I haven't taught in LCPS, but my experiences in FCPS as a new teacher were positive, mainly due to strong building level leadership and the amazing PD opportunities provided by the county. You can easily meet all of your recertification requirements and gain points for a "lane change" through the PD that FCPS offers teachers for free. The Academy courses I took were comparable to graduate courses in terms of rigor and applicability to the classroom. I'm currently teaching in another area due to moving for my husband's job, and while I like my new district and school, there are many things I miss about FCPS, both as a teacher and parent. However, a big part of my positive experience came from having excellent building level administrators, instructional coaches, and colleagues who were focused on developing new teachers. I like my new district, but don't know if I would have survived in it as a brand new teacher.

You'll make at least 10,000 a year more in Loudoun. FCPS is notorious for freezing teacher pay. We haven't had a step increase in 2 straight years. Very few teachers reach the top of the pay scale because of frequent freezes.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!
I know that Loudoun area is booming now. In general, are schools overcrowded? Well supplied? Is there a new teacher mentor program like FCPS Great Beginnings?

I'm not worried about snow days -- if schools are closed, I'd be home w the (future) kids, so that's a wash. We plan to live in whatever county I teach for that reason when we have kiddos.

But if you live in Loudoun and teach in FCPS, your kids may be off and you won’t. That’s what the PP was saying.

Reading comprehension, much? She said she was planning to live in the county she teaches in. So if she lives in Loudoun she will teach in Loudoun. If she lives in Fairfax, she will teach in Fairfax. If she is off, her kids will be off, since they will be in the SAME county. Do you get it??

Wow, angry much?

Yes, sick of idiots like you posting.

NP -- You seem like a jerk.

Anonymous wrote:I recently moved from LCPS to FCPS. The traffic is a bit worse but the school division is much more comprehensive and I feel more supported as a staff member.

I’ve heard this from a number of teachers.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LCPS is much better in my opinion. Better teachers, students, and much better work space.

The top pyramids in LCPS would be merely above average in FCPS; the top pyramids in FCPS are superior to anything in LCPS.

But the teaching experience is so much better with LCPS. Parents are involved and actually respect you and let to do your job without all the hassle. A few loud people at the SB are absolutely not an indication of the whole system. (Taught in both counties)

Anonymous wrote:LCPS is much better in my opinion. Better teachers, students, and much better work space.

The top pyramids in LCPS would be merely above average in FCPS; the top pyramids in FCPS are superior to anything in LCPS.

LCPS is much better in my opinion. Better teachers, students, and much better work space.

Anonymous wrote:Forgot to mention that FCPS teachers receive a second pension through Fairfax County. LCPS teachers do not.

Yes, the ERFC. It’s a good plan and I think it provides an additional 25% or so of your average 3 or 5 highest years’ salary.

LCPS does have a supplemental salary supplement, but the max amount is $5,000. Another benefit they have is they pay out the daily rate at retirement for 25% of unused sick leave. Still, the ERFC is probably a better system although one could do the math on net pay comparisons over the years since a % of the FCPS goes towards the pension.

Teach as close to your house as possible.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks!
I know that Loudoun area is booming now. In general, are schools overcrowded? Well supplied? Is there a new teacher mentor program like FCPS Great Beginnings?

I'm not worried about snow days -- if schools are closed, I'd be home w the (future) kids, so that's a wash. We plan to live in whatever county I teach for that reason when we have kiddos.

But if you live in Loudoun and teach in FCPS, your kids may be off and you won’t. That’s what the PP was saying.

Reading comprehension, much? She said she was planning to live in the county she teaches in. So if she lives in Loudoun she will teach in Loudoun. If she lives in Fairfax, she will teach in Fairfax. If she is off, her kids will be off, since they will be in the SAME county. Do you get it??

Wow, angry much?

Yes, sick of idiots like you posting.

Forgot to mention that FCPS teachers receive a second pension through Fairfax County. LCPS teachers do not.

I live in Loudoun and have worked for both LCPS and FCPS. I agree with you about FCPS: great resources, benefits, support, etc.; but I believe students a better education with LCPS. The teachers can focus on teaching because of fewer behavior issues.

If you can find a renovated, 90s home in E. Loudoun like Lowes Island, Cascades or Ashburn Farm you will not be redistricted. On average, lots will be better if that’s important to you to have a decent backyard.

LCPS will have more snow days

LPCS Elementary school starts at 7:50, but you have to be there at 7:30.