Professional couple considering move
Nov 7th 2001, 7:41 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
My family is considering a move to Australia (or possibly NZ), but would like to hear
some opinions before pursuing this matter further. I presently work as a middle
school computer technology teacher in the US, with additional recent work experience
as a regular classroom teacher for grades 4 and 5. My current position also includes
responsibility for general curriculum computer integration and administration of
school technology and distance learning policies. I hold two regionally accredited
bachelor's degrees (elementary education and business) and a master's degree from a
major US university in educational technology. I am certified to teach grades 1
through 8. In addition, I expect to earn a graduate certificate in distance education
through USQ in the very near future.
My wife is a citizen of Ecuador and a practicing public-sector attorney here in the
US. We foresee no hurdles in meeting the language, character or health requirements
for immigration. We are both in our mid-30s and have three young children.
The specific questions we have are:
* What is the likelihood our application will be accepted?
* What is the job market for primary and/or computer technology teachers?
* Are there career opportunities available in distance education or corporate
technology training?
* What hoops will I need to jump through to have my teaching credentials accepted?
* Relatively speaking, in which geographic areas can a teacher realistically expect
to find a job and earn a decent living (currently looking at Melbourne, Perth,
Adelaide, maybe Auckland)? I find being male to be a big advantage in this regard
here in the US.
* Is a teacher's salary sufficient to support a family short-term if my wife decides
to continue her studies?
* What options exist for a US-trained attorney abroad?
There is a lot that we like about living in the US, although winter weather is not
one of them. We are looking to find a safe place to raise our family, as well as a
bit of an escape from the gun-obsessed, live-to-work, keep up with the Joneses
mentality prevalent here. We hope that Australia may be that place! Any help would be
greatly appreciated!
Cheers, Jerrey
some opinions before pursuing this matter further. I presently work as a middle
school computer technology teacher in the US, with additional recent work experience
as a regular classroom teacher for grades 4 and 5. My current position also includes
responsibility for general curriculum computer integration and administration of
school technology and distance learning policies. I hold two regionally accredited
bachelor's degrees (elementary education and business) and a master's degree from a
major US university in educational technology. I am certified to teach grades 1
through 8. In addition, I expect to earn a graduate certificate in distance education
through USQ in the very near future.
My wife is a citizen of Ecuador and a practicing public-sector attorney here in the
US. We foresee no hurdles in meeting the language, character or health requirements
for immigration. We are both in our mid-30s and have three young children.
The specific questions we have are:
* What is the likelihood our application will be accepted?
* What is the job market for primary and/or computer technology teachers?
* Are there career opportunities available in distance education or corporate
technology training?
* What hoops will I need to jump through to have my teaching credentials accepted?
* Relatively speaking, in which geographic areas can a teacher realistically expect
to find a job and earn a decent living (currently looking at Melbourne, Perth,
Adelaide, maybe Auckland)? I find being male to be a big advantage in this regard
here in the US.
* Is a teacher's salary sufficient to support a family short-term if my wife decides
to continue her studies?
* What options exist for a US-trained attorney abroad?
There is a lot that we like about living in the US, although winter weather is not
one of them. We are looking to find a safe place to raise our family, as well as a
bit of an escape from the gun-obsessed, live-to-work, keep up with the Joneses
mentality prevalent here. We hope that Australia may be that place! Any help would be
greatly appreciated!
Cheers, Jerrey
