Teaching in Oklahoma? (school, teachers, good)

[okcpulse]

Originally Posted by BlackMM

Let's just face it, Oklahoma is great for many things. Teaching is just not one of them.

About 90% of the teachers I had in Edmond were all great, thorough teachers. I'll never forget my great grandfather, who was a teacher in Cushing, OK. He always placed a great emphasis on me about the importance of geography, reading and math. So did my elementary teachers. In turn, I paid attention. And today, it is apalling to me that someone from an "educated" state (Connecticut) can't even name half the states in the U.S. much less the capital of this country. So I can't connect with you on that conclusion.

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by BlackMM

Let's just face it, Oklahoma is great for many things. Teaching is just not one of them.

I don't know about that. When I was substitute teaching in Mustang last year I met a LOT of very happy teachers. They were dedicated to their jobs and had no complaints, aside from the usual ones that you hear in every school district, regardless of the state.

If you're coming from a high teacher salary state, you may not be happy with what you are offered here, and the teachers I met would have liked more money, but ALL teachers, no matter where they are, would like more money. Teachers everywhere are not exactly overpaid.

[calitook]

I took a 15,000 a year pay cut to teach in OK vs. CA. I am still financially better off here.

[colleeng47]

There was an article in the Oklahoman just today that Oklahoma (along with the rest of the country) is expecting a teacher shortage in the near future. A lot of Baby Boomers are retiring, and their aren't enough new teachers to take their places.

[BlackMM]

You guys bring up good points. Maybe I should clarify myself and say that OKC schools are the one to avoid. Mid Del, Edmond, just about any other surrounding district would be more ideal to take a teaching job than the OKC district.

[okcpulse]

Originally Posted by BlackMM

You guys bring up good points. Maybe I should clarify myself and say that OKC schools are the one to avoid. Mid Del, Edmond, just about any other surrounding district would be more ideal to take a teaching job than the OKC district.

Now we are on the right track. OKC's facilities are better than in years past, and now it is time to improve the student body and faculty.

[Les Pharis]

Originally Posted by okcpulse

Once again this is turned into another anti-Oklahoma political dumping ground. Doesn't ever occur to you people that by discouraging people to come to Oklahoma you are also discouraging potential opportunity for change. But go on, keep thinking inside the box. It's what you people are good at anymore.

Not that I agree with right wing politics, but since when did the left wing become the thought police for anyone that doesn't agree with them.

I would have to agree that Oklahoma is a great place for many things. But
that doesn't justify lying and telling them that the situation for teachers in
Oklahoma is better than in other states. The sad truth is that Oklahoma is
headed for a real crisis in common education. There was a ray of hope in
1990 with HB1017 but most of the provisions of it are now meaningless due
to loopholes and end runs. Keep in mind that about 50% of Oklahoma's
teachers will be retiring within 3 or 4 years. When it comes to left versus
right, the democrats share blame but the republicans ideologues are
sealing their fates by attacking teachers. The 2000 republican platform
contained a statement about eliminating the US Department of Education.
Deregulation, see what it did for Wall Street?

[Mr. Solis]

Any suburb around OKC would be a better district to teach in. If at all possible, do not teach in the OKC district. Putnam City, Mid Del, Moore, Bethany are close ones, then farther out many are great, but if you do teach in OKC district, you cant say you weren't warned.

I attended both, Putnam City Schools, and unfortunately I had to go to OKC schools for a little bit.

[AnnabelleSaunders]

There are lots and lots of jobs in teaching here! Thats what I am going to school for right now! I think you will have no problem at all..and its so afordable to live here so even with a lower salary you will probably be fine. By the way the salaries here are higher than they used to be thanks to the lottery. (a first year teacher with just a bach degree has to make a min of 31,000 before benefits..so thats not too bad.)

[AnnabelleSaunders]

Despite what people say Okc's schools arent so bad these days, they are improving, and those kids really need good educators. Isnt that what teaching is really all about, helping children and making a difference? I suggest you go check the schools out before you make up your mind..or at least look into it a little more. Dont let the other posts scare you away from OKC