Teacher ?? (Crystal Lake, Phoenix: find a job, schools, university)

[lisaurart]

Hello all:

I am an experienced art teacher, 10+ years, with glowing recommendations, yet I am really struggling to find a job or even get an interview. I live in the Crystal Lake area. I realize that Art is a crowded field, and I have been told that districts in this area hire first year teachers only if possible-
Anybody have any other thoughts?

Also, I am going to add an SPED LBS1 endorsement with 3 additional classes
and want to know if anyone has any thoughts about the University of Phoenix, how do districts feel about this? Since I already have years of successful teaching and classroom management, I am hoping it will not be an issue.

Thanks in advance for any advice, thoughts, etc.

Lisa

[LicoriceWhip]

I think the economy is keeping teachers in their jobs a little longer instead of retiring.

[chet everett]

Districts throughout Illinois, even in the most affluent of areas, are facing increased class sized, cuts in programming, deficit spending and worse. Art is "nice to have" that many districts will threaten to cut back, and sometimes even chop.

SpecEd is very different -- through the magic of the courts schools MUST offer those services. If you know what you are getting into, the upside is that there is a shortage of SpecEd teachers. Few districts care who took your tuition money, so long as you can do the job and have the certification they will be comfortable having you on staff.

Good Luck!

[cubssoxfan]

Are there any parochial schools in your area that would offer art if they found someone part time? Just an "Outside the box" thought. You might also have to expand your search area and be willing to commute longer distance.