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Or... you can do what I did. I just graduated Summa *** Laude from Rowan University. I have 2 degrees, 1 in El. Ed. and 1 in English. I didn't fool around. I have heard how horrible finding a teaching job is here, so my hubby and I made the decision to move to FL. I was offered a job after 1 interview. If you aren't tied to the state, consider relocating.
Teachers obviously make less in the South, but the cost of living differential may well make it worth it. In 2000-2001 I was making $25k in Alabama, and then moved up to NJ where I made $36K the following school year. Because of the cost of living difference, I was actually doing better in AL. My share of the rent in AL in a huge 3 BR in a gated community with pool, etc. was $300/month. My single teacher friends up here all struggle with their min. $800 rents.
Last edited by hencoskij; 06-26-2007 at 07:06 AM..
Reason: Spelling
I have been at it for 3 and half years now. I have subbed, worked in a Catholic School and am now working on my MA in Special Education. But the market is still flooded with so many others. I just am not sure what to do anymore. Anybody have any other ideas for careers I can make a switch to do?
Do you currently have a teaching certificate in Special Education? I am in the process of starting a Special Education School in Morris County and am looking for teachers, assistant teachers, aides, and a school nurse. We are looking to open in September.
Thanks,
Gordon
It is so hard. The same thing happened when I was graduated college. Aside from the time period where it was impossible to get a job, they had just changed the teaching certification for our graduating class.
Instead of graduating with your permanent certification, that was the year they implemented the Certificate with Advance Standing, which when it started so many principals had no idea what it was. (All new early childhood/elementary teachers needed to teach one full school year, be supervised and mentored by an experienced teacher, evaluated on a regular basis, and then when the year is out, possibly earn the regular license).
It was terrible that school officials didn't know that it was state mandated and it was what all college graduates with their teaching degree would now have. Eventually they caught on, but being the first graduating class with these implemented changes really sucked. It didn't matter that I graduated with high honors, or any of that other good stuff.
I was fortunate early on, got my permanent certification, and now am a SAHM. But I learned for the most part, it really is who you know in teaching! And of course it is not right.
I graduated from a great private college with an excellent education program. Every year since I graduated, I applied to every school in Monmouth, Union, Somerset, and Middlesex counties (I lived in Monmouth Co). Over 100+ resumes sent every year. Went to job fairs, subbed in several districts, and even had a long term sub position for 6 months. The end result after 3 years - no job, no offers, no leads. It is all who you know, but I "knew" people but it wasn't the right person. So I relocated to NC and got a 1st grade position in the first month I moved down here. I was so stressed and fed up with NJ market that I had to get out or I would never teach.
Yes, I know that pay is much lower (I'll be making around 31K) but the cost of living is cheap down here as well. Good luck to all the teachers still looking for jobs in NJ.
My friend tried for years to get a Teachers Job in NJ. All that she received was Substitute jobs. Mostly, you have to know someone.
If you consider relocation, there are jobs in Florida, Metro Nashville schools are hiring, and its cheaper to live here, taxes, housing, and no state income tax. Vegas is also hiring.
Diane in Music City
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Teaching in a Special Education School
