Teacher looking for info (Boise, Coeur d'Alene: house prices, school district, where to live)

[WriterofWords]

Hi, I'm a teacher in NM and I've posted in a few other city forums trying to get some info. I'm looking at relocating to the Wyoming/Monana/Idaho/Alaska areas and I'd love some locals view on the state of Idaho. I've see a lot of openings for teachers in the state, would any teachers please share their views of working and teaching in Idaho with me? Also, I have a 15 year old son, any parents out there have some suggestions or hints for me there on where to live? Thanks!
Kat

[Idaho]

I'm an Idaho native, transplanted elsewhere, but also a teacher who keeps in close touch with other folks in the education careers in Idaho, specifically in the northern, panhandle part of the state.

As in other states, Idaho is enduring the pains of no-child-left-behind. Budget cuts, but higher costs.

In the Wallace School District, for example, they had recently made their teachers pay for their own substitutes out of their own paychecks. By the way, substitute pay in that district is $45/day.

Kellogg School district used to have a great reputation, but seems to have slipped quite a bit, per my sources of late.

Regarding your 15 year old, Harrison High School, in Kootenai County, I am told is very good, as is the district inwhich that school is located. This is in north Idaho, along the Coeur d'Alene Lake. (Coeur d'Alene is pronounced Core-de-lane) It would definitely be worth looking closer at this one.

[WriterofWords]

Thank you very much! I do appreciate the view from another teacher, NCLB has sure hurt a lot of districts. Two more years and maybe something will be done about it.
K

[goingreene]

In the Wallace School District, for example, they had recently made their teachers pay for their own substitutes out of their own paychecks. By the way, substitute pay in that district is $45/day.

I have never heard of making a teacher pay for her sub! Is that even legal? I have often thought of becoming a teacher, glad I didn't!!!

[hegb8667]

We've had some difficulties in Wallace, but as a teacher in the district and IEA member, I can assure you that we have not had to pay for our own substitutes.

[Goeser38]

I think the best areas to live in Idaho are Boise, Eagle, and Star. They are all located in the Southwestern part of the state where the snowfall is not much of a concern. They are all prominent communities, but remember Idaho is ranked second in the nation for the worst pay, but still in the median (If house prices stop skyrocketing). They also have something here called "Right to Work." If they find something they do not like about you, you will be jobless that same day. The same goes for you, if you do not like something the company is doing or how you are being treated, you can walk off the job. You had better have something else lined up.

I found out here it is like the good ol boys' club--you have to know someone to get in. Hopefully more outside companies will move in and change some things and opportunities.

[Idaho]

Originally Posted by hegb8667

We've had some difficulties in Wallace, but as a teacher in the district and IEA member, I can assure you that we have not had to pay for our own substitutes.

This has not occurred this current school year that I am aware of, but it has as recent as 2 years ago, when the NCLB was beginning to take it's financial toll. And, it may have been an isolated case, I am not fully informed of the overall policies regarding this matter. It is worth noting, however, that it has occurred and it is not impossible that it could occur again. Just FYI - Knowledge is power, right

[SWCMale]

Originally Posted by WriterofWords

Hi, I'm a teacher in NM and I've posted in a few other city forums trying to get some info. I'm looking at relocating to the Wyoming/Monana/Idaho/Alaska areas and I'd love some locals view on the state of Idaho. I've see a lot of openings for teachers in the state, would any teachers please share their views of working and teaching in Idaho with me? Also, I have a 15 year old son, any parents out there have some suggestions or hints for me there on where to live? Thanks!
Kat

Kat, why Alaska? I do know good teachers are always needed in Alaska, especially out in the boondocks....

[Idaho]

I know several families in Alaska.... The neat thing about it is that for teachers, if you work there long enough to earn Alaska state teachers' retirement (if they haven't changed that with the NCLB or whatever else might be draining school resources) the state pays you a 'bonus' each year for maintaining your residency in Alaska, as long as you stay there a certain number of consecutive months per year - I think it's any 9 month period - you pick the season(s) for the most part? It is a sweet deal (if they continue to offer it). Just another bit of information to ponder! Good luck in your decision.

[SWCMale]

Homer Alaska!!! Out in the boondocks, artsy, home sweet home...