JObs in Schools

DJ,

I too have a similiar bakground and questions. Maybe we can work together to solve this loggerjam. I have periodically checked the Dept of Ed website, the newspaper, and other online sources (craigslist, etc) but have not found anything specific. From teh advice I've gotten from my own questions and reading fourm posts it seems that the best way to job search is to BE on the island. WIsh I could be more helpful.

I don't think they will do any thing until you get your complete application packet in to Human Resources- VI Dept. ED. the webside www.teachislands.vi really explains the entire process. The information on the website says that persons outside of the system for the following school year sometimes in May - - so make sure you get ALL of your documentation in to them if you want to be considered for the upcoming school year.

Would either of you mind passing along any pertinent information that you may find regarding finding a teaching job in the USVI's. I am finishing up my Master's degree in Educational Psychology this year and am starting to look into a move to St. Thomas or St. Croix next May ('06). Any resources or contacts would be greatly appreciated!
Warm regards, Sara

Check out the website www.teachislands.vi. That website will give you telephone numbers and the application process. When will you complete your program? You might want to start applying in January. But it never hurts to start making contact now. Especially iof the systmen is making projections for 2006. There is a 1-800 number at that site.

I know that Virgin Islands Montessori School is looking for teachers - high school and elementary. The website is www.vimontessori.com

Sara,

I agree with Melody's advice. One concern I've had is actually being able to translate a degreee in SOciology into a TEACHING job.

Two questions I am currently researching: 1) For someone whoe degree is not in teacher ed how difficult is it to actually get a teaching job? (Might be easier to try the independent schools).

2)Is is advisable to get certified here or wait until you get there? WHat additional coursework might be required? If I take my certification exams here will I have to reatake in the islands? (a costly proposition)

You might try an agency from the US. I am looking at a Physical Therapy job in the public schools STT with a company from FL.
Lynne

Hi Lynne -
was wondering if you could tell me the name of the company that you are working with for the PT job??? I am interested in an OT job (my husband is being asked to relocate to STT) but haven't even heard if OT is practiced on the island! Any help would be great!

Thanks!

th name of the company is Richards Healthcare out of Boca Raton Fl. Call Tracey Dexter at 1-800-233-5976. I am going to STT on May 27 to look at the schools and such.
Good Luck I know here in Mass they have to have OT in the schools on education plans.
Lynne

Stephanie: I tried to send you a PM, but it didn't go through. Send me one or an e-mail. I have names and numbers for you.

I am not quite sure. But there may be a need in the special education program for school psychologist to do assessments and to provide couseling services. Special Education every where has critical needs. And clinical specialist help schools meet those needs.

Thanks for the information Lynne! I will give them a call.

Hello DJ,
I was hired last year at CAHS, having never set foot on USVI soil before. The best advice I can give you is BE PERSISTENT, and PATIENT! I started the application process last Jan. using the DOE website listed in this thread and then I called all the time to find out the status of my application. I can honestly tell you that at one point I was calling every day-yes, I was probably totally annoying but I'm here now! I finally had a phone interview in July and didn't know where (Island, Grade Level, School) I would be placed in until August. Basically the Principals all get together and conduct a group phone interview and then they fight over who gets you and who has the greatest need for your talents 🙂 I know that we are in need of teachers all the time, with many openings for Library Media Specialists (Master's req.). My own girls at Sibilly School have not checked out a library book all school year because they haven't had a librarian!!! I wish you luck!
Suzanne
Any other Q's about teaching in the VI can be sent to
sbarber@sttj.k12.vi

Hi Suzanne,

My name is Ashley. I am from Cape Cod, MA and I just graduated college and am trying to find a job as an elementary school teacher in the Virgin Islands. I was wondering, for someone who has never set foot on the islands what should I expect in terms of the culture and the school system? I have applied to both a public school and a private one and I am going to take your advice and be persistent in trying to contact the administrators. I was also interested in housing. Does the school set you up with a place to live or were you expected to go there and find a place on your own? Thanks for your time and can't wait to here back from you.

Ashley, you really ought to go to the USVIs and spend some time there before you decide you want to work there. As a Mass resident, several time visitor to STJ, and an exteacher (high school, 9 years) you have a very stressful time ahead of you- this isn't Cape Cod at all, its quite different in the VIs and you may find you don't like it for personal reasons- never mind trying to adapt to teaching at the same time!!! Imagine Nantucket, without the money, with constant heat, with limited resources, with high costs for living like Nantucket, without a stong support system AND adapt to teaching- you seem to be looking at this with very rose colored glasses!!!! We LOVE the USVIs and may retire there but we already are familiar with the island cultures and the limitations, as well as the beauty and relaxed living style. So gees, girl, go there for a month or two, wait tables, then decide if you really want to live and teach there. I also recommend reading the moving stories found on this website, they are very helpful.

Hi Ashley,
I have always been an adventurous type, so posts and comments like the one from karrieb just make me want to prove that person totally wrong! I have just returned home from a beautiful Baccalaureate Service for graduating Seniors (not a lot of church/school separation here). I was overwhelmed by the love and support given to the students, parents and administrators. If you are an independant type, not afraid of diversity and new expereinces than I highly recommend teaching here. Even if you just come and teach for a year-at least you can say that you made the attempt and did it. I have not found it to be very expensive to live here. We pay $950 for a large 2 bedroom on the Northside with everything included and groceries aren't that costly without all that tax (Aren't you from Taxachussettes!!!?)
I am very active and involved with the locals, I even joined a carnival troupe this year---the infamous Traditional Indians. I can now "wuk-up" like a pro, thanks to months of practicing downtown in Vendor's Plaza 🙂 My 8 year old daughter also joined the troupe-she has adapted beautifully and has developed an accent to boot.
Forget about waiting tables, just get out here and teach---we need excellent, qualified teachers!!!!
Suzanne

I would like to sendyou a personal E-mail about my experience so far I submitted my application in January 05. I could use some feed back and some advice.

How's the job search?