Teaching From Ca to Portland, Oregon (Beaverton, Tigard: school district, where to live, moving)

[dionisio]

To whom it may concern,

I am romancing the idea of moving from Fullerton, Ca to Portland, Oregon.
I am an elementary school teacher. Can anybody please give me advise on where to live and where to start looking for work? Or if my teaching credential is valid? I'm into art/music, eco-granola, and bike and skating...thanks.

[Carmela]

There are a TON of teachers (out of work) in the area. In the last 5 years or so there's been a lot of downsizing, some educators moving into the Evergreen School District (Vancouver). I've heard that on average there are 200 applicants for every opening.

Tigard is a rapidly growing district. I'd start there if you want to stay on the Oregon side of the river. Otherwise, the Evergreen School District (Vancouver) is the fastest growing district in Washington.

[fojo]

For answers on moving and teaching, see the following link:

Teacher Standards and Practices Commission

My neighbor received her teaching credential/MEd this summer and had a position at the local elementary starting this fall. I'm not a teacher and don't have an educated opinion on how difficult getting positions is in the city, so I can't comment on Carmela's post.

200 apps/position sounds pretty grim if it's true.

[dionisio]

Thanks Carmela and Fojo...
Wow, it's sounds bleak like Orange County. If you think 200 is bad, I've heard 300apps in one school district. But I've also heard friends getting jobs quickly. Again thanks... I will look into those districts...I'd like to hear more stories...

[oldtintype]

Wasn't there a recent article in the Oregonian about PPS trying to FILL teacher positions and they were having trouble finding applicants? If I remember right it's because they let current teachers have their pick of jobs until late summer, then open them up to outside applicants. Because of the late openings they had trouble filling them. If there were really 200 applicants per job wouldn't they be flocking to these last minute openings? I know nothing about school hiring, I'm just curious given this article.

[Carmela]

Yes, it's tough to get a full-time position. ALL those substitute teachers - most of them are TRYING to get a full-time position somewhere. Think about it.

[Lizeee]

Highly qualified, experienced teachers are being hired in all the districts in and around the Portland area. Mid-year is tougher, though. Beaverton is growing, as is Tigard/Tualatin. Harder districts to break into are West Linn/Wilsonville and Lake Oswego. Oregon City is seeing a lot of growth, too. Your life style sounds like the SE part of town: Sellwood, Hawthorne, Clinton districts. Not necessarily inexpensive, but fun.