What part of Virginia are you thinking of moving.. that makes a difference.


I know mostly about Richmond area schools so if thats where you are thinking let me know. I can give you some more information.

The counties near DC pay fairly well, of course the cost of living is very high. My son's teacher had just graduated with her MEd and she had to live with 2 roommates to afford Fairfax County.

I am originally from Northern Virginia but I do not want to live there now because it is too overcrowded and too expensive. I want to move from spotsylvania county and south. I am pretty much open to anywhere other than northern va. I have put applications in westmoreland co, spotsylvania co, isle of wight co, prince william co, and king george co. Any info anyone has would be great.

If you want to go a little farther out, people with kids regard the school systems more highly in Stafford and Louden as opposed to Prince William.

I know what you mean about Prince William. I have family that lives there and it isn't my #1 choice. I figured it wouldn't hurt to put in an application even if it is my last choice. I have applied in Stafford but I didn't think about Louden. I will check on it. Thanks a lot.

By the way, does anyone know anything about Caroline Co? It is close to my family so I am going to apply there too. I don't know much about it though.

so I guess Richmond is an option then..

if so, I would try Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, and Chesterfield counties...

I went to schools in Hanover and loved it there, hopefully when I finish the teaching program I am starting now I will get a job in Hanover. Overall all of the schools in this county are good.

My roommate works in Henrico Co. right now teaching 3-5 special Ed. So I have gotten to learn a lot about Henrico right now through her. They have some schools I think that are better than others.

Speaking of Richmond.. Mary Munford and I believe Fox are suppose to be great schools.

Goochland use to be very rural, but recently the west end of Henrico has been expanding into the county. Short Pump mall is right at its border. So if you are looking for more rural but close to things this could be an option.

Some of those schools you were looking at aren't really in areas that I would particulary want to move to right after graduating college.. are you moving back by yourself? Looking to meet other recent grads? Those are some things to consider too.

I actually moved to Virginia when I graduated. I currently teach for Spotsy county and have for four years. I love my placement and school that I am at. Stafford and Spotsy tend to do things pretty similar since we are so close, but sometimes there are some small differences in the calendars. I haven't checked the pay difference recently, but I know that it seems to fluctuate between the two of us depending on what "step" you're at. However...the snow days are different depending on where you teach too. :D

Yes I am will be moving by myself. I have family in Westmoreland and Spotsylvania counties. The reason why I picked those counties is because they are not in the middle of everything but they are close to other cities. I guess I never really thought about the fact that I should live near other people my age. I would like to make friends and such.

One of my sisters lives/teaches in Prince William... she loves it. I interviewed there, but it was a little too close to DC for me.

Any heads up on PA jobs?

I need something, I cant take my job anymore!

A young man we know just graduated with a history major, drama minor and a backup teacher certification. He actually found a dream job in Louden teaching 2 US History, 2 World History and 2 Theatre classes. Louden has one of the best pay scales for VA.

I filled out an application for Loudoun co yesterday. Man they do pay really good but I don't know about the location.

Loudon County definitely has one of the highest pay scales, but cost of living is high up there. I hear Albermarle and the areas around Charlottesville pay fairly well. Here in Lynchburg the pay is supposed to be decent, but not near what it is in NoVA.

I'm bumping this for comments/advice from teachers. Especially urban teachers and/or HS teachers. I'm applying to a program for my Masters in teaching (science) so I'm interested in how life is for other teachers. Esp in this crazy economy we have where Ed budgets are being ripped apart. Which is why I should say "I'm applying to the MAT program next year...if it still exists!"

Well, I'm a 5th year teacher in Southern California. I have tenure but I've been laid off every year I've been teaching. :( I get lucky and get rehired each year but it's never easy having to deal with the agonizing months of looking for other employment while still hoping you get rehired. It sucks!

I have 2 Masters degrees (one in Education and one in Reading) and 3 different teaching credentials (a K-8 General Ed Credential, a BCLAD which is an authorization to teach in Spanish and a a K-12 Reading Credential). All three are highly prized in my particular school district and in California yet seniority will always trump education and experience.

It's not easy because teachers are having to deal with large class sizes and limited funds for the basics like school supplies, books and programs. Many programs are being slashed such as art, music, pe, etc. Being a teacher in this economy is not easy. The pay isn't that great either no matter what people say. The cost of living is high and even with what I make, I am grateful my husband makes good money to enable us to be able to pay our mortgage, bills, etc.

My best advice for new teachers is to hang in there because unfortunately, I don't see it getting easier anytime soon.