I am in Ohio about an hour west of Cleveland. Sounds like you are
planning it smart by strategically choosing where you live. It just may
increase your chances depending on the 3 states you select. The district
I am trying to get into is small compared to the district in GA where I
taught. However, I have been told that there SHOULD be some retirements
coming down within the next year or two. We live in a town that is great
for kids but this cold weather is hard on this southern girl.

On 10/30/09, ToTransplanted wrote:
> Could you tell me what state/ town you are in?
>
> I have checked a few northern states on here and realize how tough
> things are up there (and this was the case before the economy went
> south) I've researched NH, NJ, PA, and NY so far.
> We aren't going to make a move without getting a job set up first or
> course(and then I'm the type to worry that it will fall through). We
> will also have a good amount of cash from the sale of our house as
> back up.
>
> I know PA is supposed to be very difficult to get into. Same with NJ.
> One thing that we might have going for us is we are targeting a rural
> area where we could reach 3 states from our desired home base.
>
> I also hope that within 5 years, we will start to see more teachers
> retire. Even if they want/need to work until they are 70, it's not
> feasible in today's classroom environment. They will have to step down
> someday. I do think the days of "dire teacher shortages" are gone for
> good. Everyone wants to get be a teacher now because there are no
> other options! It also looks like entry level teachers might be more
> in demand because they cost less. Bummer!
>
>
>
> On 10/30/09, To SameHere....transplanted into the north wrote:
>> SameHere,
>> I am in the north and this is my second year without a job even
>> substituting is sparse because of the hundreds of people on the sub
>> list. Districts are having open enrollment in order to get students
>> to transfer in order to raise revenue(whereever the student goes to
>> school the money allocated for that student goes with them). The
>> school districts are having to place tax levies on the ballots to
>> raise money also and the communities are not passing them for the
>> most part. While the pay is higher compared to GA you don't get
>> year for year credit for your experience. You could go to a
>> district with 20 years experience and they may only give you credit
>> for half that or less. Be very careful if you have a secure
>> job...take it from someone who is considering every part time job
>> she can in order to get a paycheck. I have a master's and ten
>> years of experience and no job.
>>
>>
>> On 10/29/09, SameHere wrote:
>>> I agree. I moved to GA from another southern state because
>>> teacher pay was higher and benefits were cheaper.
>>>
>>> All of the sudden, things in GA have done a 180. I am saddened
>>> by all of the cuts to education that we have seen (and am fully
>>> braced for many more in 2010). We are getting hit on the county
>>> level and the state level. The only states that have made worse
>>> cuts might be California and Arizona (or soon to be AZ) I have
>>> to say, things were better where I came from.
>>>
>>> Education does not seem to be a high priority for this state (or
>>> any state in the South for that matter). To their credit, some
>>> counties are trying to hold off on teacher pay cuts. You will
>>> see that those are counties that recognize that having high
>>> quality schools and well paid teachers leads to high property
>>> values and economic growth (opposite of "brain drain").
>>>
>>> The overwhelming theme in most areas of GA is "teachers make too
>>> much money!" "Teachers should be glad to have jobs" and of
>>> course "Teachers have it easy!" All spoken by folks who haven't
>>> set foot in a classroom since 1965, and who don't even have a BA
>>> degree themselves, let alone a masters.
>>>
>>> My husband and I are both teachers. We have discussed the future
>>> of education in GA, both in terms of our careers and our
>>> children's education at length lately. We have decided that we
>>> must make a move north. I have teacher relatives in northern
>>> states and they can't believe how bad things are down here.
>>> Heck, even in North Carolina teachers rallied to protest the 1/2
>>> percent pay cut back in May!
>>>
>>> I realize that getting a job up north is very difficult but we
>>> will try until we succeed. If needed, I will go back into a
>>> business career and use my MBA. (although teaching is the only
>>> job that I ever enjoyed!)
>>>
>>> So we are in full research mode and will do what it takes to
>>> leave GA. There are a few places here that "get it" but the vast
>>> majority (including all of our so called leaders) have no clue.
>>> It's "bash the union" [ha ha, what union?] and "low taxes are
>>> all that matter!" I honestly can't see teaching for another 20
>>> years here.
>>>
>>>
>>> On 10/29/09, New Yorker wrote:
>>>> On 10/29/09, Juliet wrote:
>>>>> I'm so bewildered right now. How can I continue to work
>>>>> for a system in which I no longer believe? Things could be
>>>>> worse, but things could be better too!
>>>>
>>>> I am with you 100%! I am wondering if I can continue in
>>>> education. The demands are becoming too much and I can't
>>>> really do what I went to school 16+ years for! TEACH
>>>>
>>>> Many days I go home defeated! I would work in a cubicle at
>>>> this point. I think it is sad because my mission was to
>>>> educate underprivilaged children but I have become BURNT
>>>> OUT!!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!!!

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