Educators: Jobs (Huntsville, Madison: credit, teaching jobs, school districts)

[mommydebs]

Hello all! We are a Florida family that is looking to relocate to the Huntsville area. I am having a heck of a time locating information about Alabama Reciprocity with other states and availability of teaching jobs in Huntsville area. My husband has taught elementary school in Florida for 10 years. He recently became certified to teach all subjects; Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies for Middle School. I graduated with a teaching degree from an accredited school in December, have taken and passed all the required tests (for Florida), and have applied for a Florida teaching degree. I am also Middle Grades and I am also 'eligible" for Florida certification.
It looks like this area has not been as traumatized as my area in Florida with budget cuts and there are some jobs available here. I would love to hear the REAL story from anyone who teaches in the area and any advise as to whether we would be able to find jobs. Also, If someone know where to look for the Huntsville City Salary Schedule that would be great!
P.S.- We have both filled out the Teach Alabama forms and we are working on the separate, (ugh....!), forms for Huntsville City School Districts.
Thank you SO SO much!
Shannon

[Southeastern]

There are 3 school systems in the Huntsville area.

1. Huntsville City Schools
http://www.hsv.k12.al.us

There is a link for employment on their site with Job Vacancies listed.


2. Madison City Schools
http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us

Also a link for employment on their site with Job Vacancies listed.


3. Madison County Schools
https://www.madison.k12.al.us

Also a link for employment on their site with Job Vacancies listed. From the employment pages, there is a link for salaries.
http://www.madison.k12.al.us/personnel/SalarySchedule/Index.htm

[HSVbulldawg]

Here is some information from the Alabama Department of Education:

ALSDE - Document Download (http://www.alsde.edu/html/sections/doc_download.asp?section=66&id=5373&sort=15 - broken link)

According to the information at this link - "Certificate and experience recognition may be available to individuals who hold valid professional certification in other states. The experience requirement is based on that of the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement in effect on the date the application is received in the Teacher Education and Certification Office."

There is a link to download the "Alabama Teacher Certification - General Information". There are other links on the side to more specific information.

[skinem]

Reciprocity has been kind of a mess over the last few years with AL constantly changing their rules...of course they will need to evaluate your credentials and your education.

Huntsville area schools have been some of the tougher to get hired in because they are some of the higher paying districts in the state; therefore there is a lot of competition. As an example, I used to teach for the Madison County school system. When I was hired, I was one of roughly 100 new teachers hired into the district that year. We were told there were over 10,000 applicants that year for positions. Don't know how accurate that was, but that's what the Super's office told us at new teacher orientation. Don't let that discourage you--I was an out of state guy with a few years experience elsewhere and I got in.

As of today, the districts are still uncertain as to personnel needs for next year due to state budget uncertainties. Once they know for a fact what their money situation is, they'll know what they can do. The districts, particularly Madison County, and Madison City (which used to be part of Madison County Schools) are growing and are expected to continue to do so. Some neighboring districts are laying off so that is expected to increase competition for open slots.

I'll see if I can't find a payscale for HBOE for you...

[mommydebs]

Thank you all very much for the information! Skinem-Great, that is just what I wanted to hear, some one has managed to come from out of state and was employed! YEAH! I think my husband has some great things going for him. He has ten year's teaching experience at the elementary level and recently certifed to teach math and science in the middle school setting. I know being a male can sometimes help but who know's! I can always substitute untill I have my certifications worked out. We will be coming up after pre-planning is over down here (you all get out about two weeks before we do) and checking out the area. It seems that Huntsville City School system is the only one that requires extra applications other than the Teach Alabama forms. OH.... There is just so much paper work! It is worth it though, the Florida school system is simply imploding in on its self and I really don't see much end in sight! I appriciate all the advise, work, and time sending along these links! Thanks again.... please feel free to add any suggestions or comments about this, I need all the help I can get! Shannon

[Southlander]

Substituting is a good way to go. That way, you get to know some of the principals, and they are more likely to hire someone they know. At least, that's what I'm told.

[skinem]

Originally Posted by Southlander

Substituting is a good way to go. That way, you get to know some of the principals, and they are more likely to hire someone they know. At least, that's what I'm told.

Yes, that's right--good point--I forgot to say that.
Try to get some face time with the principals.

The simple fact that your husband is certified in math and science will be huge. There's always a need for those folks.

Oh, also, if your husband has any coaching experience or skill, even better. Principals looooove guys that'll do both.

[mommydebs]

I found out today that despite what the school board websites AND the Alabama Department of Education websites say, my husband cannot accept a job until his Florida certificate is an Alabama certificate which will take more than 8 to 10 weeks and requires he take a, I AM NOT KIDDING, basic skills test for Alabama. He has taught for over 10 years! He is certified to teach both math and science. Both web-sites say he only needs to be ELIGIBLE for a certificate. Per the guidelines on both websites he is. BUT! We have completely different info. from the certification lady at the Department of Ed. today. WOW! I really don't know what to say about all this new info... I guess we just have to rethink our relocation! Bummer.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by mommydebs

I found out today that despite what the school board websites AND the Alabama Department of Education websites say, my husband cannot accept a job until his Florida certificate is an Alabama certificate which will take more than 8 to 10 weeks and requires he take a, I AM NOT KIDDING, basic skills test for Alabama. He has taught for over 10 years! He is certified to teach both math and science. Both web-sites say he only needs to be ELIGIBLE for a certificate. Per the guidelines on both websites he is. BUT! We have completely different info. from the certification lady at the Department of Ed. today. WOW! I really don't know what to say about all this new info... I guess we just have to rethink our relocation! Bummer.

What is your moving schedule?

[mommydebs]

We were hoping to be moved in to the area by July 1st so we had some time to get to know the area before school started.