A few questions about teaching in Northern Va. (Arlington, Manassas: to rent, house)

[lnzygail]

Hi! I have seen several posts dealing with similar issues and hoped some of you could help me too!

I am hoping to move to the area and would like to teach in Arlington or Fairfax Co. I have looked into applying with both counties, but they are not accepting applications for next year yet.

This is my fourth year of teaching in North Carolina. I am an elementary school teacher. Currently, I only teach math and science, but am certified to do it all. Is it difficult to get elementary teaching jobs in these counties or are teachers in high demand?

Also, I am a little nervous about the increase in the cost of living. I'm single and would be likely be trying to rent in Arlington. I know the pay is much higher than it is here in NC, but I still worry. Does anyone know how feasible it is to live comfortably on a teaching salary in NoVa?

Thanks so much!

[ChristineVA]

Unfortunately, many of the counties are experiencing budget shortfalls due to the economy and lower tax base. Fairfax County has to lay off 800 teachers this year and a good majority of them will be guidance counselors. One way for them to save money is for them to cut back on the very beefy (but great) guidance department. Not sure how the actual hiring is going to go if it does at all. Prince William is about the same. Have not heard much about Arlington.

As for cost of living--it is very high here. I'm not sure what the income levels of teachers are. Of the single teachers I have met, most are in a "roommate" type situation and it doesn't appear they can easily live on their own.

[Mrs. Hos]

I agree with ChristineVA. Teaching jobs are being cut. A lot of teachers will be moved around to fill positions from teachers retiring and moving. I'm sure there will be some positions available, but not as many as before. I'd say you will probably make about $46K. It may be difficult to find something in a decent rent range in Arlington, given it's vicinity to DC. We live in Prince William County where rent is a little cheaper. It would be hard to live here on your own. Picking up a roommate would def. help with the more expensive things like rent and utilities.

[EMTnest]

Yes, budgets for next year will be tight. They won't be replacing all the teachers but moving teachers around to fill spots so jobs won't be plentiful. Lots of teachers planning to retire are deciding to wait another year or so (economy, can't sell their house etc.) Housing costs are high and most of the "newbie" teachers are living with roommates. It is a tough economic climate in NOVA but I'm sure it is tough all over!

[Yankeesfan]

In Fairfax County the school system consumes over half of the county budget, which is facing a $650 million shortfall for the upcoming fiscal year. So this is not a year to be looking for a teaching job here.

[lnzygail]

Thank you all for your quick responses. I am concerned that it will be more difficult to find a job. I am lucky that I do not have to move if I do not find something and will still have a job here. That makes things a lot easier than if I were in a situation where I did not have anything to fall back on!

As far as the cost of living, I definitely have had my concerns about that. Most schedules I have seen for my experience level are around $48,000 (unless they start everyone at the bottom regardless of experience). If that is the case, it is close to $20,000 more than they pay teachers here. I have hoped it would even out the increase in the cost of renting, but I'm not sure. Based on the things you have said, it seems that may not be the case at all! It is a lot to think about! Thanks so much for your suggestions and advice!

[mpascal]

I work for the Arlington schools. There is a hiring freeze, but primarily for non-instructional positions. That is, if they need teachers to fill classrooms, they will hire them. There is always some attrition to be expected, and it's still early for teachers to announce retirements or plans to not come back. Over the past several years Arlington has hired close to 200 new teachers. While budgetary constraints might result in smaller numbers of new hires, it is unlikely we'd reach a situation where no new teachers are needed.

There is a job fair in Arlington on March 28 at Wakefield HS. If you are in the area then, that would be a great event to attend, submit all your information, and have at least one interview. I would also recommend submitting the online application. Whether or not jobs are actually posted yet, the application will create a file for you in the Personnel office. The job fair info. can be found at: Arlington Public Schools | Job Opportunities (http://www.apsva.us/15401081145652513/site/default.asp - broken link)

Good luck.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by mpascal

I work for the Arlington schools. There is a hiring freeze, but primarily for non-instructional positions. That is, if they need teachers to fill classrooms, they will hire them. There is always some attrition to be expected, and it's still early for teachers to announce retirements or plans to not come back. Over the past several years Arlington has hired close to 200 new teachers. While budgetary constraints might result in smaller numbers of new hires, it is unlikely we'd reach a situation where no new teachers are needed.

There is a job fair in Arlington on March 28 at Wakefield HS. If you are in the area then, that would be a great event to attend, submit all your information, and have at least one interview. I would also recommend submitting the online application. Whether or not jobs are actually posted yet, the application will create a file for you in the Personnel office. The job fair info. can be found at: Arlington Public Schools | Job Opportunities (http://www.apsva.us/15401081145652513/site/default.asp - broken link)

Good luck.

I agree and say the same for Fairfax County. I have worked for FCPS for 16 years. They will hire, just not as many as in the past. They won't be "laying off" 800 teachers, but the total number of positions will be reduced. You will be given your years experience and will start you at that point on the scale. I think that would be step 5. Do you have anything beyond a Bachelors? The scale will most likely be frozen for next year.
As far as not accepting applications yet, I think you can still create an application file online. A friend of ours from PA is coming down for the FCPS job fair in February and she needs to fill out an application prior to the event.
If you land a job with FCPS, where you rent will depend largely upon where the school is. If you are in the southern part of the county, you might decide to rent in Prince William. If it is in the western part, you probably won't rent in Arlington.

Good luck

[tgbwc]

FCPS Step 5 $
Bachelors Bachelors +15 Bachelors +30 Masters

48,956 50,393 51,849 54,391

[Denton56]

Wow, that's a pretty decent salary when you consider that it is only 3/4 time. Great benefits too. FCPS teachers can retire after 30 years with 90% pay. If they need to continue working, they can go to one of the neighboring counties, or Falls Church city, Manassass Park, etc.