piggyazlea t1_j8yujye wrote on February 17, 2023 at 10:51 PM

My suggestion would be to get a job first. There are many teacher candidates and not enough jobs, unless you’re certified in a high demand area like math, science, EL, or sped. You also need your masters in addition to a MA teaching license WITH an SEI endorsement. You will not be offered a job without them.

SharpCookie232 t1_j8ywrpz wrote on February 17, 2023 at 11:07 PM

I think OP might be in for a bit of an unpleasant surprise in regards to the lack of a teacher shortage here in MA. Also, with the ESSER funds running out, a lot of districts are cutting staff. But, as you've said, if he'she is in STEM, special education, or TESOL, he'she should be ok. That SEI course is intense.

OP, you should check MA DESE's website and start looking into whether your credentials will be accepted here before you start moving.

piggyazlea t1_j8yxqcy wrote on February 17, 2023 at 11:14 PM

I think so, too. It is not like other places in the US. Teaching is a popular profession in MA, and the requirements are a lot more intense and difficult than just “taking a few exams.” Our exams are a lot worse to pass than the Praxis, which is what TX has.

bryanhealey t1_j8zh33m wrote on February 18, 2023 at 1:44 AM

we also pay better, second highest average salary in the country. not gonna get rich or anything, but it's not the pittance in some states.

piggyazlea t1_j8zigfd wrote on February 18, 2023 at 1:55 AM

Gotta factor in cost of living. Some districts don’t pay enough for one (single) person to make it with the cost of living.

knowslesthanjonsnow t1_j8zkw46 wrote on February 18, 2023 at 2:15 AM

That has been completely outweighed by the cost of living here now though

MasPerrosPorFavor t1_j92hj4o wrote on February 18, 2023 at 7:01 PM

Underprivileged schools will definitely hire without a masters or SEI endorsement as long as you promise to get them. Need that Mass license though.

Source - was just on hiring committees for my school. We can't afford people with their masters.

piggyazlea t1_j92mrf0 wrote on February 18, 2023 at 7:38 PM

Thanks for your insight.

OP wants enough money to have a 2 bedroom apartment in a nice place close to Boston or a straight shot to the city on a single person salary. If a school can’t afford to pay people with a masters, he’s probably not interested in that place to begin with. Sounds like he wants a salary comparable to Boston Public or Newton with his preferences.

payter_m8r OP t1_j93cx8y wrote on February 18, 2023 at 10:50 PM

I teach 5th grade science so maybe that’ll help.