Teacher Looking to Move down to SC (Columbia, Greenville: crime rate, home)

[wlr107]

I am a graduate Student at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. I am getting my Master's Degree, and getting Certified to teach Social Studies at the Middle School and High School Levels.

I taught in Hampton School District 2 (Estill) in 1999-2000, and while tough at times, it was very rewarding.

Now, I am married with two girls (1 and 2 years old...and at 43! YIKES!). My wife and I are coming down for the career fair in June so I can look at School Districts before we move, and check some out and look around at housing for a week or so too.

Anyone have recommendations or suggestions? Maybe I'm a bit idealistic, but I want to teach where I'm needed, but yet still find my wife a job that pays reasonably well.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!

Will

[Ken]

It is not a bad place to live. I am from Ga. and my wife from NC. We lived in Ala before moving here. I am in what is referred to as the "upstate" of SC in Spartanburg County. From my back window, I can see the mountains of SC and NC.

There are 7 school districts here, and #7 may be the least desireable (my opinion-it is the Spartanburg City schools).

So this will not be so long, allow me to give you some districts: #1 Landrum, SC, on the border of NC; Inman, SC; Campobello, SC; Cowpens, SC (site of famous Revolutionary War battle) is #3, I think. Boiling Springs, SC (growing like crazy!) My girls were in District #5, Dorman HS. There is much on the web, so no need for me to go into much detail. You can 'google' Spartanburg County.

Columbia, SC is about midstate. It is the seat of gov't and is one of the larger cities. The land is much flatter (piedmont region) and nothing stops the south wind. One summer they had two weeks or more that the temp was never below 100 degrees!

[moderator CUT]

[mak]

Will,
I also taught in Hampton 2 many years ago. I hope you didn't go through the same head hunter from Pittsburgh! Come to Beaufort. I've taught here 8 years and love it.

[myvonne]

what about the school district in rock hill sc? I thinking of moving there and have 3 children who are just begining schol. How is rock hill?

[afrench]

We just relocated to Greenville in November from Ohio and we absoulutely love it!! The people here are some of the friendliest you will meet. The only thing I have to complain about is the way people drive. They get in no hurry to do anything but when they get in their cars they are like maniacs. The weather is almost perfect, yes we do get some "chilly" days but what is nice is that you get a hint of all four seasons. Rarely does it snow, but you get the chill of winter on a few days. The shopping is wonderful. If you can't find something in Greenville then you probably won't find it anywhere. It is an extremely family friendly town. On any given day you can go walk downtown and see children of all ages just hanging out with their parents. That is very rare these days. Their are several options for teaching in the greenville area. You have greenville county, pickens county, anderson county, spartansburgh county. There are also private schools. You can go to the following website to see what is available in Greenville county. http://www.greenville.k12.sc.us/index.asp just go to support on the left hand side and click on human resource. I can refer you to the realtor we used she was an absolute god send in helping us to find an area and home to suit our needs. I was also a realtor in Ohio so I know the benefit of a good realtor, who will treat you as a friend or family. Her name is Pam Granville. She has a website REMOVED just let her know Amber gave you her name and she will take care of anything you could possibly want to know. Good luck and hope you enjoy this wonderful area!!

[WHITETRASH116]

Laurens Dist.55 Great Schools I Was A Stundet There About 8yrs Ago Best Schools Ever

[Judy Nolin]

Afrench...LOL I'm cracking up reading your comment about our drivers here in Greenville. You are so right!!!! [moderator CUT] Well, forget it...I'm thinking of getting a horse and buggy, that will really tick them off. My hubby purchased a bumper sticker for me, "Realtor at Work" ....doesn't help. I'm glad to hear someone else complain. Other than that it's a WONDERFUL, safe place to live and raise a family. Our crime rate is very low. Ditto to all your other comments.

[travisesmith]

Rock Hill is great. removed I am a PTO mom and love the school district!

[lovethecarolinas]

you might check out the Fort Mill School District, or any of the other cities within York County. Good Luck to you!

[atucker]

Teaching in SC is VERY different than up north. I hope you are not expecting a teacher's union.... they are illegal here! I had a very hard time adjusting to the differences. I had trouble with a principal and resigned from teaching here (for good I feel). I guess it just depends on the administration whether your experience will be good or bad.