Possibly Relocation to Frederick Area

[museumchick]

I didn't read all the way through this but I thought I'd answer your questions pretty briefly if I can...

1. Frederick county is pretty open minded about homosexuality. I really don't think that would be a problem at all with the exception of some of the more rural towns as a PP mentioned. With that said, even some of THEM are very open minded. Middletown and Burkittsville in particular come to mind in that regard.

2. Politically I disagree with the PP who said it was 50/50... I am very middle of the road (ie. not liberal per say) but I get very frustrated that really right wing republicans win every election in this county with the exception of some more democratic leaning city elections (Burkittsville again, for instance.) In my experience all you have to do to win an election here is to register with the GOP.

3. as for a job with the FCPS it doesn't hurt to look of course but I know in recent years they have been doing a lot of hiring freezes and layoffs. Most of the jobs that open up go to teachers already within the FCPS system. However, Frederick county is commutable to schools in Washington, Carroll, Montgomery, and Howard counties in MD and Loudoun county VA, Jefferson County WV, and Franklin (I think) county in PA... so you could widen your search and see if those counties are hiring more if FCPS doesn't work out. I know of three LCPS (VA) teachers in my town.

[GottaHerdOn]

I just got my teaching license transferred to Maryland so now its a waiting game... I've literally applied to nearly every county in MD so hopefully I'll hear something soon. Planning on moving back tentatively in May

[drs72]

Thanks for keeping us updated. I really hope everything works out for you!

Originally Posted by drs72

Recognition of same sex marriages from other states is just one example of our liberal government. However, I would expect the legalization of same sex marriages in Maryland by the time you get here. Everyone thought it was going to pass earlier this year and it did come very close. This is an issue that the governor and lieutenant governor are pushing very hard and it will be brought up in the state legislature every session until it passes (to be honest, it's probably going to happen within the next year).

^I told you so! (although it is likely going to end up as a voter referendum).

[LittleBlackDogs]

Good luck! But bring your patience.... the school systems often wait until the last minute to hire new teachers. While some new teachers are hired early in the summer, it's not uncommon for positions to be offered right before the school year begins in August. I think the schools wait to see how many current teachers will be leaving, and it's not until they decide to leave that a position opens. I've also known teachers to be hired after the school year actually begins, if there is an unexpected opening or need for additional teaching staff.

Hopefully you will know sooner rather than later!

Originally Posted by GottaHerdOn

I just got my teaching license transferred to Maryland so now its a waiting game... I've literally applied to nearly every county in MD so hopefully I'll hear something soon. Planning on moving back tentatively in May

[GottaHerdOn]

Originally Posted by drs72

Thanks for keeping us updated. I really hope everything works out for you!



^I told you so! (although it is likely going to end up as a voter referendum).

Yeahhhh, and it also doesn't take effect until Jan 2013 even if it passes that referendum. Regardless... We're going to DC in June after we get back East and getting hitched... At least Maryland will recognize our union.

[GottaHerdOn]

Originally Posted by LittleBlackDogs

Good luck! But bring your patience.... the school systems often wait until the last minute to hire new teachers. While some new teachers are hired early in the summer, it's not uncommon for positions to be offered right before the school year begins in August. I think the schools wait to see how many current teachers will be leaving, and it's not until they decide to leave that a position opens. I've also known teachers to be hired after the school year actually begins, if there is an unexpected opening or need for additional teaching staff.

Hopefully you will know sooner rather than later!

I've kinda gathered that

I just wish I knew where we were going to end up so we could just get there, set up shop... learn the area... etc Hopefully since I've applied so early I'll find out in early summer or earlier.

[MidValleyDad]

I just found this site so Don't know if you're still looking. My wife recently retired from FCPS. A year ago we had the countries 'Teacher of the Year'. It is a good system to work in but right now there is a vocal tea party contingent in the area that doesn't seem to value education and doesn't want to pay for it. A year ago we had the countries 'Teacher of the Year'.They elected a vocal radio personality and several cohorts to the Board of County commissioners who seem to take pride in their 'redneckness' I don't think it represents the true feelings of the region but Frederick County is relatively conservative for Maryland. I have a Gay relative who feels comfortable with the friends he grew up with in the area and would like to get married around here but chooses to live 'down the road' closer to where he works in the Rockville/Gaithersburg area because it is easier to blend in. I would suggest that the Middletown/Myersville/Burketsville side of the county is more flexible than the Thurmont/Rocky Ridge/Lewistown side of the county. For years Rocky Ridge was known as the home of the Klan in MD. Sad and hopefully getting better.