Help! Teacher wanting to relocate to Philly area (Philadelphia, Norristown: jobs, houses)

[Cincyteacher]

I am currently teaching in a suburban school outside of Cincinnati. We are one of the best school districts in the state and although I love my school I would like to relocate to the Philadelphia area. I am looking not only for a school district, but also an ideal place for me to live. I would like a school that is culturally diverse, doesn't have to be the best academically, but is a safe work atmosphere. I teach middle school science, but am also certified in Ohio for middle school social studies. I would prefer to be in a more urban school system, but wouldn't be opposed to working in a suburban area. As far as living, I would like a place that is moderately priced, culturally diverse, and has areas you could walk to with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. I would like a place that has younger families and singles. Does this place even exist in or around philly?

[toobusytoday]

The problem with moving to PA and hoping to get a teaching job is that we have many more teachers then we have jobs in the suburbs. Also, certification is not an easy thing for an out of stater. Being an experienced Science teacher is a big plus so maybe that will work out fine. The local Philly people will tell you their favorite school districts - just don't ask for the "best" one, or you'll hear lots of disagreement on that.

[juniperbleu]

You could try some areas in Philly. West Mt Airy has a lot of stone rowhouses and is fairly diverse (mostly younger families), safe, historic, and is close to Chestnut Hill (very nice area with shops, restaurants, etc.). Manayunk is also very nice, and would have more in terms of "nightlife." Then, of course, there's Center City and Old City, which are more urban, but also more expensive.

As for Philly schools, in general they're not so hot. However, I know several people who have been there for 30+ years. Many schools are safe, especially the middle schools. If you like the urban teaching experience, it's worth a look. They really need teachers, and with experience in a core course like science or social science you'd be in demand.

[nkosiek]

Originally Posted by juniperbleu

As for Philly schools, in general they're not so hot. However, I know several people who have been there for 30+ years. Many schools are safe, especially the middle schools. If you like the urban teaching experience, it's worth a look. They really need teachers, and with experience in a core course like science or social science you'd be in demand.

As an aside, I wouldn't say the middle schools are especially safe. If you looked at a report the was published recently there were quite a few middle schools that are listed as "persistantly dangerous" by PA's Dept. of Ed. If you're a teacher in Philadelphia, unless you like that age group you tend not wanting to teach in middle schools.

As for Social Science being in demand, I believe the district has a list of over 100 people for those positions now. That is one subject that we have a ton of teachers in (I should know, I'm one of them) but science would definitely be in demand.

If you look at the PA Dept. of Ed's website about certification they can explain how to go about transfering/reciprocation of certification. I'd check out Norristown as they have a decent district, kinda urban, with a good mix of singles, and young couples moving in there in addition to older families.

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

Good Luck!
being a certified middle science teacher you will probably have much better luck than i have had while here.
I taught in Maryland for two years-5th grade public urban school...
I moved to Philly just over a year ago to be with someone i care deeply about-i was very open to places to teach (although must admit i was not too keen on charter schools) I passed the initial screening interview for many of the area districts-that just places me on an eligibility list.
I knew i wouldn't get a job last year (at least not in the suburbs) so i started subbing in the burbs and waited to hear from Philly-they called in Nov. saying they had a job - i turned them down at that point because i was happy subbing where i was.....well over the year i had more interviews in suburbs and after not getting any official job offers i told philly public schools to please activate my name again (this was in july) and as of just a couple weeks ago, I am still 400 on a list of over 400.......they are not very efficient in their hiring....
so yeah i think you'll have better luck being middle school certified....

if you took the Praxis in Ohio you'll be fine getting certified here...i had to take the Praxis becausei was certified in michigan first and they have an entirely different test that maryland accepted as well.....
hope this helps.....if you have questions i'd be happy to answer!

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by nkosiek

As an aside, I wouldn't say the middle schools are especially safe. If you looked at a report the was published recently there were quite a few middle schools that are listed as "persistantly dangerous" by PA's Dept. of Ed. If you're a teacher in Philadelphia, unless you like that age group you tend not wanting to teach in middle schools.

The image in my head was comparing them to certain high schools. An inner city school will never be as safe as most suburban schools, but you can generally go to work without a constant fear of being raped or attacked (I'm speaking from the perspective of women I know working in the District, some in better schools than others). I'm not sure about teachers, but for counselors, if you're certified for middle school, you have to go to a middle or elementary school, not high school. Since the OP mentioned teaching middle schools, I assumed that was what he/she is looking for.

[Cincyteacher]

Thanks for all of your help. The hard part about looking for a new job, in a new place is that my school district will ask for me to sign my contract sometime in June and many schools won't let you know if they want you until much later in the summer. It's just been quite frustrating. As I would love to move, I am not one of those people that can up and leave without knowing I have a job secured. Call me scared, but with the current economy I can't take the chance.

I would love to come to philly, but without any friends or family there it has been diffcult figuring out where to start. Maybe if I start the process this year, I will eventually get an interview. I feel I would be qualified and I have a diverse teaching experience (I taught abroad and have 3 years of in-class experience as an undergrad). I guess I just need to get the ball rolling and what is meant to be will be.

[thesixth]

A diverse district outside Phila. is Upper Darby school district. Might consider that as well.

[misslady1220]

Hi Cincyteacher...

I'm a Cincinnati teacher transplant also. Been here for 2 years. I did my student teaching @ Clark Montessori, and now teach high school social studies at a comprehensive h.s here. If you didn't take Praxis I, you'll need to take that for certification out here. No it doesn't matter that you already have Ohio Certification, they'll still make you take it....that was a suprise for me. As far as schools go, the diverse ones in the city are the hardest to get into because they are high performing magnet schools. A lot of areas around the city aren't so bad..I'll probably move out there soon when I'm tired of being in the city. But for right now, I love the high school I'm at, love the kids, love the city life.

PM me if you have any detailed questions. I know the process can be intimidating, but I made it through...First hint...personally email principals where there are vacancies.

Check the district website... www.philasd.org