Should I teach in California? (rent, look for a job, school districts)

[FunnyChum]

So I'm pretty sick of the stress in NYC and am considering moving to California. Problem is, I don't know what to expect and am hoping you guys can fill me in.

I'm an elementary bilingual education teacher and want to get a feel for what's available for a person with my credentials? Is there a need for bilingual teachers? Are the school districts hiring considering the economic crisis? How's the stress level? Which areas of California would have a need for me? How's the pay?

My main intention on moving out of NYC is to get AWAY from the stress, do you think I'd be making the wrong move by teaching in Californa?

Please help!

[moved]

Teachers in CA are being laid off. The districts aren't hiring new teachers, and some are closing and consolidating schools. That means that the staff at those schools have to be placed in jobs. There's a remote possibility that you could sub, but from what I've been told, it's getting harder to get sub work. If you speak Spanish, you might get repeat work at the inner city schools.

[hconstan]

i moved to CA a year ago from Indiana, and i JUST got my certification. Getting certified here is not an easy process. I would investigate that aspect fully before making the big jump. There are other states that are hiring more teachers and not laying off as many as is happening here, and where you would not find it so difficult to get your license again. If you are serious about it, i would submit my license app to the CTC in California NOW - it will take them 3 months to get back to you - and then move once i had my license. But even then, investigate your job prospects and see what is out there, have a backup plan, rent is high and you're going to want to be able to pay it somehow while you look for a job. Good luck!

[eastcoastbias]

Originally Posted by FunnyChum

So I'm pretty sick of the stress in NYC and am considering moving to California. Problem is, I don't know what to expect and am hoping you guys can fill me in.

I'm an elementary bilingual education teacher and want to get a feel for what's available for a person with my credentials? Is there a need for bilingual teachers? Are the school districts hiring considering the economic crisis? How's the stress level? Which areas of California would have a need for me? How's the pay?

My main intention on moving out of NYC is to get AWAY from the stress, do you think I'd be making the wrong move by teaching in Californa?

Please help!

Stress- big-time here in teaching, alot of teachers are pinkslipped and then rehired based on demand- and guess what- more people are leaving california- especially those with younger families.

Bilingual- A Plus here.

Hiring- No- they are actually cutting back substantially on staff. Best chance is to get cred. then start to substitute and find a Principal that likes you. You won't walk into anything here.

Pay- based on COL its bad. I've heard NY teachers do well.

Job satisfaction- relies very heavily on what district you are in- because of California testing standards. If you are in a district that is underperforming- every move you make is analyzed- you become a data collector/babysitter. If your in one of the better districts different story.

[Nyse]

The grass is always greener on the other side isn't it? Everybody always says no, its much worse here than there.