Best Current States to Look for High School Teaching Jobs? (expensive, university)

[Patrick Murtha]

I am aware that this subject comes up periodically, but I am looking for the most current information.

I was laid off from a corporate education job in Northeast Wisconsin a couple of weeks ago (with a good severance package, fortunately). I want to take this opportunity to relocate to a sunnier, warmer state to teach high school again.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Yale, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in English from Boston University. My student teaching was completed in the B.U. program. I have taught English, history, and social sciences at both the high school and college levels, but not in a few years. I do not currently hold a state certification, but I have received an eligibility statement for a temporary Florida certificate in English (Grades 6-12). I am 50 years old and have excellent authority and classroom management skills. I get along very well with students, especially on the cusp of adulthood: the 16-20 age range is undoubtedly my pedagogic "sweet spot."

I have read that the recruiting climate in Florida is not what it was a couple of years ago; nonetheless, I do plan to attend the Great Florida Teach-In. In some ways Florida looks like the line of least resistance because I already have that eligibility statement.

But I am open to other sunbelt states where there is a genuine recruitment effort and where the path to licensure is reasonable. I like both California and Texas, and I am equally willing to look at Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, the Carolinas, Georgia, the Gulf Coast -- maybe even Hawaii, although the cost of living is probably prohibitive. My preference is for suburban or (well-performing) urban systems. Charter and private schools are fine if the pay is competitive. Through Teachers-Teachers.com (excellent service), I'm hearing from New Orleans and Oakland CA recruitment programs already.

So my question is: where are the best bets for Fall 2009? I feel very fortunate to have the luxury of starting this search in January with severance pay that takes me into the summer (and maximum unemployment benefits behind that). My relocation is an easy proposition: me, my cat, my car, my clothes, and my books. I'm a renter and lead an inexpensive lifestyle. I'm eager to do this right.

Thanks in advance for your insights!