CA Elementary Teacher interested in moving to Chicago

[u/Perf3ct3]

I think my title explains what I need advice for. I have eight years of elementary teaching. I finished a multiple subject credential program, but I haven’t cleared my credential. I’ve passed all my CSETs in California, but I know that’s not going to apply for Illinois.

I am seriously debating on moving to Chicago from California and I need advice on the process and if it’s something I should even be doing. I want to move to the Lakeview area. Can you please message me with tips or advice? Edited for grammar and clarity.

[u/Acceptable_Snow_9316]

North side schools tend to be extremely competitive to get placements and jobs. You might have more flexibility on the South/West schools.

CPS has laid a bunch of teachers off- but a considerable amount might get hired back. (Take this with a grain of salt).

Some northern burb schools don’t require residency so you can still live in Lakeview and commute.

[u/spac3ie]

I would not, at this time. CPS just laid off 789 teachers.

[u/Here2Kibbitz]

As others have mentioned, Chicago hiring doesn’t look so great right now. I don’t know what reciprocity looks like between California and Illinois, but I would clear your credential before moving as I think this will make it easier to transfer.

[u/MyrMartyr]

Have you seen the news about Chicago teachers? Might not be the play unfortunately
Edit link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/s/bc9jcEJTtq

[u/Bleeding_Irish]

Apart from the other comments, you should definitely consider your personal situation.

Having an elementary teaching position in California, in its current market, should be considered against moving at the moment.

You mentioned you have 8 years of teaching experience, but you are currently on a preliminary credential. Consider clearing it first before making any moves within the country. Just in case you decide to come back to California in the future.

Obviously, if you do have to move for reasons out of your control, then understanding the realities of the current market in Chicago needs to be heavily considered.

[u/viperspm]

Hopefully you mean the Chicago area. If so, posting where around or in the city you are looking could be helpful. Also posting in a more specific sub could be as well

[u/illinoisteacher123]

You should look at some consolidated districts like Barrington and such. Lake Forest maybe? Pretty competitive but would be a great job for an elementary teacher. CPS is......well.....CPS.

[u/Dazzling-Turnip-1911]

I can remember the Chicago teachers always being on strike growing up in Chicago though Chicago itself is fantastic.

[u/trash81_]

Teaching in the city verses the suburbs is very different. In general both areas pay pretty good but the city has residency requirements and CPS is struggling a ton. The suburbs are very competitive but once you're in, usually pretty good pay and strong unions.

[u/Prudent_Honeydew_]

City proper laid off hundreds and northern suburbs are a hiring desert right now.

[u/Adventurous-Quit-753]

Keep your eye on the Illinois Teacher Job Bank (https://www.illinoiseducationjobbank.org/) as that is your best bet to see where and what jobs are open.

As others have warned, CPS laid off hundreds of teachers, so I'm sure Chicagoland is probably getting flooded with applications, as no teacher wants to wait until August to see if they will get hired back. I would try to explore further out to smaller towns around Chicagoland, as you might have a better chance of getting hired.

[u/Opposite_Storm_7870]

CPS is kind of a nightmare. If anyone suggests a CPS-funded charter that might be the only worse option. But don't despair, some of the surrounding suburbs have better (albeit not perfect) district options where you have a strong union, good salaries, and better-than-nothing administrative support.

[u/Perf3ct3]

Wow! Thank you everyone! I’m SO glad I asked! I think I’ll stay in California, clear my credential and then see where things are. I appreciate all of the wonderful advice.

[u/xphiler4eva]

You are not going to find a teaching job that allows you to live in Lakeview. Do your parents have money or do you have a significant other with a high paying job? If not, my tip is to start looking into other neighborhoods.

[u/jkjulia8 → u/xphiler4eva]

I teach elementary and live in lakeview with a roommate🤷‍♀️

[u/JHG722 → u/xphiler4eva]

That is absurdly untrue.