Is there any other way to move to portland?!?! Help!!! (teaching jobs, transfer to)

[Minervah]

"Teach For America" is a program that teaches children in inner city urban schools, rural poverty stricken areas and reservations. Oregon is not included on their list. The OP could get her teaching degree in Portland but her assignment would be elsewhere. Washington state is on the list in the PNW of "Where We Work" on this list on the website.

Teach For America | Home

[mscbrown]

well then i guess ill have to work somewhere else until I can find a teaching job *shrugs shoulders*
but thanks for the people who gave me advice on what i asked for. I will just go to school for teaching since teachers will always be needed but newspapers and magazines are becoming obsolete and real estate relies too much on the economy and we are basically a third world country right now SOOOOOOOOO teacher it is. and I wont graduate for 4-5 more years. no one can predict the future, portland could need tons of teachers at that time or none at all

[mscbrown]

What Is the Portland Teachers Program (PTP)?
Portland Teachers Program in a parade
PTP is a partnership effort among Portland Public Schools (PPS), Portland Community College (PCC), Portland State University (PSU), the University of Portland (UP) and Beaverton School District (BSD). It is designed to recruit and help prepare culturally competent teachers, with a special focus on historically underrepresented groups in the teaching profession. As a retention/scholarship program, it assists selected students in completing teacher education through the regular coursework at PCC and PSU or UP.

PTP is a nationally recognized program committed to diversity, equity, excellence and collaboration through the development of a multicultural workforce in the educational system. Over 130 students have graduated from the program, some of whom have gone on to become administrators. There are approximately 65 students currently in PTP.

Why Do We Need the Portland Teachers Program?
Graph on the growth of minority students
Percent of minority students compared to the
growth of minority teachers [pdf]

Developing a truly multicultural/multiethnic society requires educators who are not only academically prepared, but who can integrate the richness of their cultural heritage, and that of others, into every aspect of their teaching. Teachers with diverse backgrounds and experiences are critical to the education of all children as they prepare to join an increasingly diverse workforce where valuing and understanding differences are key to creativity, productivity and personal enrichment. These teachers serve as role models for all children, and can assist in breaking down the stereotypes that inform racism in American society. The need for teachers who reflect the growing diversity in public school classrooms is acute.

We are looking for students who have a passion for equity in education; who understand that education is political; who are deeply connected to their cultural/ethnic heritage; and who want to work hard to close the achievement gap for children of color and poor white children.

hmm looks like they are looking for teachers....

[crisw]

I think you need to stop being so defensive and actually listen. People are telling you how difficult getting teaching jobs is for a reason, not just to knock you down.

I don't think you understand the Portland Teachers Program. Portland Teachers Program Overview | PCC It is not "looking for teachers"- it's looking, specifically, for minority or otherwise underrepresented students. There's nothing in the program's description about guaranteeing those students local jobs after they finish college!

As for needing more teachers here in the near future- doubt it. Most school districts here are closing schools as people have fewer kids.

And, as for TFA- as mentioned, there are no TFA schools in Portland. And TFA requires a long-term commitment that can be hard to make when you're fresh out of college and have $$$ in student loan debt.

I'm saying this because I have the utmost respect for teachers and what they do- all three of my sisters have teaching credentials. All struggled for years to get permanent teaching jobs- one gave up. Teaching is hard, hard work (and school underfunding, lack of parental involvement, and societal scorn don't make it any easier!) It isn't something you do on a lark because you can't get your first career choice.

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by mscbrown

hmm looks like they are looking for teachers....

Yep, Portland Public Schools need teachers badly!

Portland, Oregon teachers face unprecedented attack on jobs, work rights - World Socialist Web Site

An open letter to Portland, January 22, 2013 - Labor Relations - Portland Public Schools

[zitsky]

OP, have you considered going to a place like Lane Community College in Eugene, then transferring to Portland. I'd argue that the University of Oregon (also in Eugene) is as good or better than what you will find it Portland. I know you want the big city but it's something to think about. I'm a graduate of the U of O.

[mscbrown]

well then i'll just go to school there for education and move somewhere else for teaching. I actually do want to be a teacher its not a back up plan it's just i dont like to put all my eggs in one basket

[AKStafford]

Clackamas Community College :: Welcome to Clackamas Community College
Portland Community College
Mt. Hood Community College Home Page

[EnricoV]

I say go for it. Just as long as you're aware that you may not be able to get a teaching job in Oregon, or more precisely ... in the specific city you want to live ... when you've completed your education.

As long as you're flexible about a job, it can be done. And there's no telling what the job market might be like several years in the future.

At this point, all we're talking about is an education. Not a job. And Portland's as good a place as any to get one of those.

[turquoise1]

It's great to get a degree. But it's really, really hard to get a teaching position in Portland, even with a master's degree. I have two friends with master's degrees who are only able to find positions as substitute teachers.