Wish me luck! (Chicago, Humboldt: rental, high crime, credit)

[ApolloGod]

I have a teaching interview at Harper high school in West Englewood on monday. I don't have a car, so I'll be using public transit. Wish me luck, and say a prayer.

I'm seriously reconsidering going to the interview because after getting off the redline at 95th I've gotta hoof it 5 blocks to the school.

Walking 5 blocks in West Englewood = not what I call safe.

I'll play it by ear I guess.

[Drover]

You also better re-evaluate your directions. If you get off at 95th, you're not even close to Englewood. In fact you're not even on the right line to get to West Englewood.

Oh, and good luck.

[ApolloGod]

Hmmm....I think I meant green line at ashland!

If that's not right, then I'm totally lost

[Avengerfire]

Just dont carry more than 10 bucks in your pocket and dont carry your credit or debit cards.

[ARFeno1]

Since it's definitely not safe there and you recognize that walking 5 blocks is a definite hazard, why would you wan to consider working there?

[ApolloGod]

Well, inside the schools are still "rough and tough", but generally safe. So the main concern is actually getting to the school building. If I can do that intact, then I'll be "safe" in the school. Yes, there will be plenty to deal with throughout the schoolday, but generally violence against teachers isn't a main concern (but like anything, it does happen).

[Humboldt1]

You need to get a car as it is not safe to walk. Get a used beater just so you do not have to rely on public transportation.

If Chicago rescinds their handgun ban which the supreme court may force them to do you should invest in a handgun.
I am not sure if they would have a locker where you could check your firearm as obviously a school like this would have metal detectors.

Just curious, how do teachers who work in these high crime areas protect themselves?

I am sure this public info but what do starting teachers in areas like Englewood make?

[UnderTheLiveOaks]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

Just curious, how do teachers who work in these high crime areas protect themselves?

Kung fu.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

If Chicago rescinds their handgun ban which the supreme court may force them to do you should invest in a handgun.
I am not sure if they would have a locker where you could check your firearm as obviously a school like this would have metal detectors.

Your chance of being in a situation where a handgun will help you are pretty much nill. I don't know why the pro-gun nutjobs always think this way. If someone pulls a gun on you and you try reaching for your own gun, chances are you'll end up dead. It just escalates the situation. People have seen too many Clint Eastwood movies or something.

I could see a gun working in a defensive position, however. Like if someone broke into your house and you had time to run for cover--or were defending your bedroom. But in that case a shot gun or rifle would work just fine.

[Johnny Northside]

I'd seriously consider borrowing a car or renting a zipcar or other rental vehicle for the the interview. As a job search expense, it will be tax deductible. And if you aren't already itemizing your taxes, you will be when you get a job so that you can deduct stuff like union dues and school supplies. If you make it back, let us know how it went.