Texas to Alaska: Teaching (Anchorage, Fairbanks: fit in, rentals, hotel)

[Tex91]

Hi everyone!

I will soon be entering the work force as a teacher with endorsements in special education and ESL/ELL. I've lived in Texas all my life and am ready for a change. I've traveled to most of the lower 48 and to Canada and Mexico, and once I get all the papers telling me I'm a skilled professional I plan to leave Texas and go somewhere totally new. What can be more different than Texas than Alaska? I plan to visit in the summer, but obviously one week during prime tourist season isn't going to get me everything I need to know about moving there.

Whether it's an urban area or the Bush, if you have some information I'd appreciate it! Despite being known for doing things on whims I am a big planner. I know I can't up and leave for Alaska tomorrow but I'd like an idea of what it will take so that I can properly budget and get a plan going.

If you have any answers to the following questions, please share your answer! I'd be extremely thankful!

1) I read that Alaska grants temporary certificates to 'outside' teachers, and a requirement for that is taking a competency exam. Because Texas likes to do its own thing (a blessing AND a curse to its residents) we have our own version of the Praxis, called TExES. Does anyone know if this counts towards a temporary certificate?

2) Are Alaskan schools friendly to enthusiastic 'outsider' teachers? I saw a video that some are wary of us because of a turnover rate. I wouldn't be coming with a "I'm here to stay!" attitude, but would definitely have a "I'm here for the next 3-5 years if not more!" attitude.

3) Though I would consider myself adaptable to most climates, I've never seen anything less than -15 temperatures longer than a week. What would I need clotheswise, carwise, and homewise to deal with that? Any 'insider' tips?

4) Your cost of living is definitely higher than what I'm used to in Texas (though for the Northern Lights, I'd say it's worth it!). Any teachers or people in the same income bracket as teachers have insight to how this affects a monthly budget? Will I be living paycheck-to-paycheck by default?

5) I'd be moving as a single woman with no family or friends. Is it difficult to get 'in' with the locals as a complete stranger?

6) Though it's all been Texas, I've lived everywhere from rural more-cows-than-people-you-have-a-post-office-if-you're-lucky communities to just outside the metroplex. What's it like living in Anchorage versus living in the Bush? Is there any middle ground?

7) What's the housing situation like? I'd be looking at renting due to the fact I don't see myself settling there (or anywhere, for that matter). Are there a lot of options?

8) What's considered the 'nice' part of Anchorage? Is there a particular section I should avoid?

9) For anyone who has moved there from the lower 48: What are you recommendations in terms of a car? I drive a 2010 Ford Escape right now. Would you recommend me driving there for selling the car and getting a new one after flying?

10) While I'm on the car thing, I hate driving. I'll take Anchorage snow over Dallas traffic, but is there any way to avoid getting a car altogether? Is the city walkable?



Thanks to all who help with this! Moving to Alaska has been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I'm NOT a 100 degree summer lover and have always been fascinated with dogsleds and the Northern Lights (my brother and I used to tie our blue heeler to a wagon and pretend we were racing with Balto!). Hopefully someone out there can give me greater insight to this possibility!

[lv2hoop]

All of your questions will be easier to answer once you know where you're moving to. Alaska is almost like 10-20 different states or regions and they all have varying issues to consider when it comes to rentals, vehicles, and all things having to do with living and working conditions.

As a rule, most, if not all of Alaska is friendly. People up here aren't that much different than anywhere else.

[Tex91]

Thanks! What about Anchorage specifically? Do you know anything?

[jlannett]

I'm from Fairbanks, Anchorage's rival. Anchorage is a big city with a lot of lower-48er stuff, like shopping malls, crime, etc. The Anchorage Crips are down there, as well as a bunch of other black and Asian gangs. Carry a weapon (pepper spray, gun, knife, etc.), sexual assaults are high for our small population. Don't worry about the cold, your body will adapt really quick. Yea it is more expensive, but you get paid A LOT more than in many lower 48 states. For #6, living in the bush is different from a small town in Texas. It depends where you live. Many bush villages mostly have Eskimos and Native Alaskans. You have to be very friendly and outgoing, otherwise many of them won't speak to you. Not cause they're rude, just cause they don't know you. If you bring your car, get studded tires and winterize your car. Otherwise the engine will freeze. In Fairbanks I don't have a car (I'm a college student) so I take the bus and walk. If you don't want a car (I recommend you do) make sure to have good snow boots, warm gloves, and a good warm hat. Learn the bus lines and the schedules, and how far you need to go to your job. You should fit in, a lot of Anchorage are either from the lower 48 or their parents are. Good luck, and make sure to carry a weapon (or know how to fight in self defense).

