Phoenix Area Teacher Relocation (Glendale, Scottsdale: 2015, transfer, neighborhoods)

[Chi4ever88]

Hi, my husband's job is looking to transfer him to the Phoenix area. Since I'm a special education teacher from the Chicago suburbs I would like to know if there are any desirable school districts that teachers prefer to work that I should target. I already understand that I'll have to take a pay cut. Thanks for any feedback!

[ajonesaz]

Originally Posted by Chi4ever88

Hi, my husband's job is looking to transfer him to the Phoenix area. Since I'm a special education teacher from the Chicago suburbs I would like to know if there are any desirable school districts that teachers prefer to work that I should target. I already understand that I'll have to take a pay cut. Thanks for any feedback!

Gilbert or Chandler. They seem to be the only areas that constantly votes to increase their taxes to support education. Any middle-upper class area would be ideal, you won't get paid enough to have to deal with students and their "parents" in the less desirable areas.

[KurtAZ]

Elementary or High School? From our friends that are teachers...they would obviously like to work in the higher performing school districts. Scottsdale, Kyrene, Chandler, Gilbert, etc. I believe that BASIS has a SPED program as well...you may want to look into that as well.

[Finger Laker]

One that is close to your home.

There are districts that are roughly comparable all over the metro. It is ideal to be close for the both of you.

Some districts provide better SPED support than others, but typically the more desirable neighborhoods will have more desirable schools. Charters offer more flexibility, but typically are lower in pay and benefits. I have friends who we're happy going to them and some who weren't.

So much is individual preference and style.

Keep in mind that many districts aren't unified out here and that many cities are serviced by multiple school districts.

Also, in many districts teachers head back in around 3 weeks with the kids following shortly after

[pbenjamin]

Originally Posted by ajonesaz

Gilbert or Chandler. They seem to be the only areas that constantly votes to increase their taxes to support education.

Wrong. Gilbert passed an override in 2015 but voted them down in 2012 and 2013.

[Chi4ever88]

Good things to consider and thanks for the info! My husband travels so we will definitely look in areas where I get a position. Any feedback on Peoria/Glendale school districts? I can teach and am open to all levels although I've only taught elementary.

[Finger Laker]

Glendale can be tough. It is a larger district, so there are good resources and support on one end but also some disorganization, red tape, etc on the other. There is a wide spread in schools as well. Some are really rough and do not have active community support. Others are the opposite. Generally things get better as you north then West from Glendale Ave. Pay is competitive for AZ.

Peoria is a little more stable/preferred by people I know who have worked both. Same thing with moving north and west to locate the better schools.

In this metro the community and PTO can make a huge difference in what the schools can offer

[AZJoeD]

One school district I would investigate is the Deer Valley Unified School District 97. It is a large school district that serves North Phoenix, and parts of Glendale, Peoria and unincorporated areas like Desert Hills, Anthem and New River.

I have never had a need for special education programs, but I have had several clients that did. One client refused to move out of the district because their program fits her needs so well.

I know they, like most school districts here, are always seeking top notch talent and because of the size of the district you will have a lot of opportunities.

[pbenjamin]

There are several districts worth investigating. If you are looking northwest (you asked about Peoria and Glendale) then Deer Valley is good. Paradise Valley, Madison Elementary, Kyrene Elementary are all good districts with well respected Special Education Departments. There are enough good districts that you really need to narrow the focus to where you are likely to be living. Which variety of Special Ed do you teach?

[Chi4ever88]

I really appreciate your time and the responses and where to focus.

Here in Illinois sped teachers are certified to work as a Learning Behavior Specialist with all types disabilities: specific learning disability, autism, behavior, intellectual, developmental, etc. I contacted the AZ Dept of Ed and learned that my AZ certificate will transfer as Mild to Moderate.