Is this area safe (zip-10457?) (Bath: crime, neighborhoods, private schools)

[angelny]

I'm new at this but I really need all of your help. There are open teaching positions near the bathgate area of the Bronx (zip 10457) and every time I tell my friends about the opportunities I get the "girl you're crazy look" for working there. In this economy, positions are limited but my safety is more important. I know that this sounds bad for those that may live in the area but I'm very worried. If anyone can shed light on the crime in this area, PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

[Green Irish Eyes]

I'll let others discuss crime issues, but I'll point you to the Inside Schools website, which provides reviews of specific schools, including academics and discipline issues.

I taught in the South Bronx, in a high school nestled in the midst of four (4!) large housing projects. While there were problems in the neighborhood, for the most part school was neutral territory. Honestly, you're not likely to run into trouble during the day, as long as you use common sense. On days when you have to stay late (Open House, etc.), make sure you "buddy up" with someone to get to the bus/train.

NYC schools can be tough, but the kids really need good teachers -- so don't rule it out just because of the neighborhood's reputation.

[DoubleXAs]

Is it safe?


Not even close.

[bmwguydc]

I know teachers who taught in some rough areas of The Bronx and Manhattan when the city's streets were more dangerous, comparatively. Once word circulates that you're a teacher, most people in the area respect the fact that you care to work with the children in the neighborhood. It may be a challenghing job, but can be very rewarding.

[bluedog2]

Originally Posted by bmwguydc

I know teachers who taught in some rough areas of The Bronx and Manhattan when the city's streets were more dangerous, comparatively. Once word circulates that you're a teacher, most people in the area respect the fact that you care to work with the children in the neighborhood. It may be a challenghing job, but can be very rewarding.

I am a teacher in the South Bronx and I agree with bmwguy and Dark of The Moon.Teaching in NY is a great profession and you will find most of the kids and most of the parents welcoming and appreciative.

In almost every school in the South Bronx,even in the worst neighborhoods, you will also find quite a few teachers who live in Westchester and drive to work every day.If they can handle it why can't you ?

There are definitely some people who are not cut out to teach in NYC and they sink fast but I think it would happen to them even in schools outside of the South Bronx or East NY .It wouldn't matter much if they were in most of Brooklyn or most of The Bronx or most of upper Manhattan.They would still freak out.

And yes,for the most part the neighborhood will know you are a teacher and leave you alone if you are walking to the subway or something.

Do yourself a favor and at least go to the school for an interview and check things out for yourself rather than deciding based on what your friends think or what you hear here.

You might be one that will flourish.

[Borikua]

I went to school in the 10457 area as a kid and grew up around there. I spent a lot of time there.

I can tell you that if you're planning to live there, I would put you in a headlock until you changed your mind, however, it is for a job.

In that case, as long as you maintain awareness of your surroundings, you'll be safe.

Of course you don't have to be told to stay out of dark alleys. Arm yourself with street-sense. Go to the precinct and talk to the desk sergeant. Ask if there is any they give out to help you learn about the community and crime and such. Ask them if they ever randomly cruise around the school and if you see they don't see what can be done about getting some random visits. Become their friend.

Also, and most importantly - do not show fear. It not only lets the criminal element that you are scared of them, it also wreaks havoc on your nerves.

Talk to the teachers that have been there for many years. They have the best advice.

Dark, BMW and Bluedog are giving you great advice.

[angelny]

I just wanted to say thank you to all of those that responded to my question. They were very helpful and supportive. I was informed by HR of the parking lot on 3rd ave near Bathgate. I may spend a little more money to park there if that makes me feel safer. Thank you!!!!

[7 Wishes]

Do you currently teach in NYC? I had heard that except for a few "emergency exceptions" (and perhaps something like an opening in the south Bronx is one of them) that right now the DOE can only hire from the "teacher reserve" of laid-off teachers that has built up over the past couple of years. For this reason the Fellows program is much much smaller than in past years.

I would pretty much otherwise say what everyone else here says and say see for yourself. Things are not as bad as they were 20-30 years ago in NYC neighborhoods and I would just visit the school and see for yourself.

[nyc2va76]

The area within the zip code 10457 are not the best areas.

My uncle used to live on Crotona and 175th and it's kind of gritty over there.

[angelny]

I currently do not work in NYC. The openings that I interviewed for were with private schools. I saw that the applications were closed for the public schools but there are a few charter schools that had openings in the surrounding area. Thanks again...