South Memphis (school, live in, price)

[tobester]

I'm always astounded by these discussions of Memphis Public Schools. I am a product of a Memphis public education and got an amazing education from amazing teachers. Yes, it was in the late 50's to late 60's, but how did the schools fall to such disastrous levels in a relatively short time.

[Pearlbob]

No offense, but that was almost 50 years ago. You can't compare the USA in 1955 to the USA of today. Memphis or any other city. The world was a much better place back then (in a lot of ways, including safety which is a main problem of the school system).

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by strumpeace

I can't even count the number of folks I've met who came in with a 'take no prisoners' attitude -- world changers -- who participated in programs like Teach for America, and who quickly exited the Memphis City School system. It's not just a matter of attitude. It's a matter of being able to take abuse -- from students, parents, coworkers, and school administration.

'Challenge' is a kind word when it comes to describing most of Memphis' schools.

This is well-said. My partner is a school teacher here in the very-affluent Fairfield County, CT school system. He mostly loves his job but at times it can be very abusive, as said above. Abuse from parents, school admin, students, and the coworkers. Teachers have it tough--and I can just imagine how bad it must be in inner-city schools.

[dbarbee82]

Memphis City Schools is pretty screwed up. I would not even teach for Shelby County Schools, even though the school system is significantly better, however Private Schools are always a good option, you will not have to deal with a the b.s. the public schools deal with.

[Deck]

Well if you sign the contract, they usually let you out of it, because so many people do it. A neighbor moved here to teach, was here a month, crying every night because the kindergardeners called her a *****, and their 21 year old mamas came up to the school threatening her. When she turned in her notice that she was going to leave, they didnt bat an eye. She was the 6th teacher the class had since August. And this was in December.

[tigergal]

Originally Posted by Deck

Well if you sign the contract, they usually let you out of it, because so many people do it. A neighbor moved here to teach, was here a month, crying every night because the kindergardeners called her a *****, and their 21 year old mamas came up to the school threatening her. When she turned in her notice that she was going to leave, they didnt bat an eye. She was the 6th teacher the class had since August. And this was in December.

The OP wouldn't be working as a teacher for the city schools, but rather as a speech pathologist for an organization that contracts out to the city schools. Consequently, getting out of the position might not be as easy as you assert.

[kaytzmom]

I think you're right. I don't think I could get out of it as easily since it is a private company. I was in town this weekend and drove through the parts of South Memphis closest to where I will be living. They didn't seem so bad. Maybe I will get lucky.

[mzloolue]

Former teacher here...

Since the speech teachers generally have very few children at one time, it would be a completely different experience from that of the classroom teacher.
Plus, getting out of class for the kids is a bit of a treat, so they usually look forward to speech time.
Many of the speech teachers have some fun behavior/conduct reward systems.

Whatever, it will be an interesting experience for you.

[Jadastwin]

Originally Posted by kaytzmom

I am relocating to the Memphis area. My husband and I have purchased a home in Olive Branch. I have verbally accepted a job through a contract company but will be working with the Memphis City Schools, specifically in south memphis within a 30 minute drive of Olive Branch. From what I have read here, I totally messed up when I took this job. I haven't signed anything yet. Should I back out? Are the schools and the area really that dangerous?

If you are working with the Memphis City Schools, make sure you purchase some form of armor. There is now a new Memphis school superintendent. It has been a really really rough year. It has constantly been on the news with fights, guns, teachers being assaulted, etc. It is definitely no walk in the park by no means. Just go online and do your homework. I don't want to discourage you. Me being from the midwest, I have a bit of a thick skin, if your are thin skinned it's definitely not for you. Drama everyday.

[Jadastwin]

Originally Posted by tobester

I'm always astounded by these discussions of Memphis Public Schools. I am a product of a Memphis public education and got an amazing education from amazing teachers. Yes, it was in the late 50's to late 60's, but how did the schools fall to such disastrous levels in a relatively short time.

I think your theory holds true for a lot of the major cities across the country. Chicago has lost so many children because of senseless violence there. The month in the school year, five children were killed. Sadly, the violence has escalated more and more. Solutions are definitely needed. They have metal detectors at the high schools there, however, the children still find a way to smuggle firearms and other weapons inside. It is so sad. I'm just happy that mine made it out safely.