Anyone work in Education/School Counseling?? (Chicago, Oak Park: transplants, apartments, rental)

[adamtrip]

My wife is graduating with a post-masters degree in school counseling next May. We want to move to Chicago next summer from Charlotte, NC. Does anyone know anything about licensure in Illinois, finding a job in a counseling job in a high school, etc. Also, would it be possible to find an apartment (studios are fine) in the Gold Coast/Lincoln Park area for $1200 or less? Is that a nice area? Any other suggestions for living close to downtown Chicago?
Thanks

[ahava]

She needs to take the Illinois Basic Skills Test and get a Type 73 certificate. This website should explain everything: School Service Personnel (broken link). Most districts post openings for counselors along with the regular teaching positions. Check individual districts' websites or the Illinois Education Job Bank IASA - Illinois Education Job Bank.

[mcfadden]

Good luck trying to find an apt. for under $1200 in the Gold Coast or Lincoln Park, unless you are only willing to take a studio or some roach infested dump. As someone who grew up in Lincoln Park, I can tell you this....I love Lincoln Park, but now it is full to the brim of 20 something suburbanites and out-of-state transplants who still think they are living on a college campus. The neighborhood is full of bars and there is little to no parking. Depending on what you are looking for, I would look at alternative areas...Bucktown, near north side and maybe even the West Loop. Good luck!

[jessiegirl_98]

I actually disagree with McFadden. In some buildings downtown, you can find a studio for under $1200 that are nice, as well as in the Lincoln Park (2 friends just got 1 bedrooms for $1000....and they are not a roach infested dump). Lincoln Park depends on your preference. A lot of people love it. I would also check out Lakeview, West Lakeview, Wicker Park, and Roscoe Village (all have a lot going on and you can get something for cheaper.)

[babo45]

I am in a school counseling program in Illinois right now. She needs to take basic skills test and test for type 73 these are listed in the icts (there is a web site for Illinois certification tests). Illinois school require 100 hour practicum and 600 hour internship. Good luck.

[linicx]

This is the Official ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION website for out of state applicants. . There is a Chicago office. Information for Out-of-State Applicants

Before an out-of=state resident can teach in Illinois schools, the resident must meet certification and continuing education requirements. A new resident can get a provisional license to teach while he/she works to meet Illinois standards.

Living in Chicago is expensive compared to any NC. city. What you can do with a $1200 rent depends upon where you live. If you want a condo view of the lake you will pay dearly for it. And you have no idea where the school might be. I believe Chicago is around 65 square miles and Cook County is around 900. If you're careless you can wrap yourself in a year rental agreement that is 2 hours by train from the school Living in Chicago is more than wanting to live in a specific area unless your income is unlimited.

This link will show you sample apartments in Oak Park. At this point in time the advantage is you can get a short term lease of 6 months or less = which gives you plenty of time to find the perfect apartment. The SAMPLE apartments include a video and prices for each unit. It will give you a rough idea of what you can expect for your rent budget.

I suggest you sit on this forum until you move and ask questions about parking and transportation and taxes and everything else you want to know including the best areas to spend your rent money and areas to avoid. If you do you wont have any unpleasant surprises.
Sample ApartmentsP Oak Park Regional Housing Center
The Village of Oak Park: http://www.oprf.org/ - be sure to click on the pictures, too.

The good news is you will find Trader Joe's. Costco, Whole Foods, Apple, great food, and most everything else you need including winter clothing. The lake effect winter winds will chill you to your toes. And you will find teacher's and former teacher's on this forum, too.

[adamtrip]

The original post was from last year. We are here and did find jobs.
Thanks!