[Oldiebutgoodie26]

I am thinking about moving to AL- need a change of pace. I am an experienced el. ed. teacher, and finding a permanent placement here is impossible. I had never thought about moving to AL (my Mom and her family were from there), but I do not want to limit myself geographically. Does anyone have any information on teaching in this state? Is there a need for dedicated, experienced folks, like me? Are there new schools being built, or is the student population stagnant? What are the working conditions like? I was looking at the Huntsville area, N. Alabama- not really below Montgomery. Have no fear- my Mama raised a polite, hard-working, respectful, young(ish) lady. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thank you!

[ptcgirl]

Alabama pays teachers horribly. Try Georgia. It has a far higher pay scale and needs good teachers. Georgia really promotes education. Check out the state base salaries of each state on the dept of eds websites.

[Oldiebutgoodie26]

Thank you for the tip- it is much appreciated!

[SuzieQ]

I used to teach here and my husbnad does now. I think he makes a nice salary. I am a stay at home mom and we live in a very nice 3 bedroom 2 bath brick home with about 1800 sq ft., so they can't be paid too poorly!

We have him home all summer, so you can't beat the hours.

When people look at what teachers earn and then realize they don't work year round, unless they choose too, the salary is comparable to other professionals in this area.

Salaries on the whole are less in Alabama, but our cost of living is drastically lower too. Everything is relative.

On where to teach.....that just depends. We have everthing from inner city to suburbs to rural.

[MGBJR]

If you really want to teach in Alabama, try the areas around Homewood and Mountain Oak. But, I would also encourage you to look into Georgia. Some of our Al. State Dept. Folks are out of touch with reality. Good luck.

[lily226]

Alabama is a wonderful place to live, I can't say that our states pays the best for teachers, but we always need good ones.

[wlr107]

I am a Navy veteran finishing up getting my certification and master's degree. Alabama is in need of teachers from my research. The entire Southeast is in need of teachers, especially special education folks.

I will be moving down to Alabama or South Carolina from western Pennnsylvania next year when I graduate.

If you are idealist, I would recommend going to a critical needs district and live there...work to bring the best to the underprivelidged...it can only bring quality instruction where it is most needed. please feel free to e-mail me if you need a list of the critical districts in SC or AL.

Good luck!

wlr107@teacher.com

[Tabatha_diann]

I agree with wlr107 we need teachers that care...that are want to make a difference in a childs life and not just make money..lest face it we need to make money but i personally love knowing i am helping a child. Its sad to see what Alabama school are...and i hope we step up to the plate soon!

[lisaland]

Lots of opportunities for teaching in all of Alabama. I taught school (before kids) in Madison/Madison County. The school systems in North Alabama are some of the best in the state.

lisaland

[Southlander]

I have heard from a retired teacher that Texas offers many attractive enticement packages, including retirement credit for your years of employment.