Relocating input

See, weqek, it wasn't hard to come over to the relo side, was it??;)

First, we have some forum members who are teachers, so I will let them discuss the schools.

I will start with your tax question, though. We have a mirror tax system in the USVI. You will pay the same income tax. using basically the same forms, but the revenue stays with the local Internal Revenue Bureau; it does not get transferred to Washington. We like to redistribute the wealth locally! 🙂 Additionally, the territory applies for bazillions in federal grants for things such as education, heath care, roads, etc.

If you look at the navigation bar above under "What To Expect," you will find much information on life in the VI. We do need good teachers and hope you will come join us.

Oh, I suggest that you peruse the on line newspapers: http://sts.onepaper.com/ and http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/.

WOW!!! Thanks for the input!!! So taxes are about 25% there too? I just heard a rumor that the USVI does not pay federal taxes which is like $600/mos for me. I found the Vi Daily news website, but not the other. Which Island do you live on if I may ask? How long have you lived there?

I met a lady when she was here on vacation...she went home and quit her job as a high school guidance counselor and moved down...she got a job as a teacher at Cancryn Jr. High...and quit within 3 hours of her first day...and the pay for teachers here is a pittance compared to what a comparable position would pay in the States...this is hearsay, mind you, as I am not a teacher...but I'll bet some teachers will chime in soon...the private schools pay better, from what I hear.

Taxes are based on what you earn in the same percentage as on the mainland.

The only things you are avoiding are state and sales tax. Since everything is so expensive here it pretty much evens out, IF you are coming from somewhere that has a high cost of living. Where you will get hit is that you will make less then you do stateside. There are some "transplants" that work as teachers, most of them have second jobs if they're single

I strongly suggest you start reading this board start to finish. You will get questions answered you never thought to ask. You can always use the search feature for specific questions as well. There's not book or newspaper IMO that will give you a better idea of what it's like to live here and what to expect. Best of Luck.

My husband and I are teachers in the public school system here. Just do a search for anything by "meowruff" and you'll see my previous posts. If you have specific questions, I'd be happy to answer them. And, yes, we do need good teachers here!

Well, yes, we don't pay federal income tax. We pay an income tax which is the same as the federal tax is in the states, but it stays here. If you live in a state that has a state income tax, you don't have to pay that. I think most people find the tax system easier here.

The other paper is The Source- it worked for me, not sure why you couldn't get it? Betty is right that a book or a newspaper won't give you everything, but they will give you a flavor of what is happening here.

I live on St Thomas...

Re: Marty's story- I know a guy who came on vacation 25 years ago, called home and asked family to ship his belongings. I also know someone who flew in on a Friday and didn't make it through the weekend! Pay attention to *your* expectations and needs.

I do not think the private schools pay better than the public schools - certainly not Antilles.

I don't think the private schools pay better either but they might be less challenging to teach in. Good teachers are needed in both.

I didn't think that pay was the main draw in being a teacher. I thought it was making a difference in young lives. Or maybe I'm a dreamer...;)

Teachers have to eat, too! It may not be the main draw, but it's just part of life.

I agree.

Try the gift hill school on STJ - fthillschool.org/

Thanks!!!!

I agree that teachers should be able to eat- lobster and tenderloin! I also think that they should get paid more than administrators. And there should be MORE teachers than administrators! If I ran the circus...

Teachers should be paid well for TEACHING........not striking, calling off sick & the numerous other goings on here.
The government has it's hand in this cookie jar & has left not even a crumb!!! The monies allocated for repairs are squandered thus horrible conditions (black mold, leaky roofs & filth) for anyone trying to learn or teach. Then there's the false sense of entitlement for the majority who forget the real reason they are teachers..........to encourage, mold & teach young minds.
The losers are our kids!!! And the few teachers who want to make a difference, they are frustrated while spending their hard earned money purchasing supplies & books. It's a vicious circle 🙁

So I seem to be getting one consistent thing that alarms me...everyone keeps referencing people not last a year there....something I should know??? Makes a guy kind of nervous.

People tend to think it's all beaches & pina coladas but the reality is you'll probably work harder here than anywhere else you've ever lived. Sometimes in a work environment you will be "tested" to see if you're going to stick around. The pace of life is different & what can take 15 minutes elsewhere can take hours to accomplish here especially if it involved dealing with a government agency. Some people get rock fever & feel confined & just want to get away. A hurricane sure thins out the herd too.

wegek,
We had tenants a while back that taught in the elementary schools. They were both young ladies, mid to late twenties. They both had problems with the students getting physical with them. Actually pushing and one incident where one kid got on his knees behind the teacher, and another kid then pushed her backward, causing her to fall over the first kid. That was the final straw for her. One problem is some of the kids get held back, particularly boys. So they are older, larger, stronger and have more "attitude" than the other kids in their class. They become the bad boy leaders. We had another tenant, a young man in his mid-twenties who taught at the Complex High School. He is still there and doing fine.
I think you need an extra layer of dedication and toughness. From what I understand, you don't get much support from all that top heavy administrative staff.
Our tenants said there were plenty of people, both teachers and administrators, who do really care, but they don't have the resources, parental support, community or government support needed. Disciplinary action is limited and not upheld.
It will be a challenge, but give it a try. Maybe you can make a difference, which will be greatly appreciated by many.

Wow!!! That is eye opening. I am not overly concerned about discipline. I taught in a city where there were gangs and all that mess. Not big ones, but some never the less. Juanita-Thanks for the input, actually, once again-thank you all!!! You are all doing a fantastic job giving me "real" input. I can appreciate and make wiser decisions. Like I said, the "turnover rate" is a little alarming, but interesting. I must say, I did have delusions of pina coladas and beaches, but realize that I have to work to. My biggest concern is the salary and cost of living. Any more input/advice from anybody. Thanks again to all of you 🙂

People tend to think it's all beaches & pina coladas but the reality is you'll probably work harder here than anywhere else you've ever lived.

i could not have said it better myself, trade. island life is great on vacation but it's not the best permanent solution for everyone. that's why this board is such a useful tool for those considering coming down. i direct folks here from elsewhere on the web when i see them considering the move after having fallen in love.