Teaching in Illinois (Naperville: job market, transfer, middle school)

[Brandywilson]

I am a California clear credentialed teacher with 3 years of experience teaching elementary school.

I have a BA in Journalism, K-9 teaching credential, and a Master's degree in Educational Learning Technologies from Pepperdine University. I've been involved in a variety of training opportunities, incorporate technology and have written over $7,000 worth of grants related to technology integration.

My husband and I will be moving to the Naperville area in March. We're currently living in Germany as he completes some work here.

I have submitted all necessary paperwork into the ISBE and am struggling to get California to send my test scores that I'm certain transfer. California hasn't been easy to work with when it comes to sending the necessary documents (they must come from them, not copied from me).

Once everything is all said and done, are there any recommendations from fellow teachers on what I should do next? How is the job market?

Any California teachers who have experienced the same changes? Advice?

I can read all of the websites about requirements. I already have. I've bookmarked it all. I've fulfilled the majority and I'm waiting for others to be sent by CA. What I'm looking for is real-life experience information from the community on how to make this change smoothly.

Thanks so much, fellow teachers!

[UICJohn]

Hello there:

Just wondering but with your K-9, do you have any specific middle school endorsements? Those will come in handy.

In terms of the job market, it is like a lot of others - it can be pretty tough, especially in the nicer areas like Naperville. What I would suggest is find a few districts and apply for substitute teaching while searching for work. I have known many teachers who were given priority over others that haven't worked in the district before. The time that you are moving here (March) is perfect really. That is when jobs for the following year are either being decided or being posted already.

Search the Regional Office of Education (ROE) websites for each specific county. Search DuPage, Cook, and Lake or Will depending on how far you are willing to travel.