Delta Region (Greenville, Clarksdale, Cleveland: best town, house, school districts)

[ananth]

I am planning on doing Teach for America (Teach For America - Home) in a couple of years. I want to do it in one of the rural regions so I could become more connected to the students and communities. One of the rural region placement sites is in the delta region of Mississippi. Greenville is one of the cities in the region. I would teach in one of the following school districts:

Coahoma County School District
Greenville Public Schools
North Bolivar School District
Leland School District
Indianola School District
Quitman County Schools
Sunflower County School District
Cleveland County School District
West Tallahatchie School District
Clarksdale City Schools

If anyone out there lives near or in one of these school districts/counties and could tell me what its like to live there, cost of living, things to do and other general info it would be much appreciated

[sad delta]

It depends on what you like to do for recreation and entertainment! As far as the teaching job goes, it will likely be the same in any area you listed! I've known a couple of different groups who were with the same program that came here to Greenville and worked a couple of years...one group rented a house across the street from me. If you choose Greenville, Leland, or Indianola, you could live here and work those places with ease. Even Cleveland schools are within driving distance. There are lots of people who drive it everyday to work or go to school. But, you may want a smaller town to live in. With the exception of the Clarksdale schools (Coahoma County), most people come to Greenville for their entertainment. Good Luck!!

[oldenfatt]

I suggest Cleveland School District among those listed. I taught there 2006-2007, we had a couple of TFA teachers at my school. They made the adjustment fairly well.

Cleveland is a small university town and has more going for it than the other places you mentioned.

West Bolivar SD in Rosedale is only about 20 miles West of Cleveland. Is it not on the list for available teaching sites? That district definitely needs help, but does have some pretty good administrators.

[TN-rox]

Cleveland is the BEST town in MS' side of the Delta. I noticed you were also looking at AR's Delta region, ananth, I would choose AR, since they have a few more good towns in the areas you mentioned. I would only live in Cleveland in MS' Delta region. Just me.

[cmiss]

I would vote for Cleveland.