Maine Teachers..school budget cuts due to decreased enrollment...where are the "growing" districts in Maine? (Portland: best school districts, closing)

[Celarie]

My husband (a native of Maine) and I will be relocating to Maine in June. He is a chef and I am a high school science teacher. We are open to areas but prefer mid-coast Maine. I love the Brunswick area but recent news articles talk of the decrease in enrollment and school budget cutbacks. Are there any Maine teachers on the forum that know of "growing" districts? Any and all input is very appreciated. Thanks.

[RHB]

Brunswick enrollment decrease might be in direct relation to the base closure. I know the list of Maines 10 worst schools just came out, they might have some openings for teachers.

[Celarie]

I apologize...10 worst schools---they might have some openings? I am not following. unless this refers to federal funding for low achieving schools. Thanks.

[Maineah]

If you want to work in the best school districts in Maine try Greenville, Yarmouth, Falmouth, Cumberland, and Cape Elizabeth. Greenville is a small, quiet, beautiful place on the shores of Moosehead lake. The other places are on the coast (except for Cumberland) and sort of overrun by yuppies from away (Cumberland is over run as well). Brunswick has lots of places to live and restaurants your husband could work at but the base closing has lowered the school enrollments somewhat. On the other hand I doubt that Greenville is looking for too many chefs. You need to be very flexible or else consider Portland as that city could accomodate both of your skills.

[Celarie]

Thanks Maineah. I really appreciate the advice. We are thinking Portland may have to be our best bet unless science jobs open up further north. Several have been kind enough to ask about Social Security. In my current state, teachers do not pay in to social security but rather a teachers retirement fund. So I am use to NOT paying in to the social security system as a teacher. Thanks!

[flycessna]

Take it with a grain of salt... Budget cuts are everywhere... or at least in places they are not willing to just keep raising property taxes... Which in some cases could mean the town is well managed??

And as noted Brunswick might also be feeling the effects of a base closure but it is such a nice looking town with a small vibrant center, and centrally located I have to believe the town will be fine.... provided they dont screw it up..

[Northern Maine Land Man]

The Auburn / Lewiston area has increasing enrollment due to the large influx of people from Somalia. However, ESL will be more in demand than science teachers for a while. I don't know of any town in Northern Maine with increasing enrollment. For example, in 2009, Millinocket graduated 92 seniors. In September they enrolled 46 kindergarteners. The inevitable 50% drop in enrollment is an example of a regional trend.

[mollysmiles]

Scarborough is supposed to be good too.... I am biased however. I have a family member who is Maine Tech Ed Teacher of the Year there.

I don't know if you'll see districts in Maine experiencing much growth right now, but if it were happening it would most likely be the Bangor area and south. I don't know if it's better for the two of you to look for a chef's position first, and then for you to look in that area for teaching positions. That's something that you'd have to discuss between you, but it might be easier to do it that way. I know school departments are always looking for good substitutes, and it's a good way to get your foot in the door AND get a feel for the school. Good luck!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Be prepared to get a "provisional certificate". The provision is that you take a few specific "methods" courses that are favorites of the Maine education bureaucracy. There is no way around it unless they accept the specific methods courses you have already taken. Don't be offended or outraged. Just hunker down and endure it if you want to be certified. Any protests on your part will be entered in your permanent record and duly noted.

You think I'm kidding? Just wait.

[shadowfax1997]

A science teacher should have no problems finding a job.

www.servingschools.com - most schools advertise positions here.