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Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by somekan on 11/11/2025, 12:25 pm

This is my sixth year teaching in Kansas, and I have hit a ceiling where I can't grow here anymore. I am leaving my position at the end of the year, and am looking for hopefully a middle school assistant gig. My husband wants to move to the Austin area... is that a decent place for transplants to get jobs? Any advice? I have already taken and passed the Texas test.

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by No on 11/12/2025, 4:53 am, in reply to "Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

The Austin market is difficult to crack into as there are amazing band programs that everyone from the state would be glad to apply for as well as people from out of state.

Start applying now for all of the school districts in the Austin area and make plans to attend the TMEA convention in February and the Texas Bandmasters Association in July in order to network with people.

Keep in mind that the pay scale for teachers in the Austin area is not great while the cost of living and commuting times are rough - almost becoming like Los Angeles at times.

Best wishes!

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by OP on 11/12/2025, 3:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

That’s it. I’m gonna teach kindergarten. I’m out!

(Just kidding, but oof. That’s not fun to hear.)

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by Respectfully on 11/12/2025, 11:25 am, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

Austin area has its fair share of developing and rebuilding programs, too, and there are many smaller programs just a short drive from the city. And then there's Austin ISD to consider as well.

The question to OP is - do you want *a* job or *the* job?

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by OP on 11/19/2025, 1:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

I want a middle school assistant gig (I am a woodwinder) in a place where I don't have to teach high school, and don't have to deal with the small school chaos. Come in, do my job, actually do a good job while I'm at it, not have terrible mental health. Should be suitable to find, one would think.

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by Almost Retired (almost) on 11/19/2025, 4:18 pm, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

don't have to deal with the small school chaos

Okay...so, you will be trading in small school chaos for large school chaos.

When I was young and stupid, I complimented an older director for his band's high placement in the 4A SMC. I said, "It must be nice not having to deal with all the politics and other nonsense."

He said, "Not have to deal with the nonsense? We have to put up with all the same nonsense that everyone else does. It is *how* you deal with it that can make or break you."

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by BD on 11/12/2025, 10:40 am, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

Commuting info-

Be aware of the HWY 290 situation. Very, very rough.

Be sure to scout the area!

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by And... on 11/12/2025, 5:44 pm, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

...Keep in mind the housing situation as well. In many suburban areas around Austin, there is *nothing* available to buy or rent. Well, you can put yourself on a waiting list for an apartment...be prepared to be teaching while waiting.

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by percone on 11/12/2025, 8:31 am, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

If you don't mind driving, there are plenty of communities in the area that usually have openings.

Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?

Posted by OP on 11/19/2025, 1:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Moving to potentially Austin - what is the job market like?"

Thank you!

I am even willing to teach elementary music if I have to, although I would prefer not to. I'm tired of being miserable where I am, and want something that is more fulfilling and where I can grow as a director. I've found that I've hit a wall where I currently am.

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