Teachers in NOVA, please advise (Arlington, Alexandria: private schools, move to, licensed)

[spealex]

My wife and I are hoping for a move to the DC area sometime soon. Working for the government, that can mean in 2 months or 8 months, all the same. Anyways, my wife is a teacher and has applied to various counties. She has received a good amount of interest but cannot commit to any school since I have not been told anything as of yet. If our move happens to come later in the school year, how common has it been for schools to have openings once classes have started?

[Denton56]

That's hard to know. It depends on what she teaches, and who leaves. But these are HUGE counties, Fairfax and Loudoun, with many positions so she can probably pick up something, even if it isn't her first choice of subjects.

Good luck to you both.

BTW, my son had an interview at a Government agency. They said they would let him know in 4 to 6 weeks. We've passed the 6 week mark with nothing either way. Good thing he isn't that interested in the position. Another agency wants to hire him but can't until October 1st, when the new fiscal year begins.

[choff5]

It may depend on her area of specialty. If she has special education endorsement there's more chance of openings. The other thing she could do is subsitute in various systems, or possibly get a long term sub position. Or, look at instructional assistant positions to get the foot in the door. Either way she would get known to some schools, and subs are always welcomed and needed. The good ones are called back and often, if they can be licensed, will get positions later. Good luck!

[mpascal]

I agree that it would be good to get applications in and have everything ready to go, even if it's already into the school year. While positions may become available mid-year, I don't get the sense that it's very common. The best bet is likely to sub wherever possible. As posted above, good subs are always needed and is a good way to get a foot in the door. If a long term sub position becomes available, like for a maternity leave, generally the pay is higher too.

[spealex]

My wife has gotten her applications in, as we expected to know our move date by now. She has received various offers but as I stated before, she cannot commit. As far as her getting her certifications and such, that shouldnt be a problem as she has her national certification and a masters. What we are most concerned with now is that it is obvious we will not be up in that area by the time school starts. Is getting hired once the school year starts something that happens in this area or should we give up that hope. Obviously I know that I wont get a concrete answer but hopefully current teachers can chime in on whether or not they have seen it happen at their schools. The problem with substitute teaching is the pay is not the same and the work is not constant. Thanks.

[vlh71]

There are many teachers county wide who go on maternity leave or retire. If you could find out if there will be vacant spots available in the middle of a school year due to these circumstances...is there such a thing as a "stand by" list?

Also, have you considered applying at private schools in the area? There are many, many top notch private schools in Northern Virginia. Just a thought!

[spealex]

We had not considered that but will look into Private schools in the area. Any suggestions for private schools in the arlington/alexandria area are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

[choff5]

Her national board certification will go a long way for her. I doubt if Arlington or Alexandria are growing that much but I do know in areas where there is growth it does happen that teachers are added as enrollment goes up. She just needs to keep her communication open with those who are interested in her. Good luck!

[spealex]

On somewhat of a similar note, is anyone aware if private schools in NOVA offer a discount for student tuition if a parent is a teacher at the school?

[Tone509]

Originally Posted by choff5

It may depend on her area of specialty. If she has special education endorsement there's more chance of openings. The other thing she could do is subsitute in various systems, or possibly get a long term sub position. Or, look at instructional assistant positions to get the foot in the door. Either way she would get known to some schools, and subs are always welcomed and needed. The good ones are called back and often, if they can be licensed, will get positions later. Good luck!

I - or rather my lady who teaches in Fairfax County - would agree with this statement. She says that for "critical need" areas like special ed as well as high school math and science, your chances may be fairly good. She says there's also a chance that openings may occur within the first few weeks of the school year as rosters are finalized.