Teaching jobs in Stafford or Fairfax County (home, job market) - Northern Virginia - Virginia (VA) - City-Data Forum

Figaro2008 · 01-20-2009, 03:12 PM

I was wondering if anyone knew how the job market is for teachers in these two counties right now? My husband and I are looking to move to Northern VA this summer so I am already looking for a full-time job for the 2009/2010 school year.

I started applying to these two counties and registered for a job fair in Stafford County for March. I am NYS certified in Childhood Ed. 1-6 and Special Ed. 1-6, I have my Masters degree, and I am in my second year of teaching first grade. Any thoughts or inside advice?

ChristineVA · 01-20-2009, 04:50 PM

I believe that Fairfax has instituted a hiring freeze. Not sure about Stafford. I think Prince William is close to one if it hasn't happened already. All the counties are operating on huge budget shortfalls due to the economic crisis and are looking for ways to stop spending.

FindingZen · 01-20-2009, 05:00 PM

My ladyfriend who teaches in Fairfax County says that they hire 500 Special Education teachers every year. So even with budget cuts, chances are that there will be plenty of opportunity there. Outside of Special Ed., she feels that opportunities on the Elementary level may be limited.

EMTnest · 01-20-2009, 05:04 PM

Pr. Wm. has an "unofficial" hiring freeze going on. They are still hiring "essential" personnel but the superintendent has the final say on whether a position is essential. It will be a very tough next school year and I would not be surprised if they lay-off teachers (even though they all say that will be the very last option). There is lots of rumours going around on what the school board/superintendent will do for next school year and none of it good! We shall see as the budget will be disclosed in February. The positive is that you are a Sped teacher, can you get certified to teach middle and high school? That would definitely increase your chances of finding a job. Stafford and Fairfax are not next to each other -- where do you plan to live?

Figaro2008 · 01-20-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMTnest

Pr. Wm. has an "unofficial" hiring freeze going on. They are still hiring "essential" personnel but the superintendent has the final say on whether a position is essential. It will be a very tough next school year and I would not be surprised if they lay-off teachers (even though they all say that will be the very last option). There is lots of rumours going around on what the school board/superintendent will do for next school year and none of it good! We shall see as the budget will be disclosed in February. The positive is that you are a Sped teacher, can you get certified to teach middle and high school? That would definitely increase your chances of finding a job. Stafford and Fairfax are not next to each other -- where do you plan to live?

I prefer Stafford due to the cost of living would be cheaper than Fairfax. I did my student teaching in middle and h.s. - I was originally a business ed. teacher and I didn't like it so that's not an option for me. I haven't read good things about Prince William so I wasn't even bothering. My friend was hired with no experience by Stafford County so I was hoping with only 2 years I stood a chance there.

FindingZen · 01-20-2009, 05:56 PM

You definitely do not want to live in Stafford County if you secure a job in Fairfax. The commute up I-95 will be brutal unless you arrive at school with the maintenance staff. Going home will not be a picnic either.

If you secure a job in Fairfax County schools then, depending on your expected household income and preferred housing budget, you may want to consider living in Fairfax County or as close to it as possible to minimize commuting headaches.

Figaro2008 · 01-20-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tone509

You definitely do not want to live in Stafford County if you secure a job in Fairfax. The commute up I-95 will be brutal unless you arrive at school with the maintenance staff. Going home will not be a picnic either.

If you secure a job in Fairfax County schools then, depending on your expected household income and preferred housing budget, you may want to consider living in Fairfax County or as close to it as possible to minimize commuting headaches.

I would definitely live in the county of the job, I just have to find the job first. I prefer finding a job in Stafford though, but figured I would look at Fairfax for options.

car54 · 01-20-2009, 07:19 PM

Fairfax County Public Schools-Human Resources

EMTnest · 01-20-2009, 07:22 PM

Yup, the commute on 95 is brutal during rush hours (although you would be going against the grain if you lived in Fairfax and worked in Stafford).

My advice is to apply everywhere! With the budget troubles looming, who knows what jobs will be available in the fall. You can always turn down the job offer

Have you looked at Loudon County?

Figaro2008 · 01-20-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EMTnest

Yup, the commute on 95 is brutal during rush hours (although you would be going against the grain if you lived in Fairfax and worked in Stafford).

My advice is to apply everywhere! With the budget troubles looming, who knows what jobs will be available in the fall. You can always turn down the job offer

Have you looked at Loudon County?

I didn't even think about Loudon County. Is that a nice area to work/live in?