[pucabear]

Originally Posted by vter

I don't think it's so much that schools want to hire VT natives, it's just that the schools see their prospective teachers when they are doing their student teaching. When people say this is a small state, it's for real. Chances are if you are a UVM student and you do your student teaching in say, Underhill, and you're going for a job in a different town, chances are your prospective employer will know your old boss, your cousin, or something along those lines.

That is true, and it is not just Vermont. It is a convenience/familiarity thing.

[sslvc19]

Originally Posted by pucabear

I think it is true that no matter where you go, people will hire who they know. But I definitely believe the special education will help you. The state is advertising for "minority" teachers right now, which I find interesting. And remember, if you go somewhere and really prove that you are a hot commodity, you will find a job. I can give you tips on that as well, if you are interested.

pucabear, thanks for the information. What tips might you have that could be of help in VT?

[sslvc19]

I have just heard from a school in Wilmington, VT. It is a special ed. position. Can anyone tell me what this area is like? Any information from locals or those who have been here before would be a big help. Thanks.

[vter]

Wilmington is a very small town in Southern Vermont located between Bennington & Brattleboro. It's primary economy is tourism as Mount Snow Ski Resort is a few miles north in the town of Dover.

[VTeratheart]

My sister-in-law works in a school in Wilmington (I believe) as she's going to school with some sort of specialty in SE (Applied Behavior Analysis, maybe?). She lives in Wilmington, but I'm not positive she works there, or in northern MA right now...she's done internships in that area. She's lived down there for a number if years, though....yes~SMALL, ski town, locals hang out at the bars and know everyone by name. It is close to the MA border, though, for decent shopping, etc.

[sslvc19]

Thanks for the information on Wilmington. What can you tell me about the rental/real estate market in the area? I know that Brattleboro is the closest major town in the area. I plan on renting first, so I'm sure there are available places in the area. Also, I have heard from a school in Swanton. I know it is north of St. Albans. What can anyone tell me about this area compared to southern Vermont.

Thanks to all.

[pucabear]

Originally Posted by sslvc19

Thanks for the information on Wilmington. What can you tell me about the rental/real estate market in the area? I know that Brattleboro is the closest major town in the area. I plan on renting first, so I'm sure there are available places in the area. Also, I have heard from a school in Swanton. I know it is north of St. Albans. What can anyone tell me about this area compared to southern Vermont.

Thanks to all.

I am in St. Albans. It is a stereotypical Vermont town. Small downtown, square park in the middle. You will also find some fast food and a few grocery stores. Rents in this area usually range from about $550 on up. St. Albans is about 25 minutes from Burlington. What else would you like to know?

[sslvc19]

Glad to have an "inside eye" on St. Albans. What can you tell me about the school/town relationship? Also, I really enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, running (Big time), hiking, skating, ect. What are the trails/state parks like in the area? What is the area between St. Albans and Lake Champlain like? Thanks for the additional information.

[pucabear]

Originally Posted by sslvc19

Glad to have an "inside eye" on St. Albans. What can you tell me about the school/town relationship? Also, I really enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, running (Big time), hiking, skating, ect. What are the trails/state parks like in the area? What is the area between St. Albans and Lake Champlain like? Thanks for the additional information.

Are you wanting to know about the school/town relationship in St. Albans or Swanton? I have a friend that is an avid runner and mountain biker. He is always participating in events, some of which are in town. Bay Days is an event that takes place over the 4th of July. The rail trail goes through St. Albans and is a great place for running, biking and hiking. You could look on the Vermont.gov for links about the state parks. The road that runs along Lake Champlain in St. Albans/Swanton is called Maquam Shore. It is a nice area with some camps and larger new homes. There is a small park in St. Albans Bay area.

[sslvc19]

The school/town relationship I was refering to was Swanton. Where I am at now (central PA) there is a strong relationship between town and school. We have a lot of really caring partents, businesses, and community individuals who really do a lot for the school. (That being said, the school board just okayed the building of a new school to replace our 40 year old building and some are not too happy about that.)

Also, I've heard that people are not always real friendly to "outsiders." I take this advice with a grain of salt though; the same thing is said about my own Lancaster County and is often just the reserved nature the locals. By teaching and attending church (Episcopal/Anglican/Lutheran) I would imagine I'd get to know people pretty fast. Any more advice?

Thanks, your posts have been a great help to my research.