Teacher relocating to Texas Dallas/SA/Austin? (San Antonio, Anton: low income, sales)

[collestat]

I'm 32 SWM, currently living outside of Chicago in Naperville. I've been working in technical sales for about 8 years and recently got my alternative certification for teaching in Texas. I unfortunately didn't secure a job prior to the school year and am now looking at just relocating and working as a sub and hoping to find a perm. sub job that could lead to a full time gig. Worst case scenario, I'm going to fall back on my sales experience and try to find a job there that pays till next summer rolls around and I can work on teaching again.

I was originally looking at Dallas, but then read a lot about Austin and San Antonio. I know Dallas schools are paying around 40+ to start now and was curious about Austin and SA.

Pertinent information: I'd like to find a place that has a decent nightlife. Being single, I still enjoy going out once or twice a week. Also, I'm not bilingual and while I know this is a hindrance in teaching, I want to go where there is the best chance of that not being an issue. Lastly, if I have to fall back on sales (technical outside sales) where would I have the best opportunity at finding a good job?

Thanks for the help!

[justme02]

Of the three, Dallas will be the most similar to Chicago. Dallas is the most international and divserse of the three. Dallas also has the best public transit. Austin and San Antonio are much prettier and charming. You will find more outdoor activities in Austin and San Antonio. Dallas is a huge city and has more huge city ammenities.

As far as nightlife goes, it depends on what you like. If you like the bar scene, Austin is the best, if you like clubs Dallas will be the best. Im a big techno scene fan and Dallas is the best for that. But Austin and San Antonio have good clubs too.

They are all nice cities. Its all subjective as to who likes which best. I tend to gravitate to the larger cities myself which is why I prefer Dallas more. But, it just depends on what you want.

[LindaGrace]

My best friend moved here a few years ago (also from Illinois, but downstate, close to St. Louis). She didn't, and doesn't, speak a lick of Spanish. It isn't a hindrance. She looked for two summers long distance before finding a position here, teaching 5th grade.

Don't let the no-Spanish thing slow you down. Despite what you may've heard, this is Texas, which is part of the USA. No Spanish necessary. I'm married to a Hispanic man who didn't learn English 'til he went to grade school and I barely understand Spanish and don't speak it at all.

Good luck with the teaching. Unfortunately there are hiring freezes on right now in many of our districts. I *believe* East Central is still looking for teachers so maybe start there?

[ashbeeigh]

NISD just cut off even considering hiring substitute teachers. There are just so many. And, that's the largest district in the city.

I would consider Dallas, not only for the night life, but when I was living in Dallas I saw something about them hiring Alt certificate teachers for their inner city areas (this was 2007). Not sure about the details anymore though. It was a fleeting thought for me. This was DISD, not a surrounding area.

I don't know much about the Austin school districts, but I bet their a lot like the SA schools.

[catfucious]

There are on average of maybe 500-1000 applicants for every teaching position in DFW, unless you teach HS Math and Science, it might be 100 and maybe 50 in low income areas.

[odie91]

Originally Posted by collestat

Lastly, if I have to fall back on sales (technical outside sales) where would I have the best opportunity at finding a good job?

Thanks for the help!

I would think Austin would be a good bet if you have to fall back on technical sales. National Instruments has an outstanding technical sales career development program, and there are many other engineering companies in town.