Some of us don't want to change MT one bit! (Missoula: crime, employment)

[Floridahater]

I have been searching all over the nation for a place to move where English and personal responsibility are appreciated. I taught high school and resided in CA for many years and I have also lived in FL and MD. I am still looking at several areas of the good old US, but the places that I want to move seem to want to hire only friends or relatives and appear to be less inclined to hire an individual from out of state (especially if one has ever lived in CA).

I couldn't find many employment opportunities in MT; and, after all, I also need to make a living (although I have two Masters degrees and a secondary teaching license from another state). The people in MT as well as other Rocky Mountain states should be cognizant of the fact that those of us who would like to relocate are not all wackos who want to bring our wacko politics with us; rather, many like myself, are well educated law abiding citizens that have become increasingly disillusioned with large cities and the concomitant crime and congestion. Indeed, if I could acquire a job, I would move to MT from Florida (where I was forced to move on a temporary basis in order to care for an elderly parent). Personally, I hate living in a swamp. Moreover, FL is CA all over again!

Anyone have a job at a community college for an experienced high school teacher with an MA in Education and an MA in English and a BA in poli. sci/English? I wasn't able to locate anything after searching for the last two years!

Your state is beautiful. I don't blame some of you on this thread board that fear that the place will turn into an overcrowded hell hole like other many areas of this nation. I also just desire a peaceful and fulfilling life!

David

[jimj]

I personally think we could use more teachers! It really doesn't matter where you are from, it just matters how you are when you move here. I would suggest Flathead Valley Community College or one of the local high schools, if that doesn't suit you there are a couple of private schools here as well.
Good Luck!!!

[imbobbbb]

contrary to the impression some give on the site 3/5 of montana counties are losing population not gaining,[though some western counties are being overrun].montana seems to have a lot of colleges and schools,i guess being so spread out.i would think there would be some oppertunities in the central and eastern parts of the state,some of which are still pretty scenic in my opinion.

[Anchorless]

Originally Posted by Floridahater

Your state is beautiful. I don't blame some of you on this thread board that fear that the place will turn into an overcrowded hell hole like other many areas of this nation. I also just desire a peaceful and fulfilling life!

David

Point well taken, but no offense - this is a refrain common to almost everyone moving to Montana, Idaho, etc. And at some point it does turn into a "crowded hellhole," despite whatever attitude newcomers may have. But that shouldn't deter you - just try to live and love Montana.

Montana has quite a while to go before becoming that overcrowded. Just some places are starting to get that way.

[georgiainwyo]

Hi David,
Just so you know, Montana doesn't have as many "community" colleges as a lot of states do. A lot of the schools that used to be "community" are now affiliated with MSU in Bozeman or UM in Missoula. However, unlike many states, Montana does have tribal colleges (2 year schools, so a teacher with a Master's is fine, no Doctorate needed) on the reservations in the state. I don't know if you know much about the American Indian population in Montana, so you might want to look up some info on the web. Keep in mind that these colleges are in very small towns. You can look up info about the MT Univ. System, community, and tribal colleges at the website mus.edu.

As for high school, it is getting late to get something for this year as school starts next week or the week after, depending on the district. You can look up teaching openings for the state at Montana Office of Public Instruction (http://www.opi.state.mt.us - broken link). You can also sign up there to be notified via email of any openings. It is sometimes difficult for schools in remote towns to find teachers willing to move there. Teacher pay in Montana is low, but the cost of living in the tiny towns is also usually low.

From one teacher to another, best of luck in your venture!!!!

[Floridahater]

Well, thanks to all who responded to my inquiry. I have received some valuable information, and I very much appreciate it! I am going to take a good look at the ideas forwarded and God bless all of you!

David

[DanielRead]

I still think that your better off somewhere else.