenburg County and the population growth that area is experiencing.

[Chapster06]

Thank you to everyone who answered! I have chosen Gaston County Schools and am happy I did!

[friendnc]

Originally Posted by Chapster06

Thank you to everyone who answered! I have chosen Gaston County Schools and am happy I did!

I'm glad you chose Gaston. I was raised there and my parents still live there. It's a nice area. Which school did you choose? I hope things go well for you!

[4paws]

Interesting thread, even if old. Aren't NC teachers paid the same no matter where they are? It seems to be a standard salary. I'm looking at relocating for next year and was considering Lumberton and Robeson County, too.