Puzzled in Michigan

[hlgraban]

My mom told me about an interesting article in today's paper regarding new teachers. It said that our state's colleges are producing a surplus of teachers, and many of them are looking for jobs in states with teacher shortages(Arizona, Florida, and the Carolinas). However, one government official commented that the fact is, most of the teachers

Comments

[drunken_buzzard]

I saw the same article and reached the same conclusion. I'm being very patient, because schools in Michigan are still figuring budgets, offering buy-outs, etc, so they don't know who they are hiring. Just a heads up, Grand Valley is hosting a teacher job fair for western michigan end of April in case you're interested.

Although I know moving out of state is a strong possibility, I'm not in the position to just pick up and say goodbye without giving it a chance. I am fortunate to be teaching the most sought after degree, so I feel that if I can't find something close I can try for one of those "immediate" positions next fall in a state that is needing teachers.

[hlgraban]

Yup, I agree. I won't write off this state completely yet. You and I are the most in demand of all secondary teaching positions. The schools are just too panicked by the horrible economy and the drop in funds... it's hard to say what will happen. I know Ann Arbor is in a hiring freeze, but I also know there's a new high school coming... I'd love to find out the name of the new principal, so I can send my application... just in case...

But, at the same time, a change would be good. So, NC is pretty up there in the running. My brother's best friend just moved there, and says it's fantastic- except for the fact that he's alone. He's waiting for his gf to move down there too.

Anyhow, it's best just to keep an open mind I guess.

not to sound like a know it all

[bookgrl]

but patience is a virtue. If MI is anything like WA, then most districts won't even begin interviewing until the end of March, but more likely in May. Followed by the slog through all the applicants. I don't wish my experience on anyone, because the not knowing about drove me insane. But most districts hire in June, and then in August when they have a better idea of numbers. Honestly, you could likely write your ticket in any state, considering how in-demand Math and Science teachers are.

Re: not to sound like a know it all

[hlgraban]

Yeah, I know you're right, Miss Know-it-all ;) I'm just getting really frustrated, worried, discouraged, and depressed. It's a hard thing to do- this waiting. Especially when I could be moving, and I got a wedding to go to at the end of August. Bad timing! Even though I still feel bad about being let go from MOH duty, I still feel relieved. No way in hell I'd be able to do a good job with that and still focus on my future career!