Where in Oregon is right for 2 down to earth teachers? (Ukiah: home, teaching jobs)

[ladybuggk]

Steve, why was there only one job you could apply for? What job is it that you fit into? A foreign language teacher? Do you think there would be more opportunities for someone who is credentialed k-9? I also hold a counseling credential which I could use K through community college.

[ladybuggk]

i already posted this but i don't see where it went.....

steve, i'm sorry to hear about your joblessness! are you looking for a specified teaching position, is that why you only found one job to apply for? do you think that someone who is qualified to teach K-9 might have better luck? i also have a counseling credential which enables me to work as a school counselor K-community college. at least that might expand the possibilities. my husband also I also have masters' degrees which could allow us to teach at college level as well....j

i'm the eternal optimist!

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by ladybuggk

Steve, why was there only one job you could apply for?

1. shrinking enrollment, tighter budgets
2. low teacher turnover -- almost no vacancies
3. many older teachers have deferred retirement due to the economy
4. small-town and rural districts tend to be somewhat xenophobic and will more likely hire a modestly-accomplished candidate who "somebody knows" than a highly-accomplished "outsider." Many positions are filled through word of mouth outside the formal search process. In at least one case I know of, a local who was not highly qualified under NCLB was hired to teach a core academic subject even after the end of the 2005-06 year. Illegal, but they got away with it.

Add to that a rather sparse population and the idiosyncratic nature of licensing, and there just isn't enough opportunity. I'm double certified in Spanish and music, both K-12. There just haven't been any openings. If there were, the districts would probably want to rehire the people they've already had to let go before hiring new faces. People aren't making discretional moves in this economy. Since most people here aren't able to sell their homes anyway, there's no point in trying to move.

[ladybuggk]

Thanks again for your input Steve.

Getting back to the original question that I've put out into cyberspace - anywhere else besides Portland, Bend, Eugene that I should start looking at?

[davefr]

Originally Posted by ladybuggk

Getting back to the original question that I've put out into cyberspace - anywhere else besides Portland, Bend, Eugene that I should start looking at?

Yes, be flexible and consider any place you're willing to live.

Narrowing your list to only 3 cities is foolish IMHO and will only decrease your odds of success.

If you want the PNW then there's Seattle, Olympia, Boise, Spokane, Tri Cities, Corvallis, Medford, etc, etc, etc.

What about other cities in California where you're already certified to teach in. There are plenty of CA cities that could fit your "wish list" criteria.

It's called balance. If you want it all you'll likely get nothing. If you prioritize your wish list then you might come out better but there will be sacrifices/tradeoffs along the way.

The Gates Foundation has been pouring tons of money into WA schools. Maybe that's an opportunity.

They teach college graduates to be extremely flexible when seeking employment in these rough times. Follow that advice.

[Dark of the Moon]

If you do decide to move to Oregon, I'd suggest submitting your license applications as soon as possible. Oregon TSPC (Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) takes a looooooooooooooong time to process applications and without an Oregon license, you can't teach in the state. Should you manage to get hired without an Oregon license, your employing district can request that your application be expedited, but that's an additional $100+/- out of your pocket. Just FYI .....

[PaulFortyEight]

Hmm no Southern Oregon bids? It's beautiful here! And Ashland is VERY down to earth!

[ladybuggk]

i haven't even looked at a MAP Paul so I'm taking any advice I can get! You say Ashland meets our criteria? Then I'll check it out! This idea is only a few days old so i'm starting at square one - random recommendations that meet our criteria.

[ladybuggk]

Dave,
which California cities do you have in mind? Staying in California would be a priority for us because our family is here. But I c an't think of anywhere that would work - maybe you have insight.

And yes, WA is very interesting to us! You're saying that the job market for teachers is better there overall???

[Steve97415]

Originally Posted by ladybuggk

Dave,
which California cities do you have in mind? Staying in California would be a priority for us because our family is here. But I can't think of anywhere that would work - maybe you have insight.

Have you considered Chico? It sounds like it would be a good fit. The employment would be an issue again, but that will be the case anywhere where the population density is low enough to escape the Concrete Jungle and get your feet in the soil. Sebastopol and Petaluma might also be good except for the affordability of housing. Also look at Walla walla, WA. Staying flexible is important.