Teaching, law enforcement, and a few other questions... (Cheyenne, Casper: teaching jobs, schools)

[DaynaKH]

Hi!

My husband and I have been talking about moving to Colorado (a place I have been many, many times) and have come up with a plan. I'm starting the job search early spring and we should have 6 months worth of salary saved by May. Others have suggested we look at Wyoming too (many family members have commented that I would love it and it was also suggested by a forum member).

One problem: I've never visited! :-X The husband has, claims it's beautiful (I believe him! I've seen pictures).

Anyway, for me to consider it I need a couple of questions answered? Please?

NOTE: WE WILL VISIT THIS COMING SUMMER (along with Colorado! ;-)

1. What Is the weather like? Are there micro-climates like those in Colorado? Is it cooler since it's north? Where are the "warmer" zones?

2. I am a teacher (ELA, Spec Ed, Journalism, working on MA in ELA with reading specialist). What opportunities will I have? Do I need to apply NOW for my Wyoming liscence? When do schools usually start to hire (Texas waits until July! Colorado starts in March!)

3. My husband is currently a correctional officer (who is switching to probation officer) and will be looking in the same field. He really wants to be in game warden, but understands waiting it out is necessary. And he is willing to reapply every year for awhile.

4. What is the culture like? Is Wyoming dog friendly (we have 3! Agility dogs, CGC and therapy certs, etc...) Hiking trails? Artsy places?

5. Anything else you think I should know?

[sunsprit]

May I suggest that you use the search feature on the Wyoming forum and read all about the concerns you have? All of these questions have been asked & answered extensively over the past few years and up through current conditions by many others ...

[DaynaKH]

I have been searching. Not through the search feature, I'm fairly new to the forums and didn't realize that existed... Lol!

I do like what I'm reading. Perhaps I like to engage in a conversation about it? That way I can ask direct questions and get direct answers?

I believe I'm going to search in Wyoming as well as Colorado for a teaching job. But that comes with it's own set of questions.

So do law enforcement jobs...

It's just easier to ask all in one place! Lol!

[Crazymomof3]

I would suggest narrowing your search down. Wyoming is a pretty big state. Look at the cities/towns....there's not a lot of "big" cities...Laramie, Cheyenne, Casper. It all depends on what's important: job availability, proximity to outdoor activities, climate, population. There's a lot of factors that go in to deciding on a place to move.

[wyolady]

Originally Posted by DaynaKH

I have been searching. Not through the search feature, I'm fairly new to the forums and didn't realize that existed... Lol!

I do like what I'm reading. Perhaps I like to engage in a conversation about it? That way I can ask direct questions and get direct answers?

I believe I'm going to search in Wyoming as well as Colorado for a teaching job. But that comes with it's own set of questions.

So do law enforcement jobs...

It's just easier to ask all in one place! Lol!

I can't help you with the law enforcement jobs, but I can with teaching. Yes, you should apply for your WY teaching license now as you may have to meet some deficiencies to get it, even if you are licensed in another state. But don't let that deter you; simply address each item the Standards Board asks you to and you will get your license.

If you are even considering CO, you should apply for your certificate now. I teach in WY, but have teaching licenses in WY and CO. I simply renewed an unexpired CO certificate 2 years ago and it took 10 months....I added an endorsement last year and it took 11 months. CO has very few teaching jobs as they layed off many last year and people from other states are flocking to CO; thus the long wait to get your certificate.

WY has had more openings, although I've heard we have tons and tons of applicants for each position. Cheyenne and Casper have the most applicants; a friend who works in Cheyenne admin told me last spring, they had over 2,000 applicants for each elem ed job.

However, having said that, if you are endorsed in SPED, you will have a lot better chance in WY. Every single district had SPED openings last year and some were very difficult to fill.

Go to the Univ of Wyoming teacher job fair in the spring...many anticipated openings are interviewed for there, with some actually offering positions at the fair. Here's the link to the 2012 fair:

Career Events | Center for Advising and Career Services | University of Wyoming

Here's the link to teaching vacancies in WY:
Wyoming Job Vacancies (http://www.wsba-wy.org/teach.html - broken link)

You will see openings start to popup around March and most openings hired for by late June, but there are vacancies listed right through the start of school in August.

IM me if you have specific questions...

The only help I can offer for hubby is that Douglas has a police academy that is periodically hiring instructors, there is a prison in Rawlins, Torrington, Newcastle, Lusk (women's) and various other sites in WY. Google the Dept of Corr for that.

[DaynaKH]

I am certified for ELA 8-12 and SPED in Texas. I'll work on transitioning those to Wyoming and Colorado.

I am so happy I did the SPED route. I actually enjoy working with those kids... And it opens up awesome opportunities!

[Froggie Legs]

I had to take the Wyoming constitution test via proxy when I applied for my Wyoming teaching license. It didn't cost anything to take it, but I had to find a willing professor to proxy the exam for me. Plus you will need to study for it.

Good luck..have been trying for 4 years to get a teaching job in WY now..