What's it like for Teachers? (Boston, Florida: transfer, public schools, income)

[andyjames]

I'm coming from Central California, and looking for a change. I love Boston, but I wonder how the market is for teachers. I'm an Elementary teacher, is it easy to get hired? I know they seem to pay decent there, how does it much up with cost of living?

[pjscdn]

To teach in a MA public school, you need to be certified by the state. Do you know the process and procedures? Some school systems will waive this requirement in certain cases, based upon a plan in place to get certified. Do you have a masters degree? Having one already will definitely help your position when posting for jobs.

From what I hear from friends in the profession, there are jobs out there. Since you are not tied to one location, you have some flexibility in pursuing an opening. While the pay is probably competitive, there are some areas of MA that require a higher level of income than others to live. You'll find the cost of living around the Boston area to be roughly equivalent to higher priced areas of CA.

[findingmesomeday]

I do know that MA has some of the most stringent requirements in the U.S. (hence the top-ranking reputation of the public schools here in general). It's not like it is in Florida where a relative of mine who worked in IT was able to quit her job and after a few months substituting on a part-time basis, was able to get a job as a first grade teacher. Then the next year, when she decided she didn't like elementary level, she transferred to teach 9th grade.

That would NEVER happen here.