Should I teach in Memphis, TN?

Question

The pay doesn't look bad, but is it combat pay? I've heard bad things about memphis, such as high crime parts of town, and teachers being assaulted. I actually want to teach elementary so would I be subject to the same thing? And where could I live outside of memphis. I'd need a safe and rural settings. Oppionins? Suggesstions?

Answer 1

Just moved from Memphis 2 yrs ago. I did my student teaching in two elementary memphis city schools. Memphis City Schools (MCS) pays pretty well, but you do put up with a lot more there. However, you could be in Memphis and work for the county schools. Had I not moved for my husbands job, I'd probably have worked in either Shelby County, which is technically in Memphis but also has some schools in suburbs, Fayette County, or Tipton County. They don't pay as well of course, but at least you're not in the City-City schools if you know what I mean. I personally had no problems really in the MCS, you just have to be tough and show no fear. I had kindergarten and 3rd grade and loved both groups of kids. I used to live in Bartlett, TN, which is technically in Memphis but it's in Shelby County. You could live in Bartlett or Cordova, steer clear from Raleigh, Arlington is nice, and then Germantown and Collierville are the ritzier parts of Memphis that most teachers can't afford to live in!  :)

Bascially, if you can be tough and show some tough love, you will be ok in Memphis City Schools, but if you're a more meek person, stick with county schools, even though keep in mind, there are "troubled" kids and bad parents no matter where you teach!

As far as teachers getting assaulted, I personally never heard of that. There are a lot of MCS that are not as in as bad of areas, just check them out, go one day to some and talk to the teachers and see if they are happy there or are staying because they have to. Talking to those actual teachers will ultimately be your best resources.

Also, I went to the Univ of Memphis, and a private high school in Memphis, and never lived in Memphis. I was always in Bartlett, and drove about 30-35 min a day to get to school/work. It wasn't bad. I'm actually looking to move back there in the near future. I miss lots of people.  :)

my email is [e-mail] if you have any more questions.

Good luck!