Teacher looking for info

[WriterofWords]

Why Alaska? It's beautiful, it's big, it's still open, lots of room, heard good things about it, diverse, need I go on? I've always wanted to live there, if not forever, for awhile. But the same to be said about many places really. My son and I need a change, a big one, and we both have talked many times about moving while he is still a teenager and living at home. Since I'm a teacher it makes it easier to find employment, and I love what I do. I also want to teach in a small district, with the goal and intent of working my way up the ladder, AP, P, Super, you name it, I plan on doing it. No matter where I end up, I want to make a difference, and the best place to do that is with the kids that need it the most.

[janb]

Yes!! Teachers + Alaska + 15 yr old son = best possible combination --IMHO

Based largely on what you want for your son. Lots of opportunity in AK, for mature mentors (retired military), creative and adventurous things to do (rather than tied to a 'video-game'), remote locatings forcing one to be 'creative' in recreation. Larger base of outdoorsmen vs. the 'hub-bubb' of the lower 48, (Mall, Sports, shopping, eating...) Great opportunities for post HS education / assistance, and potentially fruitful and productive careers. ( technical, academic and vocational). The summers of AK Commercial fishing one of my recent Col Grad son's has done, was great $$, training in stamina/danger, discipline and responsibility, and a good incentive (for him) to keep studying for a different career. (tho I bet I will see him back fishing someday when he realizes that he can work for 3 months and take 9 off...) not a cushy life, but... If you like to work hard and play hard, it is tough to equal.

For teachers, I've heard there are decent perks and resources, as well as often very commited communities and parents (not 100% the case, too, bad...) There is some BAD also, just be well informed, and diligent in choices.

[proeye]

Just to add a little balance to the discussion...

If you are seriously considering Alaska, keep in mind that it's dark, cold, and dreary 6 months out of the year. I don't think I could take that and you might have a hard time adjusting considering you are in sunny NM. Yes, the other 6 months are nicer but I don't think it makes up for the 6 dreary months. I've lived in Idaho and now Connecticut and the winters are bad enough here. While CT is not so bad, it is dreary considering there are no leaves on the trees for 6 months (Nov-Apr).

Alaska is isolated. It's like a really large island. It's not like you can just drive to Washington state or take a short flight to NYC. It's way the heck up there and it's all by itself. Hope you enjoy the outdoors!

Guess if you don't mind these facts then Alaska might be for you... Nothing wrong with the above... Just not something that most people can take which is why Alaska is not heavily populated.

Now California is a different story. Funny why it seems to have such a poor reputation. Annoying Californians huh? Odd why it's the fastest growing state (forget %--it's the total number of people moving in that counts). Maybe it's growing so fast despite the overcrowding, high taxes, high living expenses, etc., because it's a great place to live! The weather is great, there are a million things to do, you have the outdoors, the coast, the mountains, the cities, can't ask for more... Oh well...

My state of CT? While it would be a great place for a teacher since salaries can exceed $60,000 and administrators can make $100,000+, the living expenses offset the salaries. Plus would you want to live here? The state is one of the slowest growing in the country. I'm here because I like it. To each his own right?

Finding the best paying area should not be your highest consideration. I think living where you want to live should be at the top of the list. If the pay is good then so be it. Consider that the pay is often high for a reason. Either people don't want to live there or the living expenses are high.

Side note...

I'm sure you know as well as I do that public school teachers do not get fired. Any government worker has a job for life as long as you don't go postal

[LITS]

The following quote overstates a general truth which certainly doesn't apply to "right to work" states. In those states, having an unpopular opinion can be the (unstated) cause for release. And some of us know how tenuous school politics and fragile human egos/psyches can be.

"I'm sure you know as well as I do that public school teachers do not get fired. Any government worker has a job for life as long as you don't go postal "