Teachers to Maryland (Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City: school districts, income, living)

[kamikazejoshua]

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My wife and I are attending a teacher recruitment day and the districts that are attending from Maryland that caught my eye are Caroline County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Harford County, Charles County, Howard County and Worcester County.Sorry about the long list, but I really dont know too much about MD. The list will become shorter if those schools arent hiring in my area. We are from an extremely rural part of NY and would prefer to move to another area that isn't completely urbanized. Another rural area is fine, as long as it's closer to a city. So, my questions are really, school quality, cost of living, and just some general comments on those areas.

Thanks a bunch


We are very open to just about anywhere, the schools districts we're looking at come from VA, MD, NC, and FL. We really just want to try something different.

[JaBradshaw]

Well I don't know what you are looking for but Caroline, Cecil, Carroll and Worcester are all for the most part very rural and in my opinion there isn't a whole lot going on in those areas. Harford county is a somewhat "booming" suburb of Baltimore, while Howard is becoming more and more a suburb of D.C. with many Washingtonians relocating there. I can personally vouch for the school system there, they've done a great job. Charles County was a traditionally rural county for a long time but in recent years it has become a suburb of D.C. The northern part has become a highly populated and somewhat affluent suburb while the Southern portion retains its rural charm. That's my two cents, if you have any more questions I'd be glad to help.

[kamikazejoshua]

Thanks, this is just the kind of information i am looking for. I am trying my best to research about 30 different areas on the east coast before a a job fair next week. I'd like to stay more rural but suburbs aren't too bad. I will have more of an idea once I see what school districts are hiring for my wife's and I subject area (physics/chemistry and art)

[teleblazer]

You could also look at Calvert County. They have several schools both public and private that always need good teachers. Howard, Calvert and Carroll are typically your top three counties in MD over the past several years.

Calvert is within an hour or so of many major cities but stays rural and green enough to "get away from it all".

Good luck in your search.

[Gabrielle]

We live in Eldersburg, Carroll County. It's a growing area (3 new shopping centers planned), the schools are good, and the area is very safe. I would recommend southern Carroll County, since it still gives you access to shopping in both Westminster (20 minutes away) and Ellicott City/Columbia (30 minutes away) while you have a lot less traffic to deal with. I love living here!

[kamikazejoshua]

Thanks again, those all sound good, now i just have to hope that some of these districts are hiring for physics/chemistry or art. The teacher job fair is on Monday so I guess I'll find out then.

[kamikazejoshua]

Just a little update, we are both having follow up interviews with Carroll County. Seems like a nice area. We are also hoping to hear something back from Cecil County.

[Gabrielle]

Great news!! You will LOVE Carroll County!

[kamikazejoshua]

I am sorry that is thread is an older one but I thought I could continue instead of starting a new one on a similiar topic. I started this thread and I now know more details about the job situation. Okay, here it goes, I am currently interviewing with Frederick, Harford, Howard, and maybe Carroll counties. I am fairly confident in being offered jobs in all of the above areas since my subject area is in high need (chemistry and physics). I have heard great things about Howard County schools on this board and I am interviewing with 3 high schools in that county (Howard High, Centennial High, and Long Reach High). Those are located in Columbia and Ellicott City. It seems really nice driving through there and the community seems to be really involved with the education.

In Harford County I am looking at Harford Technical in Bel Air and Fallston High School in Fallston. I do seem to like this area because of the rural area to the north with the bay to the south and Philly to the north east. The only problem is that my wife doesnt stand a chance of getting a job there this year, she is an art teacher.

In Frederick, I am offered a job at Tuscarora HS right outside of Frederick. It's a new school and seems really nice, maybe not as much backing as Howard County. And it seems to be growing rapidly there. They are expanding on the school, even though it is only 4 years old. We like it there because of Frederick having everything we need and that is still rural outside of Frederick.

In Carroll County, I have been there before to see Liberty HS to interview and was not impressed with the administration. We like the area quite a bit in Eldersburg again because of the ruralness. But the AD didnt rub right with me and they dont pay as much as the other counties mentioned.

Sorry about the long posts but I wanted to give everyone an idea. My main concern about these areas are living expenses (housing), especially if I am the only one making steady money, about 45000$ per year, and my wife making about 300$ a week subbing. We are not used to living lavishly by anymeans but we dont want to be just squeaking by. Howard seems to be the most expensive. So I am just trying to pick everyone's brain about the above areas and the school districts listed above. Sorry about the long post.

Thanks!!!

[lscalder]

Why not work for the county that is good but have the highest income and live in another county that have less cost of living.