Teach and live in North Fulton, Forsyth, or East Cobb? (Atlanta: find a job, neighborhoods)

[Porter's Mom]

I know this post is similar to others, but I am looking for more specific details. My hubby and I are currently looking for HS teaching jobs and we want to make sure we are looking in areas that also offer nice neighborhoods, etc. We are moving from downtown Orlando and want to be in a smaller-town feel part of greater Atlanta. Any advice or info would be appreciated. I know of good schools in all three of the counties, (North Fulton, Forsyth, and E Cobb) I'm just looking for best of both worlds (decent teaching environment and living). Thanks!

[Twinkletoes]

Try looking for teaching jobs in Gwinnett - they are building schools like crazy and are always hiring.

You could live in Suwanee, a very nice town in Gwinnett that was rated as one of the top places to live in the country. Peachtree Ridge HS and North Gwinnett HS are very good schools that within a ten-minute drive from Suwanee.

[netdragon]

East Cobb has the best schools. It's a no brainer.

[lastminutemom]

Depending on what specialty you have, outside of Gwinnett, it isn't so easy to land teaching jobs at good schools.

What is your area of specialty?

[Porter's Mom]

Unfortunately I am a HS English teacher, so I know the need is less. We are coming up this weekend for the area job fair. If anyone has specifics on how this works, I would love additional info. I've been to one in FL and it was a huge cattle call where principals and APs were interviewing and hiring on the spot. Thanks for all the info.

[chiefs fan]

Porter's Mom:

Have you considered West Cobb? Allatoona HS is a new school opening this fall. I'm not sure if they have started the hiring process, but it might be worth checking out. Allatoona is taking in students from North Cobb, Harrison, and Kennesaw Mountain.

[Biggiechri]

The job fair will also be a cattle call.

North Fulton doesnt really have a "small town" feel. But I dont know where in Atlanta you would find that. I worked for Fulton County schools. Its a huge county. And while you have to go thru the main HR office to apply, sometimes visiting the schools directly and dropping off your resume is helpful. South Forsyth schools are also good but since its a smaller area your chances of landing a job may be less. All of the North Fulton County High Schools have good reputations.

[lastminutemom]

You may have to take a lesser school to get into the system that you want.

I would try and find a job first and then figure out where I want to live. What is your husband's field?

Yes, I think the systems are all similar... the cattle calls

[Porter's Mom]

That's what we figured, just wanted to chek out areas to live too. My husband is certified in Social Studies ms and hs, but if he had to he is also cert in Special Ed (but would rather teach SS). Do they actually interview and hire at the job fair, or is it more informational?

[lastminutemom]

I know that some interview and hire...

social studies is going to be tough as well..

special ed might be an easier way to get his foot in the door.
In fact, with special ed, he might have enough leverage to get you both into a good school!