teaching jobs (Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth: fingerprints, home, job outlook)

[caligirl08]

How is the current teaching situation in Texas these days? I just received my CA credential and Masters degree and well the job market looks terrible and I have lost faith in getting a job in this State. I racked up so much debt, sacrificed so much time, especially away from my family for what? I can't even land a job. I thought about going back to my old career, which was social work, but of course it’s the same situation there too!

I submitted all the paper work for SBEC to review my CA credential. Do you know how long that takes?

any feedback is much appreciated
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[mego65]

I had my California credential reviewed a few months ago and it was really fast. Only a few weeks, but I applied during a slow time, so just keep checking on it. They did accept my California tests (CBEST, CSET, RICA). So, I applied for a one year certificate, the fingerprints is what has taken a long time. Since, they send you a paper and then you have to get your fingerprints done, send it back, and then they have to review it.

I have a family there and some connections on a job, so I am not sure how the job market is. Hope that helps.

[buffy888]

Credential review takes a fairly reasonable amount of time - at least it did when I submitted my out of state stuff about 2 years ago.

Even without your Texas certificate, you can still start doing apps online if you have some districts in mind. Most of them have a drop-down box for the type of certificate and Out of State is usually one of the choices; once you have your one year certificate, you can go back and update the app.

You didn't specify what your area of certification is. If you are elementary, the outlook is not overly great as the market is already oversaturated with that. (However, if you are elementary with special ed and/or bilingual, then you have a much better shot.) If you are high school math, science, ESL, or foreign language, the outlook is brighter.

Good luck.

[caligirl08]

well I have my Mutiple Subject teaching Credential, meaning it would be for elementary. I also have a CLAD emphasis meaning I can teach English language learners and I am trained in SDAIE strategies. I am also bilingual in Spanish. Is that what youmean by Bilingual or do I have to get certified in something esle beyond what I already have?

[ohio2texas]

My credentials took a long time, but I'm assuming it was because I did it in June, a busy time. My district hired me even without my temp certificate knowing it was coming. PM me any specific questions you might have.

As for jobs, I've posted this before, but don't get discouraged if it's not until mid-summer that you hear or find anything. Most districts take care of openings within the district first, then open the positions to out of district applicants.

Good Luck!

[SCgirl04]

Is it safe to say that the job outlook in Austin or other areas are much better than California. A local school district here is closing 3 schools within about 2 years. I just can't wait too long for something to pop up because the outlook here looks very depressing.

I did email SBEC and I was pleasantly surprised by their quick response. I just need to send my CA credential copy. Thanks again.

[mego65]

My CA credential is Clad embedded I had to take an extra test to be ESL in Texas. But, it makes you more marketable. If you are bilingual I would talk to SBEC of what you have to do. That would really really help you since they have bilingual classes and I've seen way more job postings for that.

I see schools opening in Texas which is way better than the schools closing in California. I know the market is still saturated, but at least there are jobs in Texas, California has nothing.

[loves2read]

Bilingual is more than the ESL certification--it is a speciality--more like a minor field or major field...ESL certification would probably be more like your CLAD designation

you have no experience teaching though--right--
that may help because there is no heightened salary--although having a masters will add about 1-2K to your base salary--depends on district...

in Dallas Fort Worth --my home area--districts have built schools because of growth during the housing boom in their districts but are now worried they will not have the funds to actually staff/open the schools--Crowley ISD south of FTW is one of these--built two schools due to open in the fall and article in paper said district many not be able to fund them because of slowdown in taxes/economy...
other districts are juggling enrollment/taxes/budget--increasing class sizes to 33-35 avg when possible--considering laying off custodians/cafeteria workers/support staff like secretaries--some districts are reworking their bus schedules to reduce number of buses/drivers--many of them did that last year with the uptick in fuel prices--now trying again...
TX is feeling the heat...

[cllane5104]

My husband and I were both hired with Leander ISD in March. Our credentials were still pending. The credentialling process took about 3 months. I would start now. I don't think the process was difficult and it was definitley worth it. We love LISD

[loves2read]

cllane--if you don't mind saying--you were hired THIS March or different year--and what fields/level/experience did you bring to the table...