Has anyone else been laid off due to budget cuts? I am worried about signing up for unemployment?

Yes, you can sign up for unemployment. It will hold you over until you finally land another position. Try private schools as well. Maybe do some tutoring? Let your school district know you are available on a per hire basis – Don’t do it as a volunteer – you need to make money to live.

As for insurance – shop around. Cobra is MUCH too expensive. Ask your school district to help you out. Are you a member of NEA or your district association? Get your name out there, go visit schools – GET ON THE SUB LIST for all schools. That will keep you more than busy.

Florida NEEDS teachers – if you don’t live here already, what are you waiting for???? Come on down – yes, pay is less, but you have to weigh the pros and cons here. No snow, no ice, sun shines all the time.

Do your Masters now while you have the time.

Can you get your health insurance through Cobra? Mine costs an arm and a leg (health disability till October), but it’s good to have.

Do you have tenure? Were you put in the “unassigned pool” through your district, or will you have to reapply for any openings? When my reading position was cut years ago, I was put into a general ed classroom. Is this a possibility? Otherwise, I’d start filling out applications and sending resumes.