Teacher Relocating to DC Area

[Anonymous]

I know two families in South Arlington that commute to Capitol Hill. They both drive and take Columbia Pike to 395. It is my understanding that it doesn't take them more than 45 minutes to get to Capitol Hill.

The poster may consider renting in Fairlington in Arlington. That would result in a doable commute to Capitol Hill while at the same time commuting to Arlington, Alexandria and some of the Fairfax County public schools would be doable.

Also, there a many private schools in Alexandria. The poster's wife may wish to teach in a private school for a year or two to get a feel for the area and then switch to the public schools.

[Anonymous]

I am a teacher in DCPS (upper NW), and I live in South Arlington. My commute is easy and my husband's is even easier. He takes metro and works near Gallery Place.

FYI (and this may get confusing): DCPS does not honor other states' K-6 certification. DCPS Elementary Ed is only for grades 1-6. So, unless your wife is certified in Early Childhood Education, she might have a hard time getting a position teaching Kindergarten. Of course, most schools realize that this is ridiculous, especially when teachers have been teaching K in other states, and they hire anyway. But with NCLB and the requirements that all teachers are Highly Qualified, I think it is harder to get a pass.

[Anonymous]

I lived in Adams Morgan when I started out teaching, and commuted to the Seven Corners area of Fairfax county; it was a very easy commute, about 30 minutes with few traffic snarls and delays.

[Anonymous]

Arlington's Budget propsoal is up. Looks like a small teacher reduction by decreasing planning time and increasing class size? Probably no layoffs, but not hiring replacement teachers.

http://www.arlington.k12.va.us/15401082104136983/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=61286

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher in DCPS (upper NW), and I live in South Arlington. My commute is easy and my husband's is even easier. He takes metro and works near Gallery Place.

FYI (and this may get confusing): DCPS does not honor other states' K-6 certification. DCPS Elementary Ed is only for grades 1-6. So, unless your wife is certified in Early Childhood Education, she might have a hard time getting a position teaching Kindergarten. Of course, most schools realize that this is ridiculous, especially when teachers have been teaching K in other states, and they hire anyway. But with NCLB and the requirements that all teachers are Highly Qualified, I think it is harder to get a pass.

This is somewhat specious "trick" by the Washington Teacher's Union to automatically disqualify many highly qualified teachers. It artificially creates a shortage and is one reason (among many) that DC residents have such a low opinion of the Teacher's Union. When people say Rhee is willing to make the right enemies - this is exactly what they're talking about. Fortunately, Rhee is very wise to this B.S. and forcing a lot of bad teachers (who are all about the job security and not very much interested in education quality) out.

Even more fortunately, charters schools get to make their own decisions, and some of them offer pay competitive with DCPS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a teacher in DCPS (upper NW), and I live in South Arlington. My commute is easy and my husband's is even easier. He takes metro and works near Gallery Place.

FYI (and this may get confusing): DCPS does not honor other states' K-6 certification. DCPS Elementary Ed is only for grades 1-6. So, unless your wife is certified in Early Childhood Education, she might have a hard time getting a position teaching Kindergarten. Of course, most schools realize that this is ridiculous, especially when teachers have been teaching K in other states, and they hire anyway. But with NCLB and the requirements that all teachers are Highly Qualified, I think it is harder to get a pass.

This is somewhat specious "trick" by the Washington Teacher's Union to automatically disqualify many highly qualified teachers. It artificially creates a shortage and is one reason (among many) that DC residents have such a low opinion of the Teacher's Union. When people say Rhee is willing to make the right enemies - this is exactly what they're talking about. Fortunately, Rhee is very wise to this B.S. and forcing a lot of bad teachers (who are all about the job security and not very much interested in education quality) out.

Even more fortunately, charters schools get to make their own decisions, and some of them offer pay competitive with DCPS.

PP -- can you elaborate on what exactly is this "trick" by the teachers union? I'm confused as to what you mean.