Teaching in St Croix

A lot would depend upon your expectations and experience. Like, where are you coming from and what grades will you be teaching? There are a few teachers on this forum who can answer specific questions. The USVI public schools have several serious problems, however depending upon the school and the grade level you can find some bright lights.

If I had to generalize (my experience is not current) I would say that there is a disconnect between the teachers. parents and administration. This is causing serious problems in the classroom due to expectations and support. The public schools are generally not well thought of and do not have much support. Classroom discipline has been noted as being a problem.

I hope that meowruff ? Who is a public school teacher can add to this discussion.

to reiterate what stxer said,if we knew what posistion and what school,we could be more helpful.

I too hope meowruff will post. She is a wonderful person.

Thanks to everyone who thinks that I'm so "wonderful"! Tee hee! (It's always good for my ego at least.)

Redchess, please feel free to PM me with any direct questions. I have posted a number of things previously about teaching on STX. Personally, I love it! But, it's not for everyone! If you can let me know where you've been offered a job, what you'll be teaching, and a few more details, I may be able to offer you more specifics. My husband is also a teacher, and could probably offer some insight if I'm unable to.

My advice is pretty much the same to everyone...
If you are truly interested in making a difference in children's lives, and want to put their needs above yours - GET DOWN HERE NOW!

(Seriously, please feel free to PM me or post questions here.)

" If you are truly interested in making a difference in children's lives, and want to put their needs above yours- GET DOWN HERE NOW!"

See, I told you she was wonderful!!!!

They did not make a specific school or grade available - they said the school had promethean boards in every classroom - if that helps. I am 48 years old 8 years of experience _ It aught in Charlotte NC in an inner city school - which was not a great experience. I hope this helps.

Very interesting - I just reviewed my packet of job offer. I interviewed with two principles from the same school however, the packet does NOT specify a school or grade level. Hummmmm - didn't really notice that before. I turned it down for this year because I can not move in 3 weeks. They said I was approved for next year. I do not want to get myself into an uncomfortable situation. What does put the students above yourself exactly mean???? As a teacher we always do that but that statement is a bit concerning.

Do you know who the principals were? If so, we could probably figure out what schools they were hiring for.

All public schools have Promethean Boards in every classroom. This was part of a technology grant 5 years ago. Unfortunately, there wasn't money put aside for maintenance, training, etc. Many of the boards no longer work or have issues. The projectors that were purchased weren't suitable for our environment, and ended up with a very short life. I am a technology geek and LOVE my Promethean Board - and spend lots of time helping other teachers make sure their boards are working. This is not true at all schools though.

What happened in Charlotte, NC at the inner city school? I taught in some pretty rough schools in the states too. But, I knew I was making a difference and reminded myself that I was there for the children.

Please feel free to PM if you have specific questions.

(Oh - even though you are offered a job, you won't be paid unless you get your NOPA signed. You might be approved, but that's just one of many steps.)

Good luck this year!

In response to your question "What does putting the students above yourself exactly mean????"...

This is from one of my teacher friends on FaceBook. I think she answers your question better than I can.

"The VI is losing a lot of dedicated teachers because it sucks to struggle! That's what most of us do. We put getting tape, making copies, and buying chart paper and bulletin board paper over buying groceries or filling our gas tanks. We make sacrifices that many don't see or would never understand. This is my calling, but I can see why many are becoming frustrated."

The wages they pay teachers here are among the lowest in North America. No wonder they can't find any teachers interested in working here.

Thanks to everyone for the advice. Buying supplies and putting the students needs above my own is something I am use to. I was sad to hear that the technology was purchased and not cared for. We don't even have that luxury here in pa. Well I took a full year position here as a reading specialist and will investigate more and give myself some time to decide. What is a NOPA?

"NOPA" is what the government says to you when you ask for your first pay check. lol

NOPA stands for "Notice of personnel action". It is the bureaucratic paper shuffling that must be completed before your first pay check can be sent.

That NOPA can take forever.
I have heard of people going without paychecks for a long time due to this particualr bureaucratic quagmire.
Don't know if things have improved in this area but come with enough funds to see you thru if they have not.