A few Questions for Teachers and Guidance Counselors. (Phoenix, Maricopa: health insurance, how much)

[sillygirl77]

I am a Guidance Counselor in NYC. I wanted impressions from educators on what the Phoenix Public Schools are like. Are the schools generally organized well? What are the responsibilities of a Guidance Counselor there (since it seems to vary so much place to place).

I was wondering if any teachers or counselors could tell me around how much health insurance would be monthly for my husband and I if I decided to move to Phoenix.

Is there a teachers Union? If not, are working conditions acceptable without them? If there's another school district that you could suggest in AZ?

Thank you for any insights you can give me. It is appreciated. Have a Happy New Year .

[HollyJollymore]

There are several districts within the Phoenix Metro area.

benefits differe from district to district.

Are you looking for a guidance counselor position or a teaching position?

There are opportunities to join teachers unions on a district, state and national level.

[sillygirl77]

Thanks so much for the reply. I am looking for a counseling position. Could you tell me what the schools are like in your perception. How are they organized? etc. Thanks so much

[jco]

I've only worked at secondary schools, so you may want to ignore me if you're elementary. In high schools, the counselors are paid the same as teachers (this is different in many other states). They counselors usually deal with schedules, mediating between teachers and students/families, and referring students to different services (special ed, psychology, esl, etc.) when needed. I've worked/volunteered in four high schools and it was the same at each. The schools are not very organized here in general, but this varies greatly from district to district. The districts with the most growth will be less organized simply because they can't keep up with the demands. They do, however, have more advancement opportunities.

Consider ASU or Maricopa community colleges.

[sillygirl77]

Thanks JCO. I am high school level. That was helpful!