Teachers........Anyone transfer between FCPS and ACPS?
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Anonymous
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I'm looking for thoughts from any teachers who have transferred between FCPS and ACPS. I've been an elementary teacher in FCPS for nine years and I'm thinking of switching over to ACPS. I'm expecting a baby this summer, and so it seems like a good time to cut back on my commute. The pay increase wouldn't hurt either. However, I do see some drawbacks in switching counties at a time when I'll have a lot changing in my personal life. Plus if I stay with FCPS, I have months worth of sick days saved up, so I could start the year off by taking some maternity leave (I'd already have about 6 weeks in the summer since my baby is due right at the end of the school year).
I'm wondering what you think of the differences in curriculum, available resources, etc. I know planning time will be less than what's actually needed no matter where I teach, but I'd also be interested in hearing if there's a big difference in that area. Also, I realized that a lot of the stressors will be similar, since much of that comes from the state and not the county. Any feedback or thoughts on this would be very much appreciated! Thanks!! |
Anonymous
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I work as a principal in FCPS. And I'm a mom of small kids. I would not make the switch right now. The built-up leave is HUGE, especially if you are about to have a baby. You have no idea how many days you will need for a sick baby. It totally changes when you now have to take sick days for someone else.
In addition to that, I think there are more options in a larger county like FCPS. If it's a commute to/from Arlington, see about transferring to a school near Rte 50 and Rte 7, ie Westlawn, Baileys, Sleepy Hollow, Beech Tree or Graham Road to name a few. Transfair is at the beginning of May. I had a teacher at my school that lived in Arlington and was tired of making the commute. I contacted a principal at one of the schools I mentioned and helped her make the transfer during the Transfair window. Talk to your principal about helping you out. I would contact principals in schools that are closer to your home and ask to interview at the end of April. The if it's a match, the principal can make the transfer through an email during the Transfair window. Hope this helps. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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Your accrued sick leave might not be an issue. You might not lose it. If one transfers into FCPS from another VA jurisdiction, you can transfer up to 60 days. I assume the same applies if you transfer into ACPS. Check into it.
From the FCPS website: If you are transferring from another public school division in Virginia, you may request to have up to 60 work days of accumulated sick leave transferred to FCPS. This request must be in writing to the Office of Payroll Management and must be submitted within the 12-month period after separation from the previous school district. |
Anonymous
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PP here.
You can transfer up to 90 days of sick leave into ACPS if you are coming directly from another VA district. http://www.apsva.us/cms/lib2/VA01000586/Centricity/Shared/school%20board%20policies/35-5-03-sick-leave-pip.pdf |
Anonymous
You pasted arlington's info, but ACPS also allows this. I can't seem to find the link though...will search some more. |
Anonymous
| How is your spanish? |
Anonymous
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What's the job market like in Arlington? When I was looking several years ago they were only interested in math and science.
Honestly, I'd stay where you are comfortable for now. Having a support network at my school was awesome. My colleagues looked about my sub. When I came back, they'd cover my class if I needed it. |
Anonymous
What? |
Anonymous
| Arlington = APS. Alexandria = ACPS. |
Anonymous
| Oh. Thanks. It looks like everyone else thought you were looking at Arlington County too. |
Anonymous
| OP here, yes I'm looking into Alexandria City Public Schools. I'm currently commuting from old town to Fairfax (about 35 minutes each way). I do appreciate the arguments for staying in FCPS, as those are concerns I have as well. I'll look into whether my accrued sick days can transfer over to ACPS (I can't find anything on their website about that), as that would definitely be a plus. |
Anonymous
I'm a little appalled that you people get to accrue sick leave like that. And I'm a supporter of public school teachers. That's just not right. |
Anonymous
We get 10 days a year. The problem is that since taking a sick day involves writing sub plans, it often isn't worth it. I happen to have pretty good health, but have worked sick occasionally because sub plans are time-consuming.--It's often easier to just soldier through. |
Anonymous
| 22:54 a lt of jobs let you accrue a certain amount of leave. My military spouse can accrue 90 days ( but can only carry over 60 when the new fiscal year starts) |
Anonymous
| * lot |