[Tex91]

Originally Posted by jlannett

I'm from Fairbanks, Anchorage's rival. Anchorage is a big city with a lot of lower-48er stuff, like shopping malls, crime, etc. The Anchorage Crips are down there, as well as a bunch of other black and Asian gangs. Carry a weapon (pepper spray, gun, knife, etc.), sexual assaults are high for our small population. Don't worry about the cold, your body will adapt really quick. Yea it is more expensive, but you get paid A LOT more than in many lower 48 states. For #6, living in the bush is different from a small town in Texas. It depends where you live. Many bush villages mostly have Eskimos and Native Alaskans. You have to be very friendly and outgoing, otherwise many of them won't speak to you. Not cause they're rude, just cause they don't know you. If you bring your car, get studded tires and winterize your car. Otherwise the engine will freeze. In Fairbanks I don't have a car (I'm a college student) so I take the bus and walk. If you don't want a car (I recommend you do) make sure to have good snow boots, warm gloves, and a good warm hat. Learn the bus lines and the schedules, and how far you need to go to your job. You should fit in, a lot of Anchorage are either from the lower 48 or their parents are. Good luck, and make sure to carry a weapon (or know how to fight in self defense).

Wow...Anchorage now sounds like Dallas, a place I avidly avoid...

Maybe I should move this to the Fairbanks board...

[hogfamily]

Most all the advice jlannett gave was ok except the part about having to carry a weapon. If you use common sense and stay out of areas and situations that you should avoid anyway you should not have any problems. Not opposed to knowing self defense as I believe everyone should carry what they are comfortable with. Most sexual assaults are by someone that is known by the victim. Gangs are only a problem if you are in one or hang out where they hang out.

Read the pertinent posts in the Anchorage section.

Anchorage is nothing like Dallas. Or any other lower 48 city.

People here for the most part are very friendly.

Living in a village can be a great experience depending on your attitude.

Fairbanks is nice but the winters can be long and cold. Not unusual for it to be -40 to -50 for weeks. I lived there for about two years and liked it.

To get a start I would suggest Anchorage or even the Mat-Su valley you will get introduced to Alaska "gently". Then you can travel around our great state and see if there is anywhere else you might like to try out.

There is a need here for good teachers especially special ed.

Just do it!

[Alaskan Mutt]

I lived in Anchorage for 27 years and never had the need to carry a weapon. However you do need to use a little common sense when out after dark.

While having an AWD or 4WD vehicle is always nice, if you do not plan on doing a lot of driving a FWD will be ok. Looking to buy a used car in Alaska can be frustrating. People seem to really be proud of their used cars.

I do not see Anchorage as being a walkable city. It is spread out. The city bus system is a joke. There is a fair bike trail network. However that does you no good during the winter time.

[bongo]

I have taught in Anchorage for 15 years- it's a wonderful school district & a great place to live.

I would highly recommend you getting your AK teaching certificate ASAP. There are 2 AK history/native culture classes that must be taken. I took them on line from the university before I moved up. They are easy courses- read & do response papers type of thing.

Then get reservations for the spring AK jobs fair in Anchorage:
Alaska Teacher Placement

Find out this year's dates in April or whenever and pay the airfare & hotel to GO!

I interviewed there & through that was hired by ASD. School districts from all over the state attend & hire.

[bongo]

Originally Posted by jlannett

I'm from Fairbanks, Anchorage's rival. Anchorage is a big city with a lot of lower-48er stuff, like shopping malls, crime, etc. The Anchorage Crips are down there, as well as a bunch of other black and Asian gangs. Carry a weapon (pepper spray, gun, knife, etc.), sexual assaults are high for our small population. Don't worry about the cold, your body will adapt really quick. Yea it is more expensive, but you get paid A LOT more than in many lower 48 states. For #6, living in the bush is different from a small town in Texas. It depends where you live. Many bush villages mostly have Eskimos and Native Alaskans. You have to be very friendly and outgoing, otherwise many of them won't speak to you. Not cause they're rude, just cause they don't know you. If you bring your car, get studded tires and winterize your car. Otherwise the engine will freeze. In Fairbanks I don't have a car (I'm a college student) so I take the bus and walk. If you don't want a car (I recommend you do) make sure to have good snow boots, warm gloves, and a good warm hat. Learn the bus lines and the schedules, and how far you need to go to your job. You should fit in, a lot of Anchorage are either from the lower 48 or their parents are. Good luck, and make sure to carry a weapon (or know how to fight in self defense).

You are a student living in Fairbanks. One does not need to carry a gun in Anchorage despite the stories.

[bongo]

Tex91, I also wanted to say that your SpEd & ESL/ELL endorsements make you highly marketable! Regarding ESL/ELL, Anchorage has 95 home languages, amazingly so.

As a woman, I have always felt completely safe in Anchorage. I hike, bike, skate ski on the trails all over town & up in the Chugach. There is more concern regarding moose & bears.

But then I don't wander shady neighborhoods at night, deal in drugs or hang out with troublemakers. Sadly, many of the rapes involve native Alaskan women and alcohol.