Teacher moving to MA? (New Bedford, Fall River: job market, school district, income)

[tf2014]

Hi all. I am a teacher considering returning to the RI/SE Mass area after a 10 year absence. I was certified in Massachusetts until 2007 in ESL (never taught in MA, but did teach in RI), and in the ensuing years got certified Reading and Elementary Ed in other states and also picked up a second master's along the way.

Question is: what is the job market in SE Mass now? I know things are awful everywhere (trust me, I'm coming from Florida, where teaching is hell on Earth...you have NO IDEA how awful it is) as far as school climate, but I'm looking right now about job openings. Which districts have the most need?

Thanks in advance!

[Peabody99]

I teach in MA and can tell you that cities are always desperate for teachers.If you are looking mid-year it's even easier. The wealthy suburbs will want experience and probably a lesson before hiring you. I'm not sure what you teach but special education is always wanted. It's not as easy getting a job as an art teacher for example.

[xo_kizzy_xo]

Teachers are a dime a dozen in this area. Two of my SILs are teachers. One teaches in a parochial school and has been trying to get into the public school system for a few years now. There's a lot of budget cuts and hiring freezes for the non SPED/non STEM subject areas. My other SIL has been a permanent sub in a particular school system for years.

From what I understand it may be easier to be hired re parochial/private but the salaries are so low you'd have to have a side gig or two in order to afford rent. My SIL at the parochial school has a number of colleages who do just this.

A friend of ours moved up here from another state thinking job prospects were better here. Friend did a yearlong teaching assistant stint, then a yearlong search for a FT position to no avail. Granted, friend's specialty isn't SPED/STEM, and the scenario isn't unusual for somebody with a similar educational background. Friend is currently a private tutor.

[mwbms28]

As an add-on to the previous poster's remark, the private tutoring market is very hot here. So, it's pretty easy to get a side gig doing tutoring to supplement your income. You can get private clients (might be harder at first since you're coming from out-of-state), or you can work for one of the many tutoring companies here for decent wages. With your credentials, you would be hire-able. Then, once you've acquired a clientele, you can start branching out on your own more.

[steenka01]

I just relocated to the South Shore from CT last year. Schoolspring.com usually has most of the postings. Definitely check with DESE to figure out what you need to get your license restored. Many districts didn't look at me last spring until I had my MA certification in hand, even though I was already certified in two other states and was just waiting on my MTEL results. Good luck!

[YellowVW]

Fall River always seems to be hiring however it's not known for being a great school district.

[Beachcomber4]

I can't imagine you'd have a tough time finding a job on the Cape or Southeastern, MA. I know the demand for math teachers is very high but reading specialists and ESL aren't a dime a dozen degrees. I know of a young teacher who had multiple offers midyear for a reading specialist position.

[GrewUpsouthBoston]

Dartmouth has a great schools system and i personally know a few teachers in the area. They all have nothing bad to say about dartmouth system. New Bedford and Fall RIver a bit easier to get a job in the school system but they are cities and being an urban district the level just drops a bit. google dartmouth.org