Big Island Curious (school, college, camping)

[TouristThe]

Ciao/Aloha,

I just wanted to briefly introduce myself.

I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, but have spent time living and working in southern India, and now in Milan, Italy since 2007.

I'm an American citizen married to an Italian citizen with a two-year-old Italian-American dual citizen son.

I completed my AA in Sociology in the US before relocating to Italy and am now in the final year of my BS in Sociology. I am intent on going into Education Administration and eventually have my sights set on Hawai'i. From what I've come across online thus far Hawai'i appears to be the best choice of island for my family.

I plan on completing a Masters in Education Administration and will be taking this process slowly. The first step will be relocating my family to the mainland where I then plan to work as a teacher while completing my Masters Degree in a southern state with surf, e.g. Carolinas, Florida, California, south Texas. After five years, more or less, on the mainland, I hope to relocate to Hawai'i and find an opportunity as an Assistance Principal and eventually as a Principal.

I also have experience as an Import Manager since 2007 in Italy and am always prepared to fall back on that experience if necessary. I understand Hawai'i imports a great deal of goods so in addition to the military presence which may, or may not, require civilian logisticians, I am prepared to fall back on my current experiences.

For the time being, I'm planning on visiting Oahu, Maui, and Hawai'i this coming summer or winter in order to decide whether my dream of many years is a realistic possibility or whether I've had it all wrong for some time.

I enjoy surfing, fishing, cultural anthropology, hiking, camping, travel, languages, warm and humid climates, travel, etc. Having lived just south of the Alps for nearly 6 years I can take little more. It's been ages since I've surfed or gone a winter without worrying about heating bills.

I'll be doing a lot of lurking here, before I post more, but just wanted to introduce myself to those of you who have been here for quite awhile and tell you that I appreciate all of your insights. I also plan on using the search function a great deal, don't worry! I've realized that it is an invaluable tool here from the many posts I've come across so far.

I'm especially interested in the cost of living which I doubt can be worse than Milan/Florence, Italy, the school system, opportunities in education, surfing, crime, cultural activities, and anything else I might not have considered thus far.

If anyone has any thoughts to share per above I'd welcome them!

Mahalo!

[FallenIntoGreatness]

You can't become an admin with out-of-state credentials alone. You MUST complete the Hawaii DOE admin program to be even considered for vp or principal. Teacher next door to me has the qualifications to be admin on the main land but Hawaii will not accept them and she refuses to complete the additional years of school. I also know of experienced principals from other states that moved over to retire but attempted to find positions here when the economy went south - they could not even get a job subbing unless they took additional courses locally.

[CyberCity]

Originally Posted by TouristThe

After five years, more or less, on the mainland, I hope to relocate to Hawai'i and find an opportunity as an Assistance Principal and eventually as a Principal.

Hawaii has MANY current well qualified educators/administrators who are looking to step up into the role of VP. or Principal, and you would need to compete with those folks.

Honestly, unless you bring some special skill to the table that is required of some sort of special situation, why would they hire a "newbie" when there are very qualified employees and long term residents already established here?

Good luck with your planning, Hawaii is a great place to live. But remember, we too have a good college system (and alternatives) that educates its residents. So assuming there is a high level opening that a current employee/resident cannot fill, might make your planning not be realistic.