Teaching Jobs (Dallas, Fort Worth: 2010, credit, how much)

[SanAntonioBound]

I understand that there is a huge need for teachers in the SA area (or think I understand), how common is it for teachers to be hired from out of the state? My Wife and I both hope to be hired next year from Oregon.

[loves2read]

from what I know the idea that there is a hugh shortage of teachers in any large metropolitan area of TX is just nuts

even in districts with lot of growth that are building schools--there are usually no problems getting teachers to fill the new jobs--many come from student teachers within the district--some come from leveling out jobs where other schools have declined in population and there are too many teachers...

the districts that have difficulty filling their spots are usually not very desireable--like Fort Worth ISD or Dallas ISD -- but even they get them filled...

the reason people don't want to teach there is that many of the schools are not that well-run and have students that are performing lower than desired...lots of hard work, difficult working conditions, and the same pay for the most part as teachers working in better schools in the district...

the only teachers that DO have a fairly easy time of getting hired are secondary math and science and special ed teachers--some with credentials in foreign language or needs of the district like maybe English/soccer coach or social studies/baseball...
Fort Worth made a big deal about looking for teachers in Florida and California this year because it hired people doing special accreditation in past couple of years who did not meet their target of getting certified--so they did need more teachers than usual--and fort worth has history of hiring teachers to teach and putting them where they are NOT certified--which is a black mark now with the state's system...
but there ARE teachers in TX who are qualified and might work there--they just don't want to look/hire them...

Elementary teachers are plentiful especially the PreK-3 group--it is secondary math and science that are being fought over...
if you have ESL certification that is desireable but all teachers in TX have to have or get the endorsement for ESL now--that is not an option even for teachers with experience

[firstclassflyer]

Why are people thinking that there is some huge shortage of teachers here? We hear a lot of people saying this. Anyone know why?

[sapphire]

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

Why are people thinking that there is some huge shortage of teachers here? We hear a lot of people saying this. Anyone know why?

Back in the day, there was a teacher shortage. Now they are churning them out so fast it's ridiculous to think they'll all have jobs in schools. The pay used to be really low, then they upped it to something easy enough to live on, now there are plenty to choose from.

[firstclassflyer]

Ahhh, I see. Gracias!

[buffy888]

Just to echo what the others have said... There is not a shortage in most teaching areas.
Are you talking about this upcoming school year (2008-2009) or the following school year (2009-2010)? Do you already have your certification(s) from Texas? I moved from out of state last year and I had one-year certificates in all of the teaching areas matching my out of state certification. Now I have the standard certificate for what I am currently teaching (EC-4), but need to find a time that can work with my schedule to take the tests I need to get my 4-8 certificates again.

You can get hired from out of state - again, especially if your teaching field is one of those more high in demand. It is much easier if you are already living here so that you can go to interviews if/when called - or if you can possibly get a few interviews lined up in the same week or so and then fly down here for them. My problem last year was that we were still living out of state in June and July - did come here for a job fair in June but it was packed, overwhelming, and a huge waste of time - and I did get some calls eventually, but they wanted me to come in person for an interview and we weren't living in town yet. There was one school who did a phone interview with me in late July (there were about 5 of them conducting the interview) and that is where I got hired and am now working.

[traficdogn]

Originally Posted by firstclassflyer

Why are people thinking that there is some huge shortage of teachers here? We hear a lot of people saying this. Anyone know why?

Large employers in this city have a lot of influence with the press.

[ilovevintage]

Speaking of teachers....how much is the starting salary of secondary school teachers? And how much should those starting out on the college level get compensated? Locally. I've been looking at some figures and it seems there is not that big of a difference or am I wrong? I hope I'm wrong!

[firstclassflyer]

Originally Posted by traficdogn

Large employers in this city have a lot of influence with the press.

Maybe so...but why put the word out that we're short on teachers...when we're not? What's the point?

[sapphire]

Maybe the universities want to fill up their teaching classes?