Question for teachers- Moving from Michigan to Florida or Chicago suburb (Orlando: rent, insurance)

[chris0681]

I'm considering moving from Michigan to Orlando or some other part of Florida, or to a Chicago suburb next year sometime in, 2011.... at this point im not sure what to do, im almost 29 years old with a business administration degree and a few years at a company, and my girlfriend, 24, needs to find a music teaching job before we move, but will have 2 years of experience teaching music. My questions are this: Which area has a better long term outlook for jobs and economy? And which area do you think a person looking for a music teaching job could get hired easier?
I realize that I would be able to come home easier to Michigan from Illinois, its only a short drive and from Florida its a plane ride home. My mother has arthritus bad and Id like to come home a couple times a year, a couple weeks a year. I'm really stuck on the situation and asking people from Orlando area and Chicago area for their opinions. My girlfriend and I would like to live in a larger area, but not too large. And we will be buying a house also in the next couple of years so where we move we would like to stay for 10 years or more. We realize Florida has hot summers, and Chicago area has cold winters, but it isnt a big problem, we are from northern lower Michigan where the winters are colder anyway.

[qdogfball]

In Orlando area, Don't think there will be many teaching jobs this next year available and the musical ones might be nil since they may get cut out of schools.

[MovedfromFL]

Originally Posted by qdogfball

In Orlando area, Don't think there will be many teaching jobs this next year available and the musical ones might be nil since they may get cut out of schools.

Yep. I just checked the website of the elementary school where I used to teach (1st grade) and music is no longer listed as one of the "specials". (like art, PE, etc) I guess it is gone.

Odds of getting a music position in FL are slim to none, esp without any local connections.

From the state of the Illinois budget gap, things don't seem very good up there either. Maybe try private schools or charters?

[chris0681]

Ive seen some music teaching jobs online for florida at schoolspring.com, and other florida teaching websites... i also read a couple of years ago they made it into law that the class sizes had to be smaller in Florida, so that could possibly attract new teachers. But as far as economically, what area of Florida is doing best? I assume that is the best possibility to find a job in the state of Florida for a teacher, and for a business person like myself.

[MovedfromFL]

The class size amendment will amost certainly be put on hold by the legislature. There simply is no money to hire new teachers. The district where I used to work has not had a raise since I left 4 years ago.

Keep in mind that if a layoff has to occur, the first year teachers will be the first cut. (anyone new to that district) Then you can also be cut for any reason within the first 3 years. The stimulus money runs out summer 2011, so it will be very tough indeed after the 2010-2011 school year to keep a job if you are in years 1-3.

[Starrman69]

Do an on-line search for teaching jobs and apply, get a commitment for her job. Depending on where your company job is located and where she lands a instrutor's job will determine what area you would want to look at in Greater Orlando. I'd recommend that you rent for a few months, be it in Orlando or Chicago so you can see where the better place to live would be. Traffic in Orlando and Chicago is heavy, so the commute may play a factor in where you end up.

[boy3365]

Although the economy is terrible, there still may be some open positions. I mean, people get married and move, some women have babies and decide to stay home, people go to grad school, people move home to be closer to an ill family member, etc. There was a story in the Orlando Sentinel (our major newspaper) this past summer about how Orange County Public Schools was hiring teachers new to the county over the teachers who were laid off for budgetary reasons in May. So, although this market is tough for a lot of people, I do not believe things are impossible.

[chris0681]

I realize the economy is terrible and I just got alot of replies saying that llinois teaching positions are hard to come by as well.. as far as in Florida, any of you Florida natiaves know which areas are best right now economically?

[MovedfromFL]

All counties are in terrible shape, and will be a lot worse when the stimulus money runs out. Some counties are trying to pass a temporary tax increase to fund the schools. (I think Seminole was one of those - that would be the Lake Mary area.) Of course, for the best areas, you will have hundreds of applicants for each job.

I would get a plan B if I were you. Can she get certification in an area other than music? (add something else on) How about starting as a sub in the regular classroom? (but get in line behind all the other jobless people who want to be subs all of the sudden)

Seriously, I think her chances are almost nill but might be a little better if you she can broaden her search area to something other than music (which of course means she has zero experience in that subject and will be at the bottom of the barrel) I know this is harsh, but my friends back in FL tell me things are bleak. My friend in Gainesville told me there were 300 teachers in her district who wanted jobs but didn't get a position last fall. (and these are teachers who can teach any grade like K-8, not just music). She was able to get hired in part through personal connections.

Oh and finally, if you do find a position, prepare for a major change from the conditions that you enjoyed up north. Mainly no union rights, and more expensive insurance. (you already know the pay is a lot less) I don't mean to be harsh, but you need to realize that chances are very, very slim for her to find a job at all.

[gcctrumpeter]

Check educationamerica.net and teachers-teachers.com - I've seen some Florida positions pop up on those job boards. There is currently one for string teachers in Polk County (Lakeland area).