Phoenix for teachers? (Yuma: credit, salary, jobs)

[ibarrio]

Your on the right track. The shortage is out West. Because of the Explosive growth.

Math, Science, English, and Special Ed are the hot areas. Jobs are easy to get in Phoenix. I had many offers but took what I think is the best one.

GL with your search.

[James9283]

Did you get a lead via internet or somewhere else? I am considering a move to either Phoenix or Tampa for a better teaching job but have even thought about moving first. Would you advise moving first? I was told at an interview in the Denver area a few weeks ago that an "out-of-state" applicant is less likely to be considered for an interview. Also, is AZ certification a long process?

[ibarrio]

Yes, Online. Google AZ central. It is the website for the states largest newspaper.

Also, is AZ certification a long process?

It can be because of the fingerprints. Arizona still rolls live. In California it is computerized and very quick (live scan).

[James9283]

Thanks, you have been helpful.

[TeacherGuyMi]

Hey James,
I'm leaving Mi to teach elementary school in Az on Tuesday. Here's what's up: Schools in Arizona are desperate for teachers. They love it when you tell them that you're from Michigan because Michigan Universities have a great reputation as producing great teachers. There are a lot of Mi people (especially fellow EMU alumns like me) down there teaching. I had a couple of places offer me jobs after talking to me on the phone for less than 15 minutes. I interviewed with a few other recruiters, when they were in town, in March. Granted, the districts that offered me a job over the phone districts were less than desirable, however it just shows how desperate some of these schools are. Most districts in the area will hire roughly around 100 new teachers this year. I signed a contract with the Glendale Elem. District about a month ago for roughly $34K (not including an extra $1,000 in performance pay, which seems pretty easy to gain). You might make a little more because of your year of experience. I found that districts pay between $31K (Liberty Elem.) and $38K (Alhambara Elem.) a year down here. I flew down there a few weeks ago and found a nice 2 bedroom apartment in a good location for around $800ish a month. I'm going to try to find a roomie once I get down there, to save some money. I am 23 and just have my dog, so making $34K a year is more than enough (for now). I don't think that I'll look into buying a home down there until I'm 110% sure that I want to stay long term. I think that I'm going to love it, but you never know. If I wanted to become wealthy, I sure as heck wouldn't have become a teacher, however it looks like I can live comfortably on my not-so-impressive $34K a year salary! There's absolutely no way that I'd move down there unless I had my signed contract. Az certification isn't too difficult. You just need to get fingerprinted, then send in your transcripts, your Mi teaching cert, and a nice little check, to the state, and you'll have your teaching cert. in no time! Even if it doesn't sound that great, the idea of finding a wealthy girlfriend sounds like a really good idea! Let me know if you need any more info.

[ibarrio]

Good Advice and post.

I also had several job offers (all over the phone and within mins.)

The only thing is that I got years under my belt and I'm coming from a higher paying state (California) so they had to make me a decent offer or I wasn't coming.


Like he said. The state of AZ needs teachers (California as well)

[silentrunner35]

Hello...

I have skimmed this particular forum entry and have some questions. My wife is currently a 7th grade Science teacher. She is certified to teach English, Reading, and Science. She is on her 7th year of teaching (3rd teaching Science).

If we do move to the greater Phoenix area next year, she definitely would try and start back up teaching (either 7th grade or higher). Can someone reiterate the certification process to me for her level? Does it involve state certification examinations and training? Also, what are salaries like for her level and experience? Are there any school district that are favorable to look at?

Thanks,
Vince

[LayLin]

Arizona certification requires all teachers pass a professional knowledge test, and those certified in secondary ed pass a subject knowledge test for every subject they desire certification in. (info on these tests is at AEPA.NESINC.com) Some school districts also require a minimum of 24 credit hours in your subject area for hire. Also, transferring, your wife would need to have taken a class on Arizona constitution and government or passed a test on it, and must have 60 hours (4 credit hours) in SEI education (sheltered English Immersion) I think AZ allows 3 years to meet these requirements if you have a certificate from another state.

[brittZ]

James -

I am moving back to AZ this summer as an Elementary teacher. I am doing so because in Cali there are no jobs in my area. My mom has been teaching in AZ from over 20 years and a teacher for over 30. Right now in her school, they are so desperate that they have multiple teachers with no certification because there are no qualified candidates. The Deer Valley School District currently has postings for 269 open teaching positions. They are the extreme but you can find jobs in almost any district you like. As for pay, it can vary quite a bit. One of the reasons DVUSD is in such need of teachers is that their pay is low 32k to start with a Masters. Other districts pay more and many pay about the same or just slightly higher.

If you are already a certified teacher, you can probably get a reciprocal certificate and start teaching ASAP and over that first year you would need to take a professional knowledge test and a subject matter test regardless of teaching secondary or elementary.

Here is the link that will give you all you need to know about certification:
http://www.ade.az.gov/certification/

Here is a link that will help locate districts with openings:
http://www.ade.az.gov/schools/schools/districts.asp

As for cost of living, yes it has gone up signifcantly but you can do just fine on a teacher salary. There are many places where you can rent a single family detached home in nice areas for $800-$1000/ mo. Things are pretty good here for teachers and hopefully the state will figure out that teachers are underpaid in comparison to other states and correct the issue, but if not teaching is a calling and isnt done for the money.

Best of luck to you!!

[jaws]

The Florence School District needs teachers very badly (located in Pinal County south east of the town of Queen Creek). The need for new schools is happening quicker than they can build them and they need teachers to staff all these new schools. The houses are cheap out here, so even a teacher can probably find something they can afford, especially if they are married or have a room mate. A lot of teachers at my child's school came from Nebraska, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, etc and were hired with little or no experience. Hope this helps you out. Thanks.