considering returning to teach 2010 in DC area vs. San Fran. vs. abroad (home)

[unvhealthcarec]

Hello Friends,

I'm expecting to finish up what began as a PhD thesis but will likely be cut down to an Mphil thesis in Social Policy. After looking at research jobs in the DC area, it seems that my mostly qualitative work will not qualify me for jobs in the US. That being the case, I'm considering coming back to PG County to teach.
I've spent 2 years teaching math and English in various settings prior to starting this PhD 3 years ago, and with Obama as President-elect, I now wonder if it's time for me to come home and contribute to the change.

So I'm wondering what kind of support and job prospects teachers in the DC area have, and whether newly licensed teachers (my MAT did not come with a state license, and I left to teach abroad not long after finishing) can afford to live in a quiet flat anywhere in the DC area? I've looked at PG County (Mt. Rainier) because it's affordable but have been warned away from DC and PG public schools because I have been emotionally fragile in the past. Despite those concerns, I wonder if PG county teachers are given a level of support to prevent burnout and boost skills and long-term training? The web site looks good, but I'm wondering about the reality.
many thanks,
Shir.

[Pfish]

I can't help you with PG County, but if you want a treasure trove of stories about & links to DC-related education information check out the DC Education Blog (or google it). You'll want to know about Chancellor Rhee and the big, BIG changes in DCPS. You can also find some teacher blogs to get a sense of what life is like on the ground. Bear in mind that charter schools are HUGE in DC (about 1/3 of public school children attend one) and their missions and profiles vary greatly down to the school level.