Teaching Jobs (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio: internship, stats, moving)

[calizcs]

Slaleman & Pobre, thank you for your input. This is my first post, but I have read every one of them & have learned a lot. I too am a candidate through an ACP, just passing the Generalist 4-8 Exam, & the article in the paper on Sat was disheartening to say the least. I figured there would be competition, but I didn't realized what an over-abundance of teachers SA seemed to have. I plan to take some more exams to make myself more marketable to all school districts but like others, feel a bit frustrated at the moment...not that it will stop me from my goal though!
I wish everyone good luck with their opportunities & will gladly accept any advice on what I can do to increase my opportunities & get those doors opened.

[elzorro]

what about bilingual education jobs in S.A.?
is there a real need ?

[slaleman]

Originally Posted by elzorro

what about bilingual education jobs in S.A.?
is there a real need ?

There's always a need for bilingual teachers, but in San Antonio there are more candidates to fill those positions then there are in, say, central Illinois.

The difference here is that there a lot of teachers who ARE bilingual, but maybe aren't certified as such. I know an awful lot of teachers who speak Spanish fluently (my wife included) but don't have a bilingual or ESL certification in Texas. Getting an ESL certification, I believe, doesn't even require you to speak a second language...it's more about teaching techniques for helping kids acquire English as their second language, whereas teaching in a bilingual program means that you actually teach using another language (more often than not, that's Spanish).

Either way, if you work in a school that has a high percentage of Spanish speaking households, you'll learn to pick up some of the language and may even learn to speak it a bit, just out of necessity.

So in short, yes, there is a need, but you may not get snapped up as quickly as you would in another part of the country. However, any additional certifications you have beyond your basics (elementary, secondary subject area) will make you more marketable where ever you look for a job.

[future_teacher]

I have recently become very drawn to teaching and I'm trying to decide what to do. I currently have a bachelor's degree, but it is in Business Administration. I would like to teach elementary school and was originally looking into the ACP's in the area. After reading the messages on here I am not so sure that is the route to go. I am now looking into the BSIS and the M.Ed programs in the area. I am just wondering what my chances will be in gaining employment in the San Antonio area. I am comfortable where I live and would not want to be in a position where I would have to relocate in order to gain employment.

Another thing that I am seeing as a potential problem is the fact that I can't go unemployed. I understand that in the BSIS and M.Ed programs that there is a student teaching requirement that is one full semester, unpaid. This alone is scary for me, but then to think that I could go unemployed for an entire school year is really making me question if this is something I should do.

I am very hopeful that opportunities will be out there when I am ready to gain employment. I thinking that will be 2-3 years from now. Any suggestions anyone?? Is anyone else facing this same problem?

[slaleman]

I honestly wouldn't worry about what you may or may not find with alternative certification. Given the circumstances, it looks like your best option. I would suggest going with a shortage area (math and science) so you'll have a better chance finding a job. Keep in mind that it's about your attitude and willingness to teach. Don't shoot for the "best" schools when you go for a job because that's what everyone does. Take a challenge...kids in every school deserve teachers who are willing to teach them...

[future_teacher]

I completely agree that all kids need good teachers whether they are in the "best" schools or the low income schools. I know for sure that I only want to work with the PK-4 group, but the school doesn't matter so much as long as it is somewhat close by.

I was thinking of getting certifications in EC-4, special education, and ESL. Given this information, do you think my chances of getting hired would be good with an alternative certification? I really don't have any desire to teach secondary math or science.

If I am understanding correctly, it's the internship that's hard to get. Once the internship is completed and I am certified, then the educational background and what my bachelor's degree is in should no longer matter. Is that correct?

Do you think candidates are turning down jobs in lower income schools in hopes of getting hired at the "best" schools? It seemed like there were a lot of people on here complaining that they weren't getting jobs anywhere. Then again, in the last few posts I believe a few of them got jobs.

Thanks for such a quick reply!

[allylang1]

What about subbing positions? Could I expect to work pretty regularly? I will be moving to Schertz in two weeks. My plan is to sub next year and then go back to school to get my dual licence. Is that feasible?

[buffy888]

Originally Posted by future_teacher

I was thinking of getting certifications in EC-4, special education, and ESL. Given this information, do you think my chances of getting hired would be good with an alternative certification? I really don't have any desire to teach secondary math or science.

If I am understanding correctly, it's the internship that's hard to get. Once the internship is completed and I am certified, then the educational background and what my bachelor's degree is in should no longer matter. Is that correct?

EC-4 educators seem to be plentiful in the area, but getting the extra areas of certification might aid you in getting a position when you are ready. Special education is in demand, so that certification should certainly help. I am not sure about the ESL - it may depend on the district, but I know in my district ESL is not offered at the elementary schools - they do bilingual classes only and gradually move students to English in all subjects throughout their years in elementary. Again, I am not familiar enough with the programs in other districts to know if this is the case elsewhere in S.A. - my district is 99% Hispanic.

I do think that districts will be happy to hire you after the internship/certification - just because you are taking an alternate route doesn't make you any less qualified. I don't see it as being much different than someone like me - teaching is my second career.

I am trying to find a job in another district, but it is not because of the kids. If you could move the same group of kids closer to my home (and change some other things at the campus and in the district), I would be there in a heartbeat. My school is 30 minutes away on a Saturday morning and about 45 minutes to an hour on a normal school day.

Good luck in your decision.

[yoyoceramic]

What are reputable alternative certification companies here in San Antonio for secondary Math?

[slaleman]

Originally Posted by allylang1

What about subbing positions? Could I expect to work pretty regularly? I will be moving to Schertz in two weeks. My plan is to sub next year and then go back to school to get my dual licence. Is that feasible?

Subbing is always a good way to get your name known around a school district...just make sure it's in a good way, and not a bad way...