K-12 Teaching Jobs? (Prescott, Cottonwood: school district, college, teacher salaries)

[kota45]

Can anyone give me some insight into the possibility of getting a K-12 teaching job in the area? I read an article online about there being some personnel that got RIF'd (reduction in force - laid off) prior to this school year, however, the article seemed to indicate that they were all non classroom teaching positions. I have California credentials to teach elementary school and middle and high school English, and it appears that it should not be too much trouble to "convert them" to an AZ credential.
I've checked the websites for PUSD, HUSD, and CVUSD (am I missing any?) and they only tell you so much. Wondering if anyone has any "inside information?"

[MinisterofCheese]

I moved here with an ex-girlfriend who took a high school teaching position at PUSD. Even with her 8 years teaching experience she took about a $9000 pay cut coming from the Mohave school district. When she asked for more money they told her they could just hire someone fresh out of college because this is a desirable place to live, so in essence no. Carrying forward to two years ago, she and any teacher with less than 3 years tenure at PUSD got RIF'd at the end of the year. They had to wait a month or two and eventually at least all the teachers got hired back. I have lost contact since then but believe the same thing happened again this previous year. Also it was just announced that the state has huge budget shortfalls so most likely, as always, education will be hit first again. So I'm not trying to dissuade you from coming to teach here but just realize you won't make as much money (AZ is one of the lowest states when it comes to teacher salaries) and until you get a few years in your job may be at risk. You could look at some private or charter schools in the area and I always found Orme School to be an interesting option. Hope this helps

[kota45]

Thanks Minister,
Thank you for the info. It does help.
I've taught in California for four years. I got RIF'd EVERY year due to state budget problems. I got my job back three times, but they have not been able to hire me back for the past two school years.
Teaching is not a very stable job these days.

[salidamama]

Are there jobs available for paraprofessionals? I've been a para for 28 years, working with the disabled in K-12. Wouldn't mind getting a job doing that for a few more years or maybe subbing, if we move to the area of Cottonwood or Prescott.