Obtaining a teaching job...

[bapostgrad]

Okay. Hello everyone! This is my first time every using this site. I figured I cannot be the only one out there struggling to find that "dream job". I graduated in Interdisciplinary Studies in Elementary Education during the Fall of 2013. Upon my graduation, I spent a good six months substitute teaching. I actually love it! While many seem intimidated by being a substitute teacher, I find it to be exciting. 

 

Anyway, I applied to over 10 different jobs... did not even land an interview. Does anyone have a similar problem? I am going to substitute teach for another year, but I cannot help but feel discouraged. My letters of recommendation are glowing. I mean, I could not have written things that nice if I wanted to! ha! 

 

 

Any advice will be helpful!  

 

-Discouraged Post-Grad- 

[rising_star]

10 applications in this economy is really not very many. You need to be applying to quadruple (or more of) that amount if you want to land interviews and from there a position.

[aldoushuxley]

My SO is in the same boat. He graduated in May as an intervention specialist. Supposed to be an in-demand position, but he is subbing right now. We may relocate in 2014 pending if I end up in a PhD program or in a lab somewhere, though.

[lewin]

Ten jobs is not enough. My friends on the job market have applied for 50+ jobs each.

[Seeking]

I read recently that if there are on an average 12 candidates coming for the job you applied to, then you need to apply to 12 positions to land a job.

 

Anyhow, the economy seems to be looking up now, so you may land a job if you keep on trying.  

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

Six months is not a lot of work experience. After subbing a full school year, I am curious if you'll have more success receiving interviews. Anyway, I would still keep applying!

 

Also, what site are you using to search for jobs? For public schools, I know that there is SchoolSpring, but I wonder if there are other sites that you can be using to find work?

[crossedfingerscrossedeyes]

A change in location might be necessary if you're in the same market where you did your degree. There's probably an oversaturation of graduates from your program in the area. For example: I have family in nursing in a region where there's 6 different nursing schools. The supply of nurses means that nurses in my hometown have an income a fraction of what they could make elsewhere, and it is more competitive to get a job in healthcare, even while they are regularly getting offers from headhunters in cities/regions that have nursing shortages. Think about places you'd be willing to relocate that don't have a university that trains teachers in Interdiscplinary Studies in Elementary Education but have a need for that sort of speciality, and I bet you'll find a job quickly. Best of Luck!

Edited December 2, 2013 by crossedfingerscrossedeyes

[moyru]

I work as an elementary school teacher. As others have said, the area might have a lot to do with it. It can be very competitive. That being said, I also know some areas are desperate for teachers - that's how I was able to get a job (and I only had one month's experience!). It depends on the type of school as well. Are you looking into public or private? 

 

It might also depend on the time of year that you're applying. I was pink slipped last year (apparently happens every year in my district, but then they end up hiring everyone and then some back) and had started applying. I didn't really hear back until summer time. 

 

Have you tried edjoin? 

Edited December 14, 2013 by moyru

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

That being said, I also know some areas are desperate for teachers - that's how I was able to get a job (and I only had one month's experience!). It depends on the type of school as well. Are you looking into public or private? 

 

 

Wow! You've piqued my interest. I have some experience subbing, and I have significant experience in museum education -- but it would be great to work full-time in a formal classroom/teach. From my museum background, I have particular strength in art and social studies. How would I go about finding a school desperate for teachers? 

 

As for my preferences, I would be open to private or public schools; elementary, middle, or high school. I'm open to moving out west, but I am in New England.

[moyru]

Title I schools/districts - schools in low socio-economic areas - are usually desperate for teachers because there's not as many teachers willing to work there. There's various reasons why....schools can be poorly managed, behavior can be a problem, not as many resources etc. - it's easy to get overwhelmed. Sometimes districts will provide incentives, though. I know in San Francisco you can earn up to $3,000 extra a year for working in "hard to place" schools.

This is my third year working in a Title I district, and I've found that you just have to find a group of like minded people who want to make a change, and it gets a lot easier. Even if you don't anticipate working in that kind of district for a long time, it's definitely great experience that will prepare you. 

 

I would start by identifying those areas/neighborhoods where you live and research the schools. Check out the district websites and see what job postings they have. if they don't have a website, inquire in person and let them know you're interested in working there.

 

It might vary by area, but I usually see many posts on craigslists for teachers or outreach programs.
 

[ArtHistoryandMuseum]

Thank you so much for the information!

 

Also, thank you for this advice:

 

This is my third year working in a Title I district, and I've found that you just have to find a group of like minded people who want to make a change, and it gets a lot easier. Even if you don't anticipate working in that kind of district for a long time, it's definitely great experience that will prepare you. 

 

[babycakes]

I work in the DC burbs and I know it is INCREDIBLY difficult to land a job here. I do have an edge seeing that my SO is an administrator in a public school here and he and his crew know people in high places; they're also my primary reason why I even got the subbing position (the job is also supersaturated with CERTIFIED teachers. ) The term "beggars can't be choosers" applies heavily here. The only job I know where its guaranteed placement is tech ed (obscure major taught at a few schools out of state required by the whole state of Maryland, absurd!), and STEM educators with special ed background. If you're "just" another elementary education major or "just" another english major, you're going to have to work hard for placement. 

[SarahReed]

You need to keep applying but for better results you need to build your "Everyday Resume" to "That's The Resume". This is from my personal experience. Many people neglect the importance of it, but they shouldn't.