Austin teachers, how did you find your current and/or first teaching position? I am looking for my first teaching position. Do you recommend that I drop by schools that have openings in my certification to drop off a resume? I currently work 8-5 so I can't really go by schools dropping off resumes and talking with principals. I've already filled out applications online for some open positions, but I don't know of anything else that I can do. I tried finding a job last year when I moved here but it was late in the summer and a lot of the Social Science positions were filled or the schools were looking for a football coach. Any tips and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I just want to teach!

Thanks

My daughter will enter Kindergarten in the Fall.  We are zoned for Walnut Creek Elementary, but are literally within walking distance of Graham Elementary.  I'd prefer my daughter attend the closer school so that we can walk to school together, along with her 1yo brother.  Also, should we be in a hurry, the school is on the way to my husband's job and can easily and quickly drop her off.  Walnut Creek is on the other side of I-35 from us and could cost us an extra 30 minutes of travel time and toxic emissions during rush hour!

I am curious, however, if anyone can tell me about these schools.  The AISD website says they are both "acceptable" and their scores are both near the State average, give or take.  What I want from a school are two things:  1) a safe, fun playground, and 2) an administration that will care about matching my precocious girl with a teacher who won't break her spirit.  Extracurricular activities are a plus.

Any advice?  Opinions?  Is Graham worth the trouble of a transfer?  Is Walnut Creek worth the distance and traffic?

Thank you!

Does anyone here work for AISD? If so, what is their interview process like?
Any pros/cons you've found about the district from a teacher's POV?
Thanks

Anyone know what insurance AISD uses for their teachers? Secondary, more difficult question, does said insurance cover bariatric surgery?

Thanks.

Hi! I'm new here. I'm thinking of moving to Austin to begin my teaching career and while I've done my information searching and google-fu, I'm looking for some REAL opinions. What is the Austin Independent School District like? Austin seems like a really cool and open-minded place, but what about the rest of the state? Am I never going to want to leave city boundaries? Heh. I'm from Michigan, and keep hearing all these rumors, and I really just want info to be set straight. What do you like best/least about Austin? Is it a pricey place to live?

I guess any information you can give me (especially regarding education) would be great. Before I pay the $200+ dollars to get certified in Texas, I want to make sure I'm making the right decision.

Thanks in advance!

p.s. Thought I'd also tell you the rumors just for a laugh -- although maybe they'll turn out to be true and I'll look like a dumbass.

1. "Are you sure you want to move to Texas? You could be walking in downtown Austin and get bitten by a rattlesnake! Those things are everywhere!"

2. "Careful not to go on someone's front lawn or you'll get shot!" (I know about the law, but you know what I mean)

3. "You know, it is the "hang 'em high" state." (.......)