A Question for Teachers and Guidance Counselors (health insurance, how much)

[sillygirl77]

I am a Guidance Counselor in NYC. I wanted impressions from educators on what the Delaware Public Schools are like. Are the schools generally organized well? What are the responsibilities of a Guidance Counselor there (since it seems to vary so much place to place).

I was wondering if any teachers or counselors could tell me around how much health insurance would be monthly for my husband and I if I decided to move to DE?

Is there a teachers Union? If not, are working conditions acceptable without them? If there's another school district that you could suggest in DE?

Thank you for any insights you can give me. It is appreciated. Have a Happy New Year .

[maryCh]

I'm not a teacher or guidance counselor, but I am a new transplant to DE (central Kent Co), with 2 kids in a public school system, so I felt compelled to post. I don't believe there is a teacher's union, and I know I have read salaries are relatively low compared to other areas... especially NYC. My kids are 20, 17, 13, and 10 (yes our older two stayed in NC when we moved here), and I know what you mean about a guidance counselor's job duties.

I would recommend you search the DE DOE website, and then the links to various school districts. We personally love our school district so far, but we tailored our move to this district as our 13 yr old has autism and we were specific about his services through public school. If you need a bit of assistance in searching the DE DOE links, let me know either here or by private message. I did tons of research prior to our move this past summer, so its pretty fresh in my mind. Also, what level is your background in (i.e. elem, middle, high)? That as you know can make a big difference in turnover or job openings.

Mary

[sillygirl77]

Thank you so much for your reply. I'm glad the school district is working out for you family's needs. Thanks for your insights and observations .

[rockky]

Originally Posted by sillygirl77

I am a Guidance Counselor in NYC. I wanted impressions from educators on what the Delaware Public Schools are like. Are the schools generally organized well? What are the responsibilities of a Guidance Counselor there (since it seems to vary so much place to place).

I was wondering if any teachers or counselors could tell me around how much health insurance would be monthly for my husband and I if I decided to move to DE?

Is there a teachers Union? If not, are working conditions acceptable without them? If there's another school district that you could suggest in DE?

Thank you for any insights you can give me. It is appreciated. Have a Happy New Year .

sillygirl, Delaware has a very strong and highly politicized teacher's union.

Delaware Education Association - Home

My personal opinion is that they are not working in the best interest of the children of the state. Delaware is, in general, a strong union state.

[maryCh]

Rockky, I stand corrected. I had not read about the teacher's union, but I ride the fence on that issue. As far as working in the best interest of the kids... our experience so far has been the opposite. Perhaps we have just been very fortunate this year, or the teachers know I'm the kind of mom that watches with one eye open at all times.

sillygirl, keep us posted on your prospects!

Mary

[rockky]

Mary, I know many, many wonderful teachers in Delaware. I was not speaking of individual teachers. The organized union is another matter. I was a member of a local teacher's union and NEA for many years. This gang in DE should be ashamed.