Music Jobs in Public Schools? (Pittsburgh: job market, live in, rich)

[Lilla Belle]

I currently live in South Central PA and hope to re-locate to Pittsburgh. The city and area seem to offer a rich cultural life -- something I miss where I am now. I am currently an employed public school music teacher, and have good credientials (masters+). I have not, though, been able to get even an interview in any of the schools in Allegheny County. I am registered with PA-Educator.net, and although most districts claim to exclusively use that service, I see very few job announcements for any positions in that area. (I'm finding this increasingly odd.) I also check the Post Gazette, and individual district web sites weekly.

Does anyone have any insights to the music teaching positions in Allegheny County? Any advice, and direction would be appreciated! Thank you. Pittsburgh Hopeful!

[Bong477]

Teaching jobs in general are really tough to get here due to high pay, declining population, & lots of higher education institutions producing teachers. Most people end up sub'ing for a while (sometimes a couple years) before getting a perm job.

I don't have any specific knowledge about music jobs, but I'd guess they are even harder to get than general teaching jobs simply because there aren't as many positions.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

[stasia]

I don't personally know about the educator job market in the area, but I do have friends (recent graduates) who have expressed frustration at how difficult it can be to find a full-time job in the area. Successes at landing a job seem to stem from networking and knowing someone who can get you in.