Teaching job in Memphis Area (Oakland: low income, neighborhood, school districts)

[zacw22]

I'm a K-6 elementary teacher who will be moving from East Tennessee to Memphis next summer because my husband will be attending UT. We're both willing to communte but I don't know what school systems to look at. From what I've read on hear I need to steer clear of Memphis City schools. I plan on applying in Shelby County though. What school districts around Memphis and in Arkansas and Mississippi should I consider?

[Pearlbob]

Anything but Memphis City...you could get a job there easy, but it can be really dangerous. It's harder to get on in the other school districts because that is where everyone wants to teach.

[strumpeace]

Many teachers here go the private school route and take less money for doing so. With regard to public schools, I would suspect that the DeSoto and Shelby districts--especially DeSoto with its fast-growing population--probably have plenty of jobs.

[tennreb]

Originally Posted by zacw22

I'm a K-6 elementary teacher who will be moving from East Tennessee to Memphis next summer because my husband will be attending UT. We're both willing to communte but I don't know what school systems to look at. From what I've read on hear I need to steer clear of Memphis City schools. I plan on applying in Shelby County though. What school districts around Memphis and in Arkansas and Mississippi should I consider?

If you do teach at one of the Memphis City Schools, make sure it is a good optional school like Snowden. If you live downtown near UT, then Snowden would be close. Also, the Downtown Elementary School is brand new and has an optional program. The school is mostly black, but everyone needs quality teachers. DeSoto County is only about 20 minutes from downtown.

[AHmemphis]

As a Memphis City School teacher, I feel it necessary to respond to this thread. Did someone really say that "the school is mostly black, but everyone needs quality teachers?" I am white and was raised in a completely white school and neighborhood, yet I still find that comment incredibly racist. What does someone's race have to do with anything? I work in a very low income neighborhood and school and absolutely love the faculty, students, and program.

You are supposed to be teaching your students about diversity and accepting everyone no matter who they are, yet you make comments like this. Please, take the advice and stay clear of Memphis City Schools, because we don't want that kind of attitude.

[zacw22]

Originally Posted by AHmemphis

You are supposed to be teaching your students about diversity and accepting everyone no matter who they are, yet you make comments like this. Please, take the advice and stay clear of Memphis City Schools, because we don't want that kind of attitude.

Just to clear things up, I wasn't the one who made the racist comment that offended you so much. I also do not share the same sentiments. I had simply asked for advice on where to try to teach. When people give advice they are free to state their opinions. Just because they give their opinions, does not mean I listen to them.

[tippster]

My husband has taught in both City and County schools. Each have their own problems. However, when he was in the city school (and he taught at a optional school) he encountered a lot more headaches. He preferred to teach in the county schools (and they are by no means perfect).

[mzloolue]

Check out Tipton county and the Oakland areas.

Tipton county schools are growing rapidly.

Getting a job with Shelby County Schools can be tricky.
I would put in an application for sure, but don't hold your breath.
Unless you have a relatives already working there.

[tippster]

Just keep in mind that Tipton County Schools do not pay as well as Shelby County or Memphis City.

[Deck]

Memphis City School's Finest... the honor students... got into a big public gang fight at a pizza party in Cordova.

Need you know any more?