Districts all across the country are looking for teachers. Whatever the reason (recovery from years of teacher layoffs, more students, fewer new teachers), the school year often starts with more open positions than teachers to fill them. We know that teaching is more than a job, so where you teach matters. Here are eight school districts that need teachers.
Chicago, IL
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Chi-town teachers are tough advocates for all students. This is a fast-paced district with lots of opportunity to engage with district initiatives, from expanding pre-K to increasing the presence of IB.
Hawaii
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The only school district that’s an entire state, it sounds like paradise with SMART Boards. Teaching in Hawaii means teaching in culturally diverse classrooms of hardworking students.
Clark County, Nevada
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Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, recruits teachers from all over the world to work in one of the largest districts in the country. This is a district with a sense of humor: Its superintendent dressed in a superhero cape and flew down a zipline as part of a Calling All Heroes teacher recruitment campaign.
Michigan
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If you see opportunity wherever you go, teaching in a district like Detroit, MI, is for you. Sure, there are challenges, but there’s also lots of room for innovation, and you’ll definitely make a difference. Bonus: Michigan is one of the places where a teacher’s salary goes the furthest.
Florida
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If you want to teach in Florida, you’ve got options. Districts in the west, such as Hillsborough County, and in the east, like Broward County and Palm Beach County, are in need of teachers. In addition to being beachside in Tampa (Hillsborough County), you can be part of a district that’s innovating to provide equity for students in high-needs schools.
Des Moines, IA
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The heartland needs teachers, too. In Des Moines, the largest district in Iowa, a low cost of living means that a teacher’s salary goes far. For new teachers, there’s an opportunity to earn a master’s in education through the BLUE Contract program. High school teachers take note: Des Moines also has an exemplary AP program.
Charlotte, NC
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is a large district (it includes Charlotte and the surrounding county), but that’s a plus. There’s a school for every type of teacher, from nationally recognized magnet schools to rural or urban campuses. Another benefit of the large district: lots of opportunities for professional development.
Dallas, TX
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Dallas is a boomtown, so you can expect a district that moves fast. If you like to try new things and be part of the latest initiative, this could be the place for you. Also, know that in Texas teachers are free agents, so you may find yourself being lured from district to district (hello, incentives).
Teaching is more than a nine-to-five, and your school and district can make or break a year. Fortunately, teachers are in demand right now, so decide what you want in your classroom and go for it!
Know of other school districts that need teachers? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, why affordable housing is out of reach for many teachers.
