Teaching in APS when from Out-of-State (Santa Fe: license, office, educational)

[Riverdog]

Does anyone know what the deal is with the three tiered licensing system? I am licensed in NY, I have been teaching for 3 years and have my MsEd. Do I really have to start at tier 1 in APS and teach for 3 years before I can apply for tier 2 (or even better, tier 3)? I feel pretty highly qualified and I am sure from my Master's course work I can easily pull together a Professional Dossier or whatever and get to the next level. Help! I really can't see teaching 3 more years at the initial license level when I've done that part already.


Also, are there any union dues? The United Federation of Teachers hits my paychek up pretty good out here. How is it there?

[penelopelp]

Regarding the tiered system, your best bet would be to call the licensure office in Santa Fe at (505) 827-5821.

I don't know whether or not APS has a union. You could try calling the APS office.

[Riverdog]

Thanks, penelopelp. I was going to call the number on Monday, but I am impatient, and I was also wondering if anyone had any personal experience with it all. From my experience with the NY educational system, the bureaucrats tell you one thing, but the veteran teachers know how to work around it. They tell you "nobody ever does that, here, do this," and it works. From the website, it appears that I have to put in another 3 years at the lower pay level, but I'm hoping someone can tell me the tricks of the trade.

[penelopelp]

I have 5 years experience & two Bachelor's. The licensure office told me that I would "probably" start at tier 2. I have some contacts at APS. If I find out anything worth noting, I'll let you know.

[Riverdog]

You rock! That is heartening. Thanks again.