Outlook for teaching jobs? (Seattle, Kent: job market, school district, taxes)

[abr1750]

Hi all,
My boyfriend and I are re-locating from the midwest so that I can attend graduate school in Seattle. Does anyone have any input on the job market for teachers in the Seattle area? The boyfriend is certified as a high school history/social studies teacher. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Inkpoe]

Basically, 1Billion dollars has been cut from Education. Schools are in need of more money... and there's been talk of laying off people-- when that will be done? I don't know.

Just today though, the Seattle Public Schools announced they cut out 90 positions (and that school district probably receives the most budget money than any other SD in the state).

[Cobber_09]

I was just in Seattle last week and read something similar to that in the paper. Do you know anything about the other districts in the Seattle area? Are they also going to make job cuts?

[aa85]

I have some insights here (some of my relatives are local teachers).

1) Seattle (the largest district) will probably layoff teachers again this year. Not sure how it will go down, but I suspect there will not be many HS jobs available. In general, some schools are great, others are, shall we say, "challenging." Jobs, if any, would probably be at the latter, unfortunately. Unless things have recently changed, Seattle is also not hiring substitutes.

2) Generally speaking, secondary math/science and special ed are the only specialties that seem to be more or less in demand. Not so much for history/social studies.

3) Suburban districts are probably in better shape than Seattle as far as hiring: Kent, Lake Washington (serves cities of Redmond & Kirkland), Northshore (cities of Bothell & Woodinville), & Issaquah are some of the big districts that serve growing parts of the Seattle area. Any of those is roughly a 30-45 minute commute from Seattle, depending on what part of the district and where you live.

4) Private schools are not big in Seattle, but might be a possibility.

[secret_squirrel]

Lake Washington is looking at laying off 100 teachers: Schools fear layoffs as state lawmakers decide budget | KING 5 TV | Seattle News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | Local News

If you're not math or special ed endorsed, the outlook does not look good. I'm not saying that he won't get lucky, but it will take luck. I'd have a back up plan.

[Lovetheoutdoors]

In this economy, nearly every school district across the country is cutting jobs. This will be the case until things start picking up again (economy-wise). State governments get money from taxes and that is not happening due to the high unemployment.

Education will definitely pick up again but not for the 2010-2011 academic year. My advice is for your boyfriend to go to grad school as well, if he doesn't have a masters. When things pick up, that masters can put him in a higher pay scale.

[Patron of Wrath]

With current state of, and future prospects for, the American job market I believe there will be excellent openings for teachers specializing in education of burger flippers, ditch diggers, and anything janitorial.

[twodogden]

Patron of Wrath, You are hilarious. I just wish there wasn't a tear in my eye after the laugher... sure was a good decision to go to grad school to become a teacher the last few years. Looks like that investment will be paying some huge dividends now. Hooo-boy...