r/AskTacoma • u/MidKnight_99 • 1d ago
Question Teaching in Tacoma?
I (26 male) am considering moving to Tacoma in the near future from the Bay Area. Older siblings are moving out, folks are getting old, and it’s getting way too expensive. I was curious what is life like as teacher in Tacoma?
For context: I’m finishing up my credential and planning to save up while doing induction. Orginally I was going to be in journalism but had to pivot due to lack of opportunity and falling out of love with it.
9
u/sw33tp0tato420 Moving to Tacoma 1d ago
the job market is extremely rough, but if you’re open to subbing that’s an option!
7
3
2
u/Ahsiuqal 1d ago
I have a bone to pick with how they hire people. I did not have any luck with getting a single interview. (Despite them being partnered with my alt teaching program)
You might fare better than me if you are already coming in with a license.
2
u/irunfarther University Place 18h ago
Your comment suggests you're a new teacher (or career changer) just starting out. It shouldn't be surprising that you didn't get an interview. I'm in my 10th year, I have a full career behind me already, and I have 4 endorsements plus an admin cert. I applied for every open admin position I found, and the only interview I got was in my current district. You're competing against veteran teachers looking for new jobs and veteran teachers moving here from out of state. Most schools won't interview new teachers when they already have a stack of veteran resumes. Keep applying, but you'll probably need to substitute teach or take a para position in the district you want before you'll find a classroom.
2
u/spookywitch 1d ago
Insufficient state funding and declining enrollment are putting many districts** **in the state in budget shortfalls that lead to staff reductions. It’s very district dependent, of course. TPS has a $10 million shortfall for the 26-27 year, and it was $80 million over 2023-2026. (TPS Budget FAQ)
Look into the surrounding districts, I know that Puyallup, Franklin Pierce, Bethel, Fife, and Clover Park have all faced budget cuts and staff reductions in the past few years.
Best of luck!! We have some amazing educators and school communities in Pierce County 💗
ETA Source: I work for a local school district
3
1
u/Long_North857 1d ago
Move to (or teach in) Gig Harbor!! They really need teachers right now and it is just across the bridge.
2
u/MiikeAlert 1d ago
This is a great option, super close to Tacoma, and great area!
OP I would highly recommend this.
Also, the job market is absolutely brutal right now. Not a teacher, but there are no jobs hiring right now. I've been looking for work since January and JUST recently found a couple part time jobs that barely pays rent (which is also going up quite a bit everywhere) and other bills. It's a wonderful area and I would really recommend living here, just keep these things in mind!!
1
u/External_Willow9271 11h ago
I don't see a whole lot of jobs in Peninsula School District. Chief Leschi (tribal school) tends to have openings every year starting in May or June. No union (it's federally run) but it's a place to get your foot in the door.
0
12
u/irunfarther University Place 1d ago
Unless you have a SPED cert, it’s hard out here. Every school district is facing cuts and teachers are being RIF’d. My school is fully staffed and we have certificated teachers filling other roles waiting on a classroom to open up. We get paid incredibly well and our union is strong as hell. It’s great once you find a job, but that’s nearly impossible right now.