Questions about WestChester and teaching in the area (Philadelphia, West Chester: renting, home)

[rangers201]

My Fiance and I are moving to WestChester as she received a nice job offer there. We'd like to know about the area, not just places to live but what people think as from what we've seen it looks like a good area. We will likely be renting at first till we get settled then look for a home later. Is there a lot to do entertainment wise? I assume the proximity to Philly means there is a lot to do but I'm curious about this.

Also if anyone can answer I'm looking at making a career change to teaching when we move. I've currently completed the alternative certification program in Texas to teach general science, physics, and social studies. I've read the PA website, I've called them and failed to get a person on the phone to answer some questions, after emailing them I'm even less clear. I have done little more than substituted as we were expecting to move soon with her job i didn't take a full time teaching position and kept my IT job for now. It appears i need to take the Praxis but beyond that I'm getting nothing clear I've asked if my alternative certification will transfer or if I need to take additional tests. Also one line stated if you don't have a 3.0 you must take 12 graduate courses, I have a 2.92. Has anyone else gone through this process that can fill me in some more about it and possibly save me a few headaches along the way?

[toobusytoday]

I think you would have better luck with an IT job then a teaching job in PA. We have a strong teachers union here (high pay and job security) and our colleges graduate many more certified teachers then there are jobs for them. There are 235 colleges in PA(!) and most of them have an education major.

There are also many hoops to jump through for even certified teachers from out of state, let alone alternatively certified ones. In the suburbs like West Chester, competition is fierce. Add to that the new economy where many districts have enacted a hiring freeze.

Maybe this site will help: Steps to become a teacher in Pennsylvania - Reciprocity

[chessimprov]

Depending on your major, it may be somewhat easy to get a job in an urban area if you are certified. What certification(s) are you going for?

[rangers201]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

Depending on your major, it may be somewhat easy to get a job in an urban area if you are certified. What certification(s) are you going for?

In Texas I'm certified for general science, physics, and social studies all for the 8-12 grade levels. I anticipated it would be more difficult but it is looking rough at present. In Texas you are a hot commodity to the point you get nice bonuses for teaching some subjects.

Thanks for the info so far.

[PAcouple]

Im not sure much about the teaching industry, but I do know MANY pf the teachers have an education degree and it is usually hard to become a teacher around here because of so many qualified people applying for teaching positions.

As far as entertainment, the town of west chester is great! There are countless amounts of bars, restaurants, and stores right in town and many more within 20 minutes away. It is close to the beach and the city and is a perfect location to raise a family. West Chester is a college town (West Chester University is located right outside of town) so during the school season sometimes it can get annoying with so many students running around town on the weekends, but other than that, there is plenty to do! They also have activities in town, for example there is a halloween parade for the children, a chil cook off, restaurant festivals....there is at least 2 events every month where they shut down the roads in town during the nice weather. If you are looking for a place to go and have fun, west chester is a great area!

[LibraGirl123]

More info about West Chester:

West Chester | Classic Towns of Greater Philadelphia

[rangers201]

Thank you all great information, looks like a great area.

[chessimprov]

You don't need an education degree to teach, the certification is much more important. A technical degree may actually have higher prospects than an education degree in many cases actually.

The GPA part, i don't know anything about. It will make things harder to get a job with the overall GPA. Some places consider a major GPA and an overall GPA. I'd focus on the certification requirements first. Everything else can follow through later. The certification will help you get into an urban district pretty easily. You might be able to get a job now or next year in an urban district too, but without certification, the pay is significantly a lot less if the school does like you. Social studies is hard to get, science not so much. You have multiple certifications, so that will help a lot, except I'm not sure if PA is reciprocal with TX. I know that TX is reciprocal to PA. Check that first, if it is, just pay your money for clearances and a PA certificate and you will pretty much be guaranteed a job.

PM me if you want to talk further. I may be able to help you out since I teach. My school will have potential openings in all subjects next year since it's a new school growing by the grade.

It was tougher for me in TX, but maybe that's cause I didn't already have the certification stuff for TX. They must have too many people applying even though there's a lot of opportunity. I didn't feel like getting an expensive TX certification unless I was going to be taken seriously enough, lol.

[rangers201]

Originally Posted by chessimprov

You don't need an education degree to teach, the certification is much more important. A technical degree may actually have higher prospects than an education degree in many cases actually.

The GPA part, i don't know anything about. It will make things harder to get a job with the overall GPA. Some places consider a major GPA and an overall GPA. I'd focus on the certification requirements first. Everything else can follow through later. The certification will help you get into an urban district pretty easily. You might be able to get a job now or next year in an urban district too, but without certification, the pay is significantly a lot less if the school does like you. Social studies is hard to get, science not so much. You have multiple certifications, so that will help a lot, except I'm not sure if PA is reciprocal with TX. I know that TX is reciprocal to PA. Check that first, if it is, just pay your money for clearances and a PA certificate and you will pretty much be guaranteed a job.

PM me if you want to talk further. I may be able to help you out since I teach. My school will have potential openings in all subjects next year since it's a new school growing by the grade.

It was tougher for me in TX, but maybe that's cause I didn't already have the certification stuff for TX. They must have too many people applying even though there's a lot of opportunity. I didn't feel like getting an expensive TX certification unless I was going to be taken seriously enough, lol.

Thanks pm was sent, sorry for being late we went out of town this weekend.