CCSD Teachers

I've been invited to take part in a Vegas alternative certification program. During my recent trip, I asked around and everyone told me that every year there were concurrent teacher shortages resulting in recruitment and teacher layoffs.

Does anyone know about this? I'd hate to be recruited, move there, and then be dumped in the middle of the first year.

Thanks,

schwaiguy

 

I only know this... the CCSD is the 5th largest school district in the nation. The most recent Superintendent, who was there for a couple years, abruptly quit stating he wanted to spend more time with his terminally ill mother who lived elsewhere. It came as quite a shock to CCSD Board of Trustees, who offered a leave of absence instead, but he stuck with the termination. Last week the Trustees voted not to perform a national search and then promoted one of the former Deputies to the head spot. May turn out to be just fine... my point is that there's been a bit of "turmoil" in the leadership arena of late.

Clark County was the fastest growing entity for 21 of 22 straight years and grew at unheard of rates, building schools faster than anywhere else had ever done. But then the recession hit and for at least a couple of the past 5-6 years, actually experienced declining populations. They, like the rest of the state, are now trying to figure out how to do the same or more with less. That's something that for a long, long time, Nevada hadn't needed to deal with. I've always heard that there's a teacher shortage and that any qualified teacher could get work... never heard about layoffs though. The state is still struggling with funding education, so I know teachers aren't "well-paid". The legislature is just about to adjourn and again there was no broadening of the tax base to provide stability, as has always been talked about. So we continue to ride the golden-goose of gaming and about every 10-12 years hit a giant dip where everything, including education takes several steps backwards. To borrow a phrase from a recent candidate for Governor, "we appear to enjoy being at the bottom of every good list and the top of every bad one."

 

Education is underfunded, well, better yet, misspent. Tons of money goes to Administration salaries and they have deep pockets when it comes to construction budgets, but when it comes to teachers salaries and money spent on students its a pittance. I have three friends that have taught for several years, and one that has student taught fall she'll begin teaching full time.

The salaries are low and generally you start in the least desirable schools. Over time, with experience you gradually move around to positions with better pay and schools that are desirable. Extra curricular jobs earn more income. My boss' son teaches and coaches at a well regarded HS. He makes a decent wage. It took a decade to get there, though.

None of my teacher friends have faced layoffs (technical HS, middle school). And my friend starting this fall had no trouble securing a full time teaching position (elementary school).

When Vegas was booming there were great recruitment packages with sign on bonuses and such, and only a bachelors degree was required because they were so desperate for teachers. Those days are gone.

 

Thanks to both of you. The administration--I got the same shit teaching college. One time, they built a deluxe dorm just so they could close the old dorm and charge more. And, there's the whole contingent faculty issue.

The posted salaries are 15k more then in New Mexico. The cost of living is much cheaper there, too. The depressed housing market would make up for a lack of signing bonuses. Plus there's stuff going on there. The closest thing to me is Navajo Reservation.

I don't wanna say money is not an issue, but quality of life has to play a role, too.

schwaiguy

 

Looks like no dice. Funny, they bought my name and recruited me. I made it to the last step. They called Friday because they couldn't reach a reference, so I gave them a person who gave me a glowing one.

Come Monday--nothing. My only guess is my experience and level of education may have priced me out of the ballgame.

schwaiguy

 

Just got accepted now!

 

Congrats =)

 

Thanks a lot. An extraordinary amount of effort on my part. But if you knew where I lived, you'd say it was worth it.

schwaiguy

 

Congratulations! So, does that mean there is a move in your future?

 

Yeah. Should be. No contract yet, but officially signed and accepted into the program. a few weeks of online work, and a few weeks in the Clark County schools this Summer.

Once they met you, run background checks, there are more then 20 positions open and only 10 in my field. I just wanna get the hell out of NM and to Vegas!

 

Glad you got the job let us know when you'll be there as some of us might be in town. Congratulations !

 

I wish you well... I think we all had at least one teacher that we really looked forward to seeing and hearing from. The one who made their subject interesting and learning in general feel good. Teachers make a difference... best wishes!

 

How or when did you get your Nevada Teaching Certification? Does the state post testing dates? How much was the test and certification.


Over 10 years ago I had a few offers to teach out there and turned them down....dang it!! Yes, one of my degrees is in Education/Teaching.

I wasn't to familiar with year round school and liked my summers off so I turned the offers down. I use to teach in Galveston and Houston,Texas.

About 15 years ago, I almost taught in Gallup, NM and had several relatives in the Cortez, Colorado try to get me to teach up there.

Would love to know where in New Mexico you're located. I remember way back when a few Gallup Principals interviewd me, they spoke of how new teachers couldn't wait to get the HECK out of Gallup at the end of the school year. Nothing to do...snow storms.....boring.....lonsome...so they'd leave in a second after the school year was up. I wish I would have at least tried Gallup, but I was working on my third and final degree in college.

Glad to hear your good news!!! I may be out there one day...more like retirement job. I don't teach here in Oklahoma, both my wife and I work for the Government. I'd love to retire out there...either substitute teach, I have a CDL...so I'd get a passenger endorsement to drive a school bus or take people to and from the casino.

Tell us(me) about the certification process. Back when I taught in Galveston/Houston in the late 1990's early 2000,...they were sooooo desperate for teachers, they had alternative certification.
If you just had a degree, they'd let you go to classes at night to get certified. I went and took the state test for certification in Texas, both Elementary and Middle School, then Middle School Science Certification.

I have a BS in Biology along with a BS inTeaching, I was considered a "high needs" teacher. Math and Science teachers back then were given signing bonus, extra money for equipment for the classroom, personal incentives...like a laptop for personal use and ownership. With the economy the way it is I don't know if Houston-HISD or Galveston-GISD have those type of offers anymore.

Again...glad to hear your good news...enjoy your new school year.


PLEASE keep us posted throughout the year. I know there are teachers out there who would love(myself) to hear about your year. Keep a personal journal on the first year in CCISD so in the future you can look back and laugh about the experience with your coworkers, students and the administration.

 

Cohiba,

I'm in Gallup. It's a mess. It's one big Indian school. Many of my colleagues at the university here are unprosecuted criminals. You're better off staying as far away as possible. The state actively models itself off of North Korea.

I expect they are using the remote location as an excuse, because it's not that remote. Teacher get weekends off and Summers off to do anything they want. It's reasonable to spend a lot of time in ABQ, Phoenix, or Vegas. Unfortunately, some scrubs who couldn't cut it back East came here in the 80s and set roots. If anyone with any more talent than them comes in--i.e., your average homeless man--these senior administrators will go to ANY lengths to push them out. They pushed out a Ph.D. In Basic Reading /Writing from UNLV with years of teaching experience in favor of a 55 year-old man with an MA in poetry writing from the 60s with 2 years high school teaching experience.

With a few exceptions, this whole town is like the dysfunctional restaurants Steve Dublanica writes about in Waiter Rant. They purposelessly hire messed up people because they are easier to control. I read about this in a Lee Child book once and thought it was an exaggeration until I moved here.

Anyways, there's a program called Teach Las Vegas. They are actively recruiting science teachers. Apply next Summer. 4 Ph.D.s in this cohort.

I have to go and train for 3 weeks, pay my own lodging. Upon successful completion, you are placed in a 3-year alternative certificate program.

schwaiguy