Teaching Jobs (Baton Rouge, Baker, Zachary: job market, school district, living)

[josie25]

Hi all,

I'm currently a high school English teacher in NJ, but I am moving down to Baton Rouge when my school year is over (marrying a man from BR). I've applied for my teacher certification in LA, but have no idea what the job situation is like. Is there a high demand for high school teachers or is it a pretty restrictive job market (in NJ, it's tough to get into a decent district). Also, I've heard mixed things about the BR schools - any advice on where to apply and where to avoid? I also want to look in the surrounding parishes - I'd very much appreciate any suggestions as to which ones might be a reasonable commute (approx. 30 minutes). I know traffic in and around BR can be bad. Is that also true for commuting out of, rather than into, the city each morning? My fiance has given me some suggestions, but he's not as familiar with the teaching situation since he works in the private sector.

Any advice, suggestions or guidance are very much appreciated.

Josie

[BRMan]

Originally Posted by josie25

Hi all,

I'm currently a high school English teacher in NJ, but I am moving down to Baton Rouge when my school year is over (marrying a man from BR). I've applied for my teacher certification in LA, but have no idea what the job situation is like. Is there a high demand for high school teachers or is it a pretty restrictive job market (in NJ, it's tough to get into a decent district). Also, I've heard mixed things about the BR schools - any advice on where to apply and where to avoid? I also want to look in the surrounding parishes - I'd very much appreciate any suggestions as to which ones might be a reasonable commute (approx. 30 minutes). I know traffic in and around BR can be bad. Is that also true for commuting out of, rather than into, the city each morning? My fiance has given me some suggestions, but he's not as familiar with the teaching situation since he works in the private sector.

Any advice, suggestions or guidance are very much appreciated.

Josie

A lot depends on where the fiance will work, but I would avoid the EBR School System. It has been emaciated from years of busing, a revolving door of superintendents, and it is now fighting with the state over possible takeover of some of its schools. Baker schools (a breakway school district in East Baton Rouge Parish) has also had problems. I'd give (in East Baton Rouge Parish) Zachary and Central schools a try, and I'd also look into Ascension and Livingston.