Expert: Janet Kumar - 7/8/2003

Question
Good morning Janet,
My husband and I are hoping to move to the Carson City area next summer.  I am a middle school teacher.  Any advice on where to start looking or places or school systems to avoid?

My husband is often on military duty in Fallon, so he knows the area fairly well.  We also have a friend who lives in Carson City.

Answer
Well, I know nothing about school systems in terms of teacher hiring...only what I know from my children being students.  I do know that there is a budget crisis here (like many states)...and I don't think any new teachers are being hired until that's resolved (they are basically working with no state budget).  I also know that you have to pass a test on Nevada law etc to get a teaching credential in Nevada...so you might start looking into that.

Carson City only has one school district.  Douglas County (Minden etc) neighbors Carson City and has its own district.  A few of the schools (Jacks Valley Elementary) are a few miles from Carson City) but I think the nearest middle school in Douglas County is in Minden, 20 miles away.
The closest Middle School to Carson City in the Washoe County District (Reno) is Pine, which is probably the least desirable to teach at in the district (most "at risk" kids; crowded).  You might also look into the South Lake Tahoe area.

I think a good place to start would be the School of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno.  They will have information on credentialing and jobs available.  The majority of teachers hired around here come from there.....but your experience should help.

Good luck!

Janet