Best cities in MS for a young, recent college grad? (Jackson: job market, private school)

[Nikalyn]

I currently attend college in Alabama, although I am originally from New Jersey, and I will be graduating in May. It's time for me to start thinking about where I'd like to live, and I know that I'd definitely like to stay in the South and Mississippi is definitely an option. I've only ever been once when I was visiting a friend who lives on the AL/MS border and we went to Meridian. It was nice and I liked the feel of it. Are most MS cities like Meridian? How is the job market for teachers? Any information you could give me would be helpful! Thank you!

[jacksonian]

There is a huge demand for teachers in MS. My wife is a teacher, and I know of two other recent grads who are teaching here now as well. Are you wanting to teach at a public or private school?

Meridian is a fair model to compare Mississippi cities to, Meridian being one of the moderately sized cities in the state. There are lots of schools in and around the Jackson Metro Area, both public and private. Being young, I think you would enjoy the Jackson scene. You can also find very affordable housing in some great communities here, like in Fondren and Belhaven. The central location makes commuting anywhere a breeze.

[Nikalyn]

jacksonian, do you know anything about the Oxford area? Oh, and I am looking to teach in public school but I'll take whatever I can get. Thanks!

[kwazimota]

we need teachers down here wed like a cllege teacher its carrierre stennis is down the road

[jacksonian]

I know that Oxford is comparatively more expensive than most areas in Mississippi, as far as housing goes. It is a nice town though. I don't know anything about the schools there, but I would imagine they are of average to good quality.

[Nikalyn]

Jacksonian, thank you so much for your input! I will definitely have to check out the Jackson area! How easy would it be for me to meet other young professionals in Jackson? Like I said, I am only in AL for school and I have no family here so I would really like to be able to make some friends rather quickly. Also, do you know anything about Hattiesburg or Tupelo? Is the Univ of Southern Miss located in Hattiesburg, or am I wrong about that? Thanks!

[auntbee]

Hattiesburg is a great area for young people. The University of Southern Mississippi is in Hattiesburg. The schools are also supposed to be good. You shouldn't have much trouble finding a teaching job anywhere in Mississippi.

[Scotslass]

Sorry to butt in but i was curious to know what the demand for newly qualified nurses was like? (RN) and salary wise?

[oldenfatt]

You might want to make a few calls to the principals of schools in the areas you're considering to see what job availability there really is for a new teacher. So much is made of the teacher shortage in Mississippi that most people who aren't in education don't realize the shortage is regional within the state. Areas like the Delta have a crippling teacher deficit, places like Tupelo have waiting lists of people wanting to work there.

[Claude Wilson]

Originally Posted by Nikalyn

jacksonian, do you know anything about the Oxford area? Oh, and I am looking to teach in public school but I'll take whatever I can get. Thanks!

Aren't you a young buck?

Good luck getting laid in Oxford.

You'd better go where there's a population.