Any Teachers in the city? (New York, York: find a job, neighborhoods, high school)

[andyjames]

How easy is it to get hired in NYC? How does the pay match up with the cost of living? I'm coming from Central California, so I'm used to somewhat expensive, however I expect it'll be more expensive...

[Dark of the Moon]

How easy? Well, that depends a lot on what ages and subject area you teach. English and Social Studies teachers are a dime-a-dozen; Math, Science, and Special Education teachers are harder to find. Elementary positions fill quickly, high school jobs less so. Want to teach in a high-performing school with an excellent reputation? Probably not gonna happen. Willing to teach in the South Bronx? You got it.

Starting salary is in the low-to-mid $40's ($43,000?) -- you can check out the DOE salary schedule --> HERE

New York rents are, IMHO, much higher than those in California. Remember that the vacancy rate in Manhattan hovers around 2-3%, and prices reflect that. Prices in the other boroughs are lower, but neighborhoods are sometimes "sketchy."

I hope that helps!

[Rachael84]

I'm a first year teacher in the south Bronx. I have an elementary ed degree, and it was very difficult to find a job in elementary. I had no idea it would be this competitive. Most of my interviews were in so-so to bad areas. It seems they were mostly looking for people who had more experience teaching. I just finished my student teaching last semester, so I just graduated last May. On my 9th interview I finally got hired in the south Bronx. Surprisingly, most of the teachers in the school are veterans. Most people with elementary degrees have to sub for a year. But if you really pursue looking for a job, you'll get one. Just apply to any school all over the city and keep following up with your resumes. I called my school and asked about the status of my resume and they invited me in for an interview and was hired on the spot. It was about time! lol

The better schools in the ok and nice areas in the city will be very hard to get into. I didn't even get a call back from any of those I sent resumes to. They usually go to those who student taught in the school, have multiple years of experience, or if you know someone in administration. It's not so bad working in a bad area. It can still be a good school. I don't mean academically, but you can have ok kids and a supportive administration. I plan on putting in a couple years in this school, then trying for an elementary in eastern Queens.

if you have any questions, feel free to pm me.