special education teacher...help please? (Chicago, Hinsdale: school districts, college, salary)

[MissV]

I was on this board last spring as I searched for a teaching position in the Chicago suburbs...I was looking to move closer to family.

Well, I got a job at Waubonsie High School in District 204...supposedly a good district, but I'm not too happy with it...anyone with input on the topic of District 204, please feel free to send me a message!

Anyway, I could stay with 204, but I would like to see what else is out there. Salary is good here, 40000+ so I would be looking for something as good or better in that regard.

I teach in a self contained classroom with students who have severe disabilities. I would like to work with students who are in the more moderate range, or at least work in a school that values some inclusion of students who have severe disabilities.

I plan to attend the College of DuPage job fair this weekend; I've heard that is a good bet. But, if anyone has any info on the best districts to work for in the Chicago suburbs in terms of pay/teacher satisfaction/etc...OR if there are any teachers out there that know their district will be hiring in this area, I would love to hear from you. Actually I would love to hear from any teachers, it is interesting to compare districts, and I moved here from out of state, so I'm still trying to learn what I need to know--particularly the stuff they don't tell you on district websites, but that you know if you live or work in a place

Thanks in advance for any assistance!

[emmi605]

The stress for Special Education teachers is at an increasing level due to NCLB and the pressure to reach that 100% Laws and paperwork make it even harder. I think all districts are struggling to meet the needs of students and also respect the professionalism of staff. I don't know much about your district, but I would be careful if you decide to leave. You may end up in the same situation elsewhere. If you just aren't being heard and see no way to make positive choices, then try some other high school districts such as Glenbard, Downers, or Hinsdale. They have great reputations.

[cowon3086]

Check out the special education cooperatives. They seem to pay better than individual districts and you have more of a choice of the type of disability and age of children you would like to teach.

[RachelSCarlson]

Congrats on being a special education teacher! We need the best in the field and it seems as if you know why you want to teach this very special group. You might want to look in to Park View Montessori or Brickton Montessori in the Chicago area. If you haven't explored Montessori before, you may be pleasantly surprised at the philosophy behind the respect for students and more. If you're not certified in this area, check out GuidedStudies.com to get more info. Glad I did! Good luck--

[kaedebonsai]

Hi,
I have my dual certification of both subject matter and special education and teach a mix of both in the south burbs of Chicago. I work in an excellent district with great pay and benefits. At a high school level (like what I teach) special education teachers are at HUGE demand! I work in the type of school district were a history or english position opens and we get 500 plus applicants. Now with special ed, we don't get very many.

Also, it sounds like from your post your a first year teacher, I would be VERY careful about calling out the district you work for and publicly speaking your dislikes. Many people who know people who work for other people, read this forum. I know if a 1st or 2nd year teacher went public complaining about the district I work for, they were would be fired by year end.
-Just a word of warning, you also don't want to burn any bridges.