possible teaching job lead-need to know about neighborhood (relatively close to sherman park on south side) (Chicago: health insurance)

[formerburb]

Hello,

I have posted about schools before but I have an initial interview with a school located at 5300 south hermitage ave. Biggest intersection being 55th and ashland. Relatively close to sherman Park.

I believe this is englewood or back of the yards but not sure. I usually went as far south as sox park and stopped or far east by the museum of science and industry. So how is this location?

This is a turnaround school and I know test scores are going up but not yet up to par.

I have yet to go to the area. Is this an area that I would be relatively safe driving/commuting to/from work? I am a white guy, mid 20's if that makes a difference.

Not sure about public transport there. Probably bus lines I am sure. Not really close the red line. (not sure if red line is safe there anyway).

Any impressions? Would I be safe? Anyone live there? Anyone driven through there? Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Drover]

Quite honestly.... one of the worst parts of the city. You won't lack for a challenge if you decide to teach there.

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

I did some teaching through a test prep service at a high school quite close to there. It was a challenge.

[67 and Artesian]

I think you would be fine driving during the day. My daughter worked close by for 6 years. No one ever bothered her.The public schools need help (and they know it) if you are tough enough to demand control of the classroom. I tried substitute teaching and I could not take the noise and lack of respect.You would be helping students that need it the most. CPS has decent pay and benefits.But you have to live in the city and rents are high.Some teacher's are not very cooperative with anyone different then themselves they see you taking away a job from someone from here.
I would really be wary about burn out.

[formerburb]

can anyone give me an idea of how much I would pay for health insurance a month? that would be for me and my small family. (wife and son). If anyone has an idea that would be great. Thanks!

[entyss]

Boy, this thread is depressing. I grew up in the area, 50th and Racine, in the 50's and 60's. I practically lived in Sherman Park, it was so beautiful. A great neighborhood. Really makes me sad to see how far gone it is now.

[chet everett]

The park itself is still quite nice -- I believe the elementary school is adjacent to the park. There are MUCH worse physical settings.

Sadly the CPS does a poor job of matching the schools that could best be served by seasoned teachers and those that might serve as a more gentle introduction to the realities of decades of failure.

The good news is that even in the most dilapidated schools (which this is probably NOT) there are individual teachers and students that go really do surprise you with their drive and determination.

Security inside all schools is handled fairly seriously, the Chicago Teachers Union will not stand for the violence or vandalism towards teachers or their cars/property. That is one of the most effective areas of the CTU.

Costs for insurance and such tend to be inline with those paid by other City workers, details might be buried in here; Chicago Teachers Union (broken link)