Alabama Teachers Chatboard

We desperately need teachers!!!

by tony

Nov 15, 2010

In these difficult financial times, the solution towards finding jobs may not be within the states. From March until August, I spent most of my financial resources driving around the United States in search for a teaching job. Unfortunately, most school districts were laying workers off. To make matters worse, if they had any openings, they were go...See MoreIn these difficult financial times, the solution towards finding jobs may not be within the states. From March until August, I spent most of my financial resources driving around the United States in search for a teaching job. Unfortunately, most school districts were laying workers off. To make matters worse, if they had any openings, they were going to give the jobs to the teachers who were recently fired. The only jobs that were available to me were as a teacher assistant or a substitute teacher. That is all fine and dandy. However, unless I wanted to spend a few years living with my parents, I could not financially afford this.

If you are in the same boat, the solution to the problems is teaching abroad. However, what I found was that most teaching jobs overseas are paying teachers far less than they did a few years ago. Initially, I looked into South Korea because they paid me 30,000 USD a few years ago. Now, the average is around 20,000 USD. China paid around the same amount of money. However, they paid more in Hong Kong. Taiwan was trying to attract teachers with a teaching degree, but I could not get them to agree to anything over 25,000 for the year. Japan was willing to pay me 25,000 USD. However, with the high cost of living, 25,000 USD means you will not be able to save any money in Japan. When I was living in Japan, if I did not go out for the month, I could possibly save around 500 USD. I was also looking to teach in Europe. However, it is difficult to find a way in unless you belong to one of the EU countries. The salaries in relation to the high cost of living were also low.

I have discovered that the solution is in the Middle East. There are three countries that continue to pay a high salary are as follows: Kuwait, UAE, and Saudi Arabia. If you have a TESOL degree, many years of teaching experience, and are an English major, Kuwait and the UAE would be your best choice. However, if you lack those credentials, it is difficult to find your way in. Saudi Arabia is currently becoming the hot spot for native English speakers. For example, my company over here pays over $25,000 in benefits including the following:

• Base monthly salary, tax-free; paid vacation and holidays • Discretionary bonus based on fulfillment of the full term of the contract and performance • Quality and secure shared housing, with amenities including utilities.

• Fully paid medical benefits, including dental and optical coverage, in accordance with the plan • Transportation to and from home and work locations • Round trip transportation to and from Saudi Arabia from your home country

The greatest thing about the salary is that it is around what the average teacher is making in the United States. However, the teacher’s only cost is food. In addition, not only are your benefits not taxed, but your salary is not taxed either. If a teacher is not saving 80% of their paycheck, they are doing something wrong. The food over in Riyadh is significantly lower than the costs in the United States. The greatest problem most teachers are afraid about when traveling overseas are the cultural differences. There may be differences. Although, when you live in the compound, the culture is similar to the culture in your native country. Saudi Arabia is filled with many different types of foreigners. Every compound is like visiting another country. There is a Latin compound where you can learn how to salsa dance. There is an American compound where you can drink homemade beer. The culture outside of the compound is definitely Saudi. However, the compounds are a home away from home. I have multiple reasons for writing this letter. First of all, I know the great pressure in trying to find a job in the United States. Second, I am trying to recruit for my college called CTI. We desperately need at least 20 new teachers who can come into this program. My college had to turn away 4,500 Saudi students because we lacked available teachers. If you are friendly, have any BS degree, are a native English speaker, and have a passion for teaching, please send me your resume and I will forward it to our HR person at the college. Hopefully we can work together and ride out the financially difficult times in Saudi Arabia. Good luck in your search and I hope that your job search was not as difficult as mine was.

If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email. [email removed]

Special Education Teacher Needs Job!

by Kathy Moore

Dec 12, 2010

I have 10 years experince in elementary and special education. My degrees are Elementary(1-6), Early Childhood Special Education(P-3), and a Masters in Collaborative Special Education(6-12). I would appretciate any information about job openings anywhere! I am willing to move with my children for work. Thanks

Washington DC Area Hey , you can check the Maryland job fair Abril 1st with all counties present and salary start at 46 k or Virginia (Fairfax County or Arlington) for winter job fairs.

If all fails you can check WV where SPED teachers are needed, good luck, Floridian in DC Area

On 12/12/10, Kathy Moore wrote: > I have 10 years experince in eleme...See More

Jan 14, 2011

teaching in AL

by wondering

Dec 12, 2010

I am thinking of moving to Ala from Fl. I have FL certification in Reading, Social Studies, emotionaly handicapped, learning disabilites. I have 20 years of experience. Will I need to take the Ala certification test or will Al accept my Fl certification? Will I have very many "hoops" to jump through? Any additional info would be appreciated. Thanks

Sue You will have to take the Praxis here in Alabama. You will have to go to the Alabama State Department of Education and print out an application for certification and have your college send an official certified transcript. Alabama is not an easy state to deal with. They will not respond immediately. It may take as long as 4 or 5 months to get your ...See More

Dec 14, 2010

I need to take my APTTP and I was planning on taking it in March, but I haven't registered yet. I know that you get a study guide once you are registered, but I was wondering if there are any other "free" sources that might help me prepare. I have no idea what to expect for the test I know it is math, reading, and writing, but I just want to study ...See More

APTTP

by Gabby

Dec 18, 2010

robert laney On 12/18/10, Gabby wrote: > I need to take my APTTP and I was planning on taking it in > March, but I haven't registered yet. I know that you get a > study guide once you are registered, but I was wondering if > there are any other "free" sources that might help me > prepare. I have no idea what to expect for the test I know > it ...See More

Feb 27, 2012

WEAR RED FOR PUBLIC ED! Florida Teachers and Parents are organizing and ask for national support Wear RED on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, in support of public schools. Governor-elect Rick Scott will be sworn in on that day. Teachers and parents nationwide are being asked to also wear RED that day in support of public schools! Please pass this message ...See More

Wear Read for Public Ed

by Donna Mace

Dec 29, 2010

forensic science studies

by Al Whitaker

Jan 3, 2011

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL will have a special exhibit for students interested in forensic science. It's called CSI: The Experience, and features 3 separate crime scenes students will visit to collect clues and evidence in an effort to solve the crime. Special group rates available. 1-800-63-SPACE for more information.

Any in D.R.O.P. program and thinking of retiring after 3?

by Vir &#220

Jan 4, 2011

This school year will end my 3rd year of DROP and I could draw my SS at the time my regular pay check starts. I love the $$$ going into DROP but hate to loose my late DH's SS I could start to draw. What to do, What to do?????

Bo retire while you have the health to do some different things.

On 1/04/11, Vir Ü wrote: > This school year will end my 3rd year of DROP and I could > draw my SS at the time my regular pay check starts. I love > the $$$ going into DROP but hate to loose my late DH's SS I > could start to draw. What to do, What to do?????

Jan 27, 2011