[profesora]

Hello,

I'm considering relocating to CT and would like info on what areas have really solid, stable, highly academic school districts and decent areas to live. Have taught all levels of Spanish for 15+ yrs and have a grad degree. Presently in VA and if relocating to CT want to be somewhere in a good, safe, decent area - I know parts of the state are pricey due to proximity to NYC. Any suggestions on areas to consider/explore and where would be helpful. Any info on housing (what might be typical for about a 1300 sf TH with 2 BR/BA) would also be appreciated. I realize this is a bit generic at present but CT is a possible option and I need to begin getting some info.

Thanks for all replies!

[KH02]

I'd say you wont find a 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom townhouse in CT for less then 1000 a month. At least not in "decent" places to live with HIGH academic districts like you say you want.

As far as spanish teach jobs go, i DEFINITELY would NOT move here without already having a job in place.

[JayCT]

You should probably concentrate your job search to towns in either the Hartford or New Haven areas. There are many towns that meet you description. A townhome like you describe in these areas will be a bit over $1,000 IMHO depending on the town. Jay

[profesora]

What are typical tchg salaries like generally (have 15+ yrs exp and a Master's)? My current housing expenses are about 1200 for mortgage, hoa, and utilities - would like to find something comparable (if realistic) to what I currently have house wise.

[KH02]

In Connecticut to teach in ANY public school you MUST be certified by the state of CT first. Which is a testing process that I Know many new graduates have had trouble passing in the past.
So first you would need to obtain THAT unless you plan on working for a private school.

[KH02]

In the PUBLIC system you could expect anywhere between 40-60K a year. Private would pay less.

I did a quick search on Careerbuilder AND ctjobs.com and did not yield a single result for a spanish teacher.

[StarlaJane]

Unfortunately, most of the better [public] schools are going to be located in higher-priced real estate areas b/c of the property taxes paying for the schools.
The BEST place as far as I am concerned is going to be Guilford. It's on the water, has great schools, is far enough away from New York so that the real estate is not too insane (it is still pricey, especially b/c it is on the water but not like Fairfield county, i.e Greenwich, New Canaan, etc., although those areas have very good schools as well, but real estate is very pricey.)
You can also check out Madison (near Guilford), Old Lyme and Cheshire. Cheshire might be your best bet in terms of prices, and I think that it is a nice, safe town (at least it was when I lived/ grew up there) with above average [public] schools. There is also a private school in that area--they were hiring last season, I don't know about now.
I am not sure how you are looking for jobs but there are a number of placement agencies, which cater to private schools in that area: www.carneysandoe.com
Also, for public schools, try: www.schoolspring.com. I know that they have CT. Spanish teacher listings.

[sgfludd]

With that much experience you may be able to find a position at an independent school. Many of them provide faculty housing. NAIS - National Association of Independent Schools - National Assoc. of Independent School has lots of jobs posted.

[laulob]

Oxford recently built a new high school. Next year (2009-2010) will be the first with a full school - fist time with a senior class. To compensate for the growing student body I believe they will be hiring additional teachers. You may want to investigate.