I live in California, working as a teacher's aide and tutor for the past 2 years. I have taken and passed 3 content tests for Texas (Sped EC-12, Generalist 4-8 and Generalist EC-6). I have been applying to so many districts out in the Houston and Dallas area but I haven't had many responses. I know that being an out of state candidate AND an Alternative Certification Candidate puts me at a disadvantage. Does anyone have any tips for trying to get interviews when you live out of state? I have already flown to Houston and Dallas twice for a job fair and to take tests. I really want to relocate but I can't afford to go back and forth!
There's a huge job fair coming up in a few weeks for the Houston area. This is a list of school districts that will be there (and it also shows what they are really looking for) - http://www.esc4.net/users/Documents/AttendingDistricts_2014.pdf If you can't make this job fair, you at least can get an idea of where to apply (as you can see some districts seem to be in more of a need than others) I will tell you, I am in the Houston area, and I applied to like 7 or 8 districts and never had much luck. I applied at a local charter school, got an interview a few weeks later and was hired the next day. I also used an ACP, so I feel your pain.
Does it have to be in Dallas or Houston area? Those areas have too many teachers trying to teach there. If you are willing to live in other areas you might have more luck. I live in West Texas. We are kind of an isolated town so it takes some getting used too. But in Midland/Odessa they are hundreds of teachers short. They are even offering signing bonus of thousands of dollars to teach there. There is a draw back, not much housing for anyone due to the oil booms.
Thank you both for your responses. I am really looking for a special ed job since I thought there would be more of a need in this area. I have started to apply to districts that are in the outskirts of Houston and Dallas (again hoping that there would be more of a need). I will definitely check out Midland/Odessa!
First, get your ESL certification. It is becoming more and more the norm to have it. Especially with it being Texas and many schools having such a high population of Hispanic students. Have you tried Houston ISD? Aldine always has hundreds of openings. Spring ISD usually has a lot too. Good luck.
I'll second what Luv2Teach has said. Aldine, Spring and HISD are always looking for teachers, and especially need special ed. Definitely get your ESL certification!!
