Teacher from NY considering relocating (Fairfax: apartments, to rent, job market)

[lb13]

Hello

I am certified to teach in NY but have had no luck in the job hunt. I'm looking into other areas to relocate to and was wondering if virginia might be a good place to consider.

What areas would be more open to hiring someone from out of state? I do not have a VA teaching licence but if I were hired I would have no issues obtaining one.

Also, what would average rent be for a decent one bedroom apartment in a safe area? I know it's hard to give an idea from a an entire state but in general what would be considered "normal" ?

[dating_houses]

I actually thought that the teaching market in NY - on LI at least, was pretty decent?

If you're considering moving to VA, you should probably determine which part first. Northern Virginia (Fairfax County/Loudoun County) is very different than other parts. Northern VA would be the most similar to NY. That being said - cost of living is similar and actually more expensive than upstate or LI. For a typically 1B/1B in an area where you would want to be - it would be at least $1400. You could probably find something a bit cheaper (maybe $1200) if you go West a bit.

I can't speak to the VA teaching job market. I have several family members who are teachers and I know they are gainfully employed, but I also know there are major budget issues. In general, the job market is better in VA than it is in NY, based on what I hear from my family who all lives on LI, anyway.

[Spazkat9696]

You may have trouble getting hired without a license. What area are you looking to get into?

[lb13]

The problem with New York is, there are jobs but there are also 800 other applicants just like you for one position. So it's been really hard for me to find something full time.

I'm not really sure what area to be honest. I would definitely want to be closer to a populated area with easy access to stores etc. I wouldn't want to have to drive 45 minutes just to pick something up. I'm in my mid 20s so maybe even areas that people in my age group would be.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Spazkat9696

You may have trouble getting hired without a license. What area are you looking to get into?

The OP doesn't have a VA license, but I'm assuming does have one from NY. That won't be an issue.

lb13, what is your certification?

[lb13]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

The OP doesn't have a VA license, but I'm assuming does have one from NY. That won't be an issue.

lb13, what is your certification?

I'm NY certified from birth to 6th grade

[Spazkat9696]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

The OP doesn't have a VA license, but I'm assuming does have one from NY. That won't be an issue.

lb13, what is your certification?

Around here we have subs and TAs with masters and full licenses who are waiting for an opening. My advice is to just apply online where there is an opening and hope you get a call. I think the OP will find there are more people than positions in most places. I hear Las Vegas is in desperate need of teachers if you're willing to move that far.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Spazkat9696

Around here we have subs and TAs with masters and full licenses who are waiting for an opening. My advice is to just apply online where there is an opening and hope you get a call. I think the OP will find there are more people than positions in most places. I hear Las Vegas is in desperate need of teachers if you're willing to move that far.

The last I looked we had about thirty openings in grades 1-3 and over fifty in grades 4-6. I only saw 5 kindergarten positions, but there are more than twenty ESOL positions advertised.

[Spazkat9696]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

The last I looked we had about thirty openings in grades 1-3 and over fifty in grades 4-6. I only saw 5 kindergarten positions, but there are more than twenty ESOL positions advertised.

My district lists 1 high school math position and 1 welding teacher as open everything else is for the applicant pool. A neighboring district has a few more openings (3 that fit the OP's qualifications but 2 are half day positions) but again most are just for the applicant pool.

[jt65]

My wife was in a similar position as you are about two years ago. She was certified 6-12 in Social Studies in NY with her masters and when she started her job hunt down here she had a few interviews, but no takeers. She stayed in NY another year and ended up getting a second masters in special ed and once she started applying agian she ended up with 3 job offeres in Fairfax. I know right now she was telling me that her building has 5 positions open for special ed teachers for teh 15-16 school year as well.

If you get offered a position you will have 3 years to get your VA license. If you already have a NY license I think you just have to take 2 tests and a year of having a mentor.

Some since there are so many people applying for jobs down here I will give you the same advice that I gave her and that is to look at the open positions and call the schools and find out the principle and send your resume directly to them.

As far as living goes Centerville is a bit farther out west, but a nice area with easy access to anything you would need also it might sound weird, but it is very common for people to rent basement apartments until they get familiar with the area. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me.