new england area math teacher seeks to relocate (Murfreesboro, Smyrna: home, find a job)

[polar bear charm]

Great forum! Already informative. Anybody have knowledge about teaching jobs for high school math? Grew up in New England and just graduated from college. Looking for first job. Am familiar with private schools in the northeast but don't think there's much like that (either boarding or day) in TN. What public school systems, or private schools... assuming they were hiring ... would be good? Money will be an issue. If not teaching at a boarding school, I'll be needing to pay rent, etc. Any thoughts will be appreciated. Sort of thinking about greater Nashville area but am flexible.

[alleycat]

There are any number of private schools in the greater Nashville area (Battle Gound Academy, Montgomery Bell Academy*, Father Ryan, Harpeth Hall, Brentwood Academy, etc). Most of them are day schools.

You could probably find a job teaching math in any of the public school systems; however, the salary might make you think twice about it.

*An interesting bit of trivia, the guy who wrote Dead Poets Society went to Montgomery Bell and part of the story is based on a teacher he had there.

[Sam Baker]

Davidson county schools MNPS Home Page.

there are other threads that list the better schools in the Nashville area.

Also Williamson county directly south of Davidson County. All their schools should be fine. Wealthier people live in that county (for the most part).

Williamson County Schools

I'm originally from Maine, and you should find the teaching salaries are much better down here than in New England. And there are reasonable housing around too.

I will add Ensworth to the list of private schools as well. That school is not religiously affiliated if that matters to you.

[Mike in TN]

Rutherford County Schools (Murfreesboro, Smyrna, LaVergne) Rutherford County Schools

My wife teaches 8th grade Language Arts in Rutherford County and really enjoys working there. I think the general consensus is that it is a really good district to work for. I'm not sure why, but there aren't any listings posted on their website right now. Usually around April is when most of the vacancies are posted.

Math is an area where there is a shortage so finding a job teaching math should be easier than finding a job teaching history, english, or some of the other subjects. Are you considered a "highly qualified" teacher under NCLB or will you need an alternate licensure?

[MIKE KRASKI]

You should try to stay in New England and teach. The southern children as you know are slow learners and require a great deal of special tutoring. The pay is lower, weather not as enjoyable, very little culture compared to the New England area. You will miss the honesty of politicians such as the two great senators from Massachusetts, Kerry and Kennedy. Just think about the southern senators, Trent Lott, Jesse Helms, and the list goes on...New England looks good, doesn't it?

[UNT_Eagle]

So, you trying to be sarcastic there? Just curious.

[Diane Giam]

Originally Posted by UNT_Eagle

So, you trying to be sarcastic there? Just curious.

I hope he is! Southern Children are not slow. I moved here from NJ last year and my daughter met many bright children in HS.
The Metro schools in Nashville are in need of Teachers. Kennedy? Oh you mean the one that killed that girl?
I would never live anywhere else now.

Diane G

[goodbyehollywood]

I think Mike Kraski has his tongue firmly in cheek. It was the "great senators from Massachusetts" comment that gave him away.

Though I feel sure that some of our distinguished local "men of the people" could give them a run for their money.

[akm4]

That's funny....the senator line was the only thing I took seriously.....

[leoline]

Hi. I am interested in teaching in Nashville in the private sector. I currently live and work in the UK. Can anyone give me advice on the best way to get started. Is there a website for teaching vacancies for private schools?