Middle/High School Teacher Curious about LC Schools (Las Cruces, Mesilla: transplants, 2011)

[adgreenw]

My wife and I will be relocating to Las Cruces for the 2010 school year, as she will be beginning school at NMSU. I am a secondary social studies teacher, and have done most of my teaching in Philadelphia, and more recently, in Belize.

I am curious about any recommendations of schools in the LC area??? I am familiar with Alma D' Arte, and would absolutely love the opportunity to teach their, but I am curious about other recommended schools. I am particularily fond of charter schools with more progressive missions, but am not opposed to public neighborhood schools either. I am an "urban educator" by trade, and therefore, am not picky in regards to a schools student population or resources, but more concerned with leadership and reputation. Any suggestions or guidance would be greatly appreciated...Thanks

[Cali-girl]

Hello:

There are a few private schools in LC, notably Las Cruces Catholic School (Pre-8th) and Mesilla Valley Christian Schools (K-HS). There is also a Lutheran School off Roadrunner, however I do not know what the grade ranges are there.

Regarding public education in Las Cruces, there was an article written by Michael L. Hays in the Las Cruces Sun-News where he wrote of his recent (2008) experiences with public education in Las Cruces.

On their website, the Sun-News has removed Dr. Hays' articles (I think he authored two articles, not sure), however, if you have access to a university library that has Nexis, you may be able to pull it up: Las Cruces Sun-News, "A Tale of Two Cities" by Michael L. Hays

In any event, Hays' controversial term, termination, and subsequent departure was discussed on this thread here in City Data Forum:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/las-c...s&#post8040503

hth

~Cali-girl

[ibarrio]

I will be honest with you. It is going to be very tough to land a teaching job in Las Cruces/El Paso in your area (Secondary Social Studies).

In New Mexico and Texas, a Social Studies Teaching job goes to people already working in the district or football coaches.

[adgreenw]

Thanks Cali-Girl. I will most definitely check out the article.

ibarrio. Thanks for the honesty, but I really don't have a choice...I have to find a job. I can coach soccer or basketball. Any idea how one becomes certified to coach sports?

[TigerLily24]

Originally Posted by adgreenw

Thanks Cali-Girl. I will most definitely check out the article.

ibarrio. Thanks for the honesty, but I really don't have a choice...I have to find a job. I can coach soccer or basketball. Any idea how one becomes certified to coach sports?

Your best bet would probably be to apply first for a substitute position. I know at least one person who got 'in the door' that way. Given your time table, I would contact LCPS admin now so that you get all paperwork, etc. out of the way.
The city is building a new elementary, middle and high school - the elementary and middle schools are scheduled to be open for the 2010-2011 school year, not sure about when the high school will open. Clearly there will be demand for new staff, and as they say, timing is everything.
Good luck

[ibarrio]

Current job openings for the LCPS.


Scroll down to see the coaching jobs. It should list the requirements.