British Teacher wanting to moving to chicago (Time: rental market, public schools)

[hswa]

Can a qualified teacher move to chicago to teach? 6yr olds?

thanks

[kmwheel]

Hello,

Are you looking to do some sort of temporary international teacher exchange program, or are you interested in a permanent position? I'm not trying to be negative, but you would face quite a few obstacles in obtaining a permanent teaching position in the states. The first would be obtaining a work visa (and it's not likely that a school would hire you without state certification). Then you would have to go about getting certified to teach in Illinois. We have reciprocity with many states, but I'm not certain about teachers from other countries. I have friends who moved here from other states, and it took the ISBE approximately a year to complete their certification process so they could teach. Provisional certificates are available, ususally in high-need areas. You can find much more information at the state website www.isbe.net, or you could call them and ask your questions.

If you want to teach in public schools in the city of Chicago, there is a residency requirement. You have to live in the city. Your teacher salary will not get you far in the Chicago rental market. Getting a job (especially in regular elementary) is TOUGH in the Chicago suburbs. There were 200+ applications for every job I applied for, and our state colleges and adult-learning programs continue to push thousands of certified teachers out every year. Many of the young teachers I know have had to relocate to western states like Nevada and New Mexico just to find a teaching job.

Teachers are still needed in areas like ESL and special ed., but for the most part, there are no shortages in Illinois.

If you are looking for an exchange program, Fulbright seems to have the most success.

For Overseas Applicants and Partners

[hswa]

Thanks for your advice!

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by hswa

Thanks for your advice!

Well, Chicago has a school called the British school that teaches a British Education,it is very well to do, and I imagine it pays very well. They just opened a new school building near Downtown. I would think you have a great chance to get a job there if you try.

British School of Chicago provides British curriculum education for children of all nationalities. BSC accepts children from 3 years old to 14 years old (Nursery to Year 9).

New British school a study in contrasts :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Education (http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/736301,CST-NWS-skul11.article - broken link)