Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) staffs and operates area schools in accordance with policies in place primarily by state and some local agencies. CMS provides teachers and other administrators and staffing for the public schools within this district, with about 8960 teachers serving a student population of more than 135,600 students. The district itself covers 546 square-miles, centered around the growing city of Charlotte, North Carolina. CMS is the second largest district in the state and the eighteenth in the US in terms of student population.
Types of Jobs
CMS divides its employment opportunities into several categories: Administrative, Non-Instructional, and Instructional positions. Each type has a separate application process and talent pool with Non-Instructional (Therapists, Maintenance, Office Support, Bus Drivers, Substitute Teachers, Custodial Staff) and Instructional (Teachers, Social Workers, and Counselors) positions having the most openings, often in excess of fifty positions that need to be filled. The biggest need is for teachers at all levels.
Compensation is according to a clearly delineated salary schedule, according to position and pay-grade. Sources indicate that teachers in CMS are paid slightly above the state average for instructional positions.
The competitive benefits package includes: healthcare benefits with medical, dental, vision, and access to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); life insurance policy; long-term disability; auto and home insurance; a variety of retirement plans; and legal plan.
How to Apply
Applicants can apply for positions through the CMS Careers website, where they will choose for which type of position they wish to apply. From there, applicants can view the list of open positions, listed by title and school, and select those for which they believe they are a good candidate. After viewing the position details, they can then begin the process of completing the application.
Tips for Applying
- Prior to beginning any application, the applicant should have all of their necessary documentation at hand, including certificates, licenses, resumes, and supplemental materials to which they may need to refer.
- Applicants should read all position descriptions and instructions carefully.
- References may be required for many positions.
- Always double-check contact and other important information for errors.
- Include a cover letter and make sure that it is spelling and grammar-checked.
- Be aware that many school districts routinely perform background checks.
Employee Reviews
In terms of how employees feel about CMS, the organization receives many highly positive reviews, giving CMS four-out-of-five stars, according to online employment resources. The most frequently listed positive aspects are: the benefits, work environment, and collegiality among staff. The negative aspects popularly cited are: low rate of compensation, long work days, and issues with support and time management. Other sources report lower levels of satisfaction, but with similar reasons given; however, work situations are incredibly varied within such a large district.
