Sigh...need some job advice and help (any Upstate NY members please read)

[Godhumor]

I've taught the past 5 years in various international and urban settings (Japan, Honolulu, and DC), and I have become a very, very good teacher with a lot of curriculum development under my belt (designed 4 classes, including 3 social studies, in the past 3 years).

This summer, my wife and I moved back to Rochester, NY where I grew up. Suddenly I'm finding myself in a very odd position. I am getting turned down for every school I interview at. Naturally, I went through self doubt, second guessing, etc. but I finally found out why I am being turned down...and frankly it sucks.

NY requires a master's degree to teach, but you get a few years after you begin teaching to earn it (i.e. you can start teaching with a 4 year degree and teaching certification while working on your Master's.). I do no currently have my Master's, though I have half the coursework finished and during interviews I tell them that I'll finish it up in school this year.

I found out this past interview why I'm being turned down--there are so many social studies teachers looking for jobs that schools are taking "package" deals. Another candidate might not have my wealth of experience, but if they have a masters than the school no longer has to worry about them. I'm losing jobs due to actually taking the certification requirements at face value.

Now, I'm faced with the very real possibility that I will not get a teaching job this year. Most schools have told me to apply for sub positions, but I can not afford to lose the health care and the huge drop in salary hurts tremendously. Most schools have also told me to work on my Master's this year and reapply next--I need money to do that.

Long story short, I am seriously considering a career change, as I can't do what is needed to keep teaching in NY. I need some advice on how to go about starting this from people who have made a career change before. Also if anyone lives in the Syracuse to Buffalo corridor and can give me some help on websites or businesses that are former-teacher friendly, I would love it.

It sucks being in a position where you can't change anything.

[driver8]

1. My sister is a teacher and lives in the Adirondacks. She has a master's

degree but still had a hard time finding a job.

She now teaches in a medium security prison teaching inmates how to read, write, and do basic math. Her benefits are amazing and she makes more than most teachers as she is employed by the State of New York.

You might want to look into this...it could help you out with finances while you work on a Master's. Also, the health care coverage is very good.

Keep us posted on how you are doing...Good luck!

[Godhumor]

2. I'll check it out...

It might be a way to go; I am definitely thinking about civil work with NYS, though.

[Godhumor]

3. Bumping as I'd really like some advice

I hate self-bumping, but I'm not ready to give up on this yet.