Teaching Jobs Search Tips

The experience of searching for and getting that first teaching job can vary greatly. A couple factors that may impact your job search are the area you live in and your area of certification/licensure.

As I've been bouncing around some education blogs I have noticed varying success and frustration in those looking for teaching jobs.

Education is a broad field with many different types of teaching jobs. There are more jobs available for those teaching math and science, especially at the high school level. There are fewer jobs available in elementary education. Teaching jobs also vary geographically. You will notice this as you visit education employment websites.

So what can you do to increase your chances of getting that first teaching job? Here are some tips to follow:

While you are still in school working on your degree you can:

Get as much experience as possible. During your college breaks work as a substitute teacher. This is a great way to learn quickly how to make connections with students and manage behavior. You will also get to see the different teaching styles of others (which is evident even when they are not in the classroom). This also gives others a chance to see your teaching skills. Word will quickly get around whether or not someone is a good substitute teacher.

Get multiple endorsements. This may mean taking extra classes for some but it will broaden your options. This is especially important for middle school teachers and possibly high school teachers. Again this will vary depending on the area and school. Smaller schools in rural areas will usually be looking for teachers who can teach more than one content area.

Research job opportunities early on in your college career. If you are getting licensed in the expressive arts - music, art, physical education - there are fewer positions available. An elementary school may have 30 classroom teachers but only two music teachers. You can see where you may need to be more patient in getting a job.

Once you have your teaching license:

Be a substitute