Considering San Antonio (Teachers) (Howe, Edgewood: how much, transfer, school districts)

[roxatwist]

Hi everyone. My husband is currently in the Air Force and well, when he gets out in about 3-4 years we will be moving to SA to be closer to family. I am currently pursuing a BA in Elementary Education and wanted to know if it is hard to find a teaching job in SA? How much do they start entry level teachers at? Any information would be helpful. I've read a few things here and there where teachers are having a hard time finding employment, but I thought I would ask. Thank you.

[amye1158]

There have been many threads on this topic. I have my cert in EC-8, with an ESL Supplemental (I also have my Masters). I have spent two years subbing because I cannot find a permanent position. Every year at this time, you hear news stories about how many new teachers the districts will be needing. Every three months or so, I send out emails/resumes to the schools, and principals of new ones opening. I have not even gotten an interview. Most of the posts I have read on the various threads talk of similar situations. I know that these are not necessarily unbiased, but I must tell you, I have not heard of many "new" teachers getting jobs - lots of transferring from other SA districts/schools. Wish I could be more hopeful... Many someone else has had a more positive experience.

[miche111e]

I have no personal experience, but on the news today it mentioned one of the school districts here will be hiring 700 teachers for next year. ???

Good luck!

[amye1158]

That's probably NISD. They say that every year.

[buffy888]

Elementary positions are probably the hardest to get in this area. Are you bilingual by any chance? If so, that could increase your chances (so could Special Ed certification). Is your Elementary Ed. just up to 4th grade or does it go up to 8th? (Different programs handle Elementary differently, so just thought I would ask.) If you can add Middle School Ed. to your degree, or if it already covers middle school, that wouldn't hurt. As in many areas of the country, high school math and science are quite high in demand, so if you are interested in that...

However, if you are willing to cast your net very widely and apply to ALL of the districts in the city (including those perceived by some as "less desirable," such as Edgewood or SAISD), you will increase your chances for getting hired for an elementary position. I moved here from out of state, so had just my one year certificate, and was interviewed via phone and hired before moving here. I am currently teaching in Edgewood. I love the kids (well, most of them!) and never feel unsafe driving to/from school or walking to my car after school (on most evenings, I leave between 5 and 6 PM, so after dark during the winter). There are certainly pros and cons to teaching there, but it is a place for you to get your foot in the door for a couple of years if you think you may want to try a different district later on... or a place you may end up staying despite various obstacles because you feel that is where the kids need you to be.

Starting teacher salaries in this area are generally around the mid-40s for public school and mid- to upper- 30s for most charter schools (although those salaries can vary quite a bit; for example, I believe KIPP pays on par with or above what either NISD or NEISD pays).

Most districts here accept/require applications to be completed online, so when you guys get ready to move here you will want to start getting those filled out to get your name added to the applicant pool.

[majormadmax]

NISD Employment

NISD 2008-09 Teacher Salaries

NISD Employee Benefits

It is a rewarding but underappreciated (and underpaid) profession; however, the salaries in SA are pretty good considering the low cost of living here...

Best of luck to you, the world can never have too many good teachers!

Cheers! M2