Question... (Chesapeake, Roanoke, Lynchburg: teaching jobs, neighborhoods, public schools)

[amyfw]

Would Virginia be a good state to teach in (elementary)? And what areas would be good or what areas should be avoided?

[shellytc]

Virginia is a great state to teach in!! and as a parent, we love good teachers that really care about our kids!! I can only speak for areas that I know, but check out Va. Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Chesterfield County, Henrico County and Hanover County.

[The Dissenter]

virginia schools are very highly revered. speaking as someone who went all but 3 years in VA public schools i feel that VA really prepares their students well for real life. Personally i would stay out of NoVA mainly b/c of the really high cost of living and i know teaching isn't exactly the most financally lucrative career. One system i feel is great and not too high of a cost of living is York Co.

[irisheyes13]

I would second York County..

[j1n]

Originally Posted by amyfw

Would Virginia be a good state to teach in (elementary)? And what areas would be good or what areas should be avoided?

hey amyfw...
as a parent, i'd hazard a guess that almost anywhere (in va or any other state, as well)would be happy to see some good teachers.
but your question is as broad as the state of va!
don't take that wrong...
va has a pretty varied topography. and within each part of that topography are cities and towns that are also very varied.
so what are you looking for? big cities? ocean? mountains? rolling farmland?
once the good folks here know more what you are looking for, i bet you'll get some great suggestions!

[amyfw]

I would like to be in the middle I guess. Near the mountains. So if there was a hurricane, I wouldn't have to pack up and leave.

I live in Indiana and there are no teaching jobs here. My plan is to work here until we get 90% out of debt, then think about relocating. I have done some research for teachers there and it look good.

Thanks for the info.

[j1n]

If you want to be near the mountains, you could look into Charlottesville, the Roanoke area, Staunton...all are accessible, pretty, and have a lot to offer. Lynchburg seems pretty "in the middle"...rolling hills with easy mountain access to the west.
There are always going to be areas within each town that you may (or may not) feel uncomfortable in, and therefore might (or might not) want to avoid. I'd suggest looking into the Roanoke County schools, perhaps? That would put you in touch with a nice sized city and the amenities it offers, mountains and outdoor activities all around, lots of choices of neighborhoods, schools, etc.

[5stones]

also look into winchester...very close to the Shanendoah valley. very good schools.

As other have said VA as a state has a very good public schools system.

I too would say stay away from Fairfax county...great schools but the cost of living is very high. Loudoun county is futher out but still considered NOVA since many commute to DC from here. Better cost of living than Fairfax but higher than other places...but excellent schools and growing so in need of teachers.

Charlottesville is very nice but the cost of living there is (in the city proper) is high as well. But it's a great town and is close to the moutain s and beautiful.

The whole area near Roanoak is just beautiful..blacksburg, etc....