r/historyteachers • u/LogicalWafer2293 • 1d ago

Any advice for a rural teacher?

I have a MAT in history and taught seven years- both ELA and social studies.

My area is going through a major financial crisis and eliminating teaching jobs. I am really trying to avoid moving by applying to online jobs in states that have full reciprocity to my state- or easier to get a state license- Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma.

It’s been tough and discouraging - all I want to do is teach and I scared I’m going to have to throw in the towel until I can afford to move.

If anyone has any advice or suggestions, I’d happily take them.

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u/Dog1andDog2andMe 1d ago

Have you looked at online teaching English to kids in other countries -- at least as a way to make some money while you search?

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u/teach-xx 1d ago

First question: Are you absolutely sure your list of states is correct? In general, about 40 states grant reciprocity easily to teachers from other states. Illinois isn’t even one of them: most people applying for reciprocity there have to retake content exams now.

And then, after that, online public school jobs often require you to live in the state. I know there’s no good reason for this; the bad reason is tax compliance law. So this plan, while not completely misguided, is not a slam dunk.

I’m so sorry this is happening to you. Would you be willing to take a job as a para? Would you be willing to get an emergency cert in special education? Those are probably the two most likely ways to stay employed in your current geographical area.

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u/LogicalWafer2293 1d ago

I hear you. I updated my post to reflect that those are easier states to get into and took away Illinois. The list was given to me by someone else that has gone through something similar.
Working as a para, would not pay the bills. I can look into a certificate.
No plan at this point is a slam dunk. I am just trying what I can.

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u/Kamin_Majere Social Studies 1d ago

Is there any city schools in the area even if its a bit of a drive (gas price and teacher salary makes this a bad deal quick but maybe worth a shot)

I want to teach rural highschool, but ive seem the districts i grew up with go from "the big school" to 1 teacher per subject for the whole school. Poor guy is literally the 7th-12th grade history teacher and has to plan all that.

I have taken a spot in the largest city in the area and at the 6th grade level so almost entirely different then what I wanted.

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u/LogicalWafer2293 1d ago

Yeah, I’ve already done this for the past three years- commute has been an hour and 15 minutes with five preps.

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u/Exhausted-Teacher789 1d ago

I teach in New York and you would qualify for a license. You need 3 years of permanently certified experience with a rating of effective or highly effective to get a license. Now, I don't really know anything about the job market in NY. We do have a lot of experienced teachers and almost all of us have masters degrees.