Elementary teacher (Denver, Arvada, Westminster: school districts, college, live in)

[KGL2014]

My husband and I currently live in Indiana. I am in my first full year of teaching elementary- I did long term subbing my first year after college. My degree is in elementary education. I will finish my Masters this coming December in special education. I am on an emergency license in Indiana for teaching special education until I finish my Masters.

We are looking to move to Colorado this summer, if I can get a job. We have family in the area. What is the market like for elementary teachers? We are interested in the northern Denver area in one of the suburbs, Arvada, Westminster, etc. What are some of the better school districts in the area? There seems to be many charter schools around. How are those? Any tips or guidance would be appreciated! Thanks!

[davidv]

First of all, the hiring season for teachers starts now.

Teachers who will not have their contracts renewed had to be notified by April 1. Districts will post their openings within the next couple of weeks, conduct their interviews and hire teachers for next year by May 15.

The best district to work for up north would be Boulder Valley. Arvada is part of Jeffco schools. You could end up working in the northern part of the district, but you could end up in the southwestern suburbs (Ken Caryl, Morrison) or even in the mountains (Conifer, Evergreen).

Adams 12 Five Star schools are okay, but they can be pretty hit and miss.

Westminster (Adams Co Dist 50), Adams 14, Mapleton, and Brighton are not great districts. I would not recommend working in any of them.