Moving to New York

[NatYingCole]

Hi all,

I've lurked on this board for a while and have decided to seek advice!

Basically, I'm planning to move to New York this summer (end of July/ beginning of August). I've got an American passport, so visas etc won't be a problem, but what I would really like help with is applying for jobs.

I've been a secondary English teacher in the UK at a good-with-outstanding-features Catholic school for 5 years - excellent results, great references etc, but I don't have a Masters, which I can see from my research is something that is highly prized in America. Ideally, I think I'd like to teach at a middle school, at least initially, but am looking at upper/ high school positions as well. I think my preference would also be independent schools, and have already been pointed in the direction of sites such as NYSAIS, which advertises vacancies on a fairly regular basis. However, the whole application process seems very different - some require a resume and cover letter, some a statement of educational philosophy... I feel like a need a translator at some points!

I have spent a few summers at a summer camp in upstate New York, so have had some great advice from American friends about what to put on my applications, but was hoping that an expat perspective might help too!

I'm perfectly prepared to move over there without a job, and also that I might have to take a job as an Associate Teacher.

Does anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance!

[anonymosity]

Before you can get a job as a teacher anywhere in the US you need a local state qualification to teach K-12 or elementary, single subject or multiple subjects.

Unless you want to look at teaching at a college level (community or otherwise) you'll need to get this qualification before you can apply for jobs.

[NatYingCole]

As far as I can see, that only applies to state (public) schools, and isn't necessary for independent ones. Have I got that wrong?

[anonymosity]

You're right, sorry I should have said, state schools.
However the competition to teach in the private schools will be fierce and something has to set you apart, if not having both sets of qualifications.

[anonymosity]

I would aim at the Catholic schools!