Future Teacher from Arkansas (Brookhaven Native) (Southaven, Olive Branch: home, job market, schools)

[undertheironsea]

Hello. I am currently a 21 year old college student at Arkansas Tech University (in central Arkansas, about 7,000 students) and I'm getting my Bachelor's in Middle Level Education (4-8th grade), and will get my masters in Elementary Education afterward. I'm originally from Brookhaven, Mississippi, born and raised, and I'm related to pretty much half of the state, haha (and Louisiana for that matter.)

I've noticed in Arkansas that unless I'm in the Bentonville-Springdale area, I'll barely make over 32,000, even with my Masters, and even in the Springdale area that 40K doesn't mean much due to the housing costs and cost of living.

I'm just wondering, how is the job market for teachers in my racket? I'd like to stay in the North/Northwest part of Mississippi if I did, and keeping the minority population below 35% (not racist, just preference in teaching). I'm home sick for the Magnolia State, but am I better off staying where I am? Do you think in 3 1/2 years that the situation would be any better?

[Benton]

Originally Posted by undertheironsea

I've noticed in Arkansas that unless I'm in the Bentonville-Springdale area, I'll barely make over 32,000, even with my Masters, and even in the Springdale area that 40K doesn't mean much due to the housing costs and cost of living.

I'm just wondering, how is the job market for teachers in my racket? I'd like to stay in the North/Northwest part of Mississippi if I did, and keeping the minority population below 35% (not racist, just preference in teaching). I'm home sick for the Magnolia State, but am I better off staying where I am? Do you think in 3 1/2 years that the situation would be any better?

Hello undertheironsea, the teacher salary in Arkansas is higher than Mississippi by a few thousand dollars. If I were you I would look into Tennessee. You could teach in Tenn. which has much better pay and still be close to North Mississippi. I am a teacher in Mississippi with 7 years experience, two M. A. s, and I drive a school bus. All of my degrees and jobs earn me approximately 44,000 a year before taxes. There are states with a lot better pay than MS. that is one reason I am moving WEST by the end of the year. Good luck - Benton

[undertheironsea]

It's something I'll have to think about. I don't want to get too far into Tennessee because of distance from family. I still have the 'come back home' itch, it's just something I'll have to think about.

[Kicking4JC]

DeSoto County Schools start out $32,900 w/ no experience and with a BA degree in Education.

I am not sure what the % is on the race issue you asked about.

I do know with this district the schools are increasing every year, and so is the population.

Vicki

[jetjockey75]

Originally Posted by undertheironsea

It's something I'll have to think about. I don't want to get too far into Tennessee because of distance from family. I still have the 'come back home' itch, it's just something I'll have to think about.

I also would recommend looking into De Soto County. Southaven and Olive Branch are booming, and appear to be fairly affluent. I would imagine salaries, facilities, and parent involvement would be a lot better up there than in some other areas in this state.

[TheBigApple]

Shelby County Schools might be worth looking into if you are willing to consider Tennessee. The minority population is lower than in the city schools and you have some affluent areas there as well - Germantown, Collierville. They start out at about 36,800 with no experience and with a Masters degree the starting salary is about 39,800.

[undertheironsea]

Just wondering if there's any update on this situation as of late?