Is the teacher need that great in North Miss? (Southaven: home, find a job)

[shamrockrover]

I'm a Mississippi native, 23 years old, and in a year, will graduate with a grades 4-8 teaching degree from Arkansas Tech University.

I've probably posted this before, but I wanted to ask in a different way.

If I can't find a job in Arkansas....In places like Booneville, New Albany, Iuka, and Corinth, is the teacher need as great? Will I get lost in the shuffle when competing with those from Ole Miss and State? We have one of the top three teacher education prep programs in the Nation here in Arkansas, and I was told my license will mean a lot to other places, so I just wanted to see. I'm also considering Eastern Oklahoma...I'm just wondering about home prices, taxes, etc, etc, and which would be more cost effective.

[Robert_J]

At least in Desoto county (Southaven, Olive Branch, Horn Lake, Hernando, etc.) there is always a need for teachers. They are constantly building new schools for the steady increase in students. I think this year we became the largest school district in the state. My cousin-in-law as well as a good friend will be their teaching degrees within a year. Both saw opportunities and went back to school to finish/get a 2nd degree.

And a bonus about Southaven is they hold the Gulf South basketball and softball tournaments here. You will be able to cheer on your alma mater as they take on mine (UAM).

-Robert

[brettk]

Here is a listing of the public school vacancies, I think its updated pretty regularly, but not sure if it has everything- http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/mtc/vacancy.htm. Right now, it doesn't show a whole lot just because this isn't the hiring season- obviously

I would contact the local school districts you are targeting. DeSoto county would be a good choice. Some of the small towns you mentioned it may be hard to find teaching jobs for upper elem. and middle school just because their isn't a whole lot of those positions.

I have a family member with an elem. ed. degree who wasn't able to get a job where they live, just because there were more teachers than positions where they lived. Just a though...

[oldenfatt]

If you are willing to take a teaching job in the Delta, employment opportunities abound. If you are thinking of teaching in NE Mississippi, it would be time to dust off your networking skills. There aren't that many teacher vacancies, and you will be probably be competing against some experienced veteran teachers for those open positions. Look in the bigger school districts, though. Being fresh out of school means you cost less to hire than a veteran, and bottom dollar is important. Good luck!.