Looking to Move to Maine, Portland Area (from Ohio)...advice please!

[mrspink]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

Maine reminds me a lot of Minnesota and Wisconsin. In fact, I would venture to say that if you fell asleep in one and awoke in another, it would take you awhile to figure it out.

Interesting description but I see your point!

[mainegrl2011]

Most people who find a teaching job in Maine, keep it until it is time to retire. This is partly because for the most part, Maine isn't a transient area where lots of people are moving in and moving out frequently. There are probably going to be more early childhood and middle school opportunities than secondary based on the total number of schools/teachers.

There are teaching jobs that come open as well as Ed Tech jobs (Level I, II, or III). The pay for those is less than $20 per hour, but it might get your foot in the door. Also check out the details of the Maine teacher retirement plan as well as the fact that Maine teachers do not have social security withheld. The Maine teacher certification office is a good place to begin.

It won't hurt to fill out some job applications and see what happens. Some Maine school systems may prefer to save money by hiring less experienced teachers who fall at the low end of the pay scale. There are graduates from Maine colleges and universities every year who meet this criteria.

Moving to a place you have never visited could be the best thing you ever did or it could be a total disaster. Most of the time, I agree with Acadialion's advice for those thinking of moving to Maine. Good luck with whatever course you pursue. Look for pet friendly rentals on craig's list. woof woof meow meow

[Lobstahiswickedgood]

One point missing that needs to be stressed to the original poster is the fact that Maine's school enrollment has been steadily dropping. As it stands now the student teacher ratio is about 11 students for every 1 teacher. On the surface this sounds like a dream come true. However what this proves is that Maine has the lowest population in the nation of people under the age of 18. This on the heels of no child to replace the previous graduate does not bode well for upcoming educators, who will be fighting for fewer teaching positions. I completely agree with Acadianlion when he says people need to be very aware of the difficult life style Maine has to offer. Those who move here based on a whim are going to be let down, and hopefully they can come out financially unscathed. This is to hard of a state to find decent paying careers (not just a "job" anyone can work at McDonalds, rather sustainable careers).There is a reason why Maine's chief industry is Government, they have taxed business and industry right out of the state. Pile on top of the lack of work, the tax burden (state, property, excise, and the new upcoming meal, lodging and recreation tax), energy costs, damaged infrastructure, harsh climate, and cost of living. Maine is to difficult of a place to just move to.

[maineguy8888]

this is an old thread............wonder what ever happened with them???

[island mermaid]

Originally Posted by maineguy8888

this is an old thread............wonder what ever happened with them???

Yup, another thread resurrected from the dead, one year later. Go figure.