Career Change

[RiverRunner]

I've seen a few other people on here use this forum for job prospecting, but I'm not sure Phil still approves of it, so if this is not proper, I don't mind if Phil deletes this post.

Here is what I'm after. I'm certified to teach Social Studies in grades 7-12 (History, Civics, Geography, etc.) I graduated from ASU in 2002, but I've never taught outside of student teaching. I've been in the business world for 4 years and I'm sick of the rat race and I think I need to make a career out of what I'm good at and what I enjoy doing when I'm not fishing. I currently live in Jonesboro, AR but I am willing to move anywhere in North Arkansas or in Southern MO over to about Springfield or south of US 60. So if any of you know of any job openings, please PM me so that I can go after them.

Thanks in advance!

[Brian Sloss]

I don't know of any openings, but that being said I do know that schools in my area seem to hire someone about every year. If you contact West Plains schools, Alton, Couch, Oregon-Howell, or Thayer. These schools are in south central Missouri. You would be moving into a much more rural area, but the fishing is great. Good luck.

[RiverRunner]

I'm very familiar with that part of the world, and it is rural, but that is really what I'm looking for. And if the area where I work has some good fishing, then that's a bonus!

[Terry Beeson]

Hey Brian... He's trying to get away from the mosquitos!!! I said I would do about ANYthing to get away from the billow of mosquitos rising up over the Jonesboro landscape... Alfred Hitchcock could have made a good movie over there... Instead of "Birds" it would be "Mosquitos!!"

Good luck in your search, RR... I'll keep my eyes peeled... And.. THERE AIN'T NO MOSQUITOS OVER HERE!!!

(Dang... I'm itchin' just thinkin' 'bout sittin' outside my Jonesboogie house between St Patty's Day and Thanksgiving... sheesh!)

[WebFreeman]

I think a lot of the districts around Springfield are growing. We live in Republic and the Kindergarten class my daughter is in is about 100 kids bigger than last years. They're wanting to building a new high school, too. I bet there would be a lot of opportunities in the area.

[SilverMallard]

Yes, the most teaching jobs are going to be where the most young family growth is. And that is the southern suburbs of Springfield in Greene and Christian Counties. From those communities, you can be on great fly water in from 10 (warm water) to 30 minutes (Taneycomo, Crane Creek). Within 2 hours you can be on Capps Creek or down in Mountian Home...or up at Bennett Springs or Roaring River...or on the Current or Beaver tailwater. (all trout fisheries) And there are smallie and white bass streams in that radius way too numerous to mention.

Those districts would also have the best opps for advancement as they are growing and tend to employ more young teachers. In the rural districts, you're waiting for some Baby Boomer to retire or die before a job opens up.

[brittsnbirds]

I am a SRO (School Resource Officer) in a public school. My High school is having a little bit of a turnover as a result of retirement. One gentleman is fed up with the "rat race" of the educational system. He is in my office frequently complaining about the Admin or the kids and/or parents. Personally I wouldn't be teacher for any amount of money. But their retirement is much better than the Police side.

It truly takes a special person to get into that environment. I know my school is changing due to the mass exodus from KCMO.

Good Luck!!

[taxidermist]

My wife is a teacher, she found that many small schools are kind of closed to outsiders. But there are jobs. The best way is to just apply in the area where you want to live. Hit every school. Remember you must start somewhere.

Keep your options open, you may need a last minute choice.

As mentioned look for the places that are growing, also be ready to get a temporary license for other subjects. Then you can test within the 12 month period for that subject.

[RiverRunner]

Thanks for the advice from all of you. I am going to take a serious look at the Springfield area. I've always thought it was a nice area. The thought of getting away from the mosquitoes is a good one to say the least. Plus, the economy around here is not the greatest, and due to the college being here, there is a glut of teachers looking for jobs.

[SilverMallard]

Well, there are THREE universities here in Springfield, and I believe they ALL have teacher factories. So you won't be getting away from THAT aspect by moving here! But the area is growing FAST. We also were named the 3rd best city in America for families with young kids to live and work in by Business Journals magazines in 2006. They looked at the economic factors, career growth/entry factors, new job growth, quality of schools, parks, culture and recreation infrastructure, crime rates, housing, and cost of living vs. avg salaries. Christian and southern Greene Counties is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. And MO has been #1 or #2 in the nation for job creation for the past 3 years. Frankly, the schools are having trouble planning for this growth and keeping up with demand. There are also several private schools in this community and a big parochial school. There's also a big Sylvan Learning Center...I think. I've never heard of an out of work teacher in this area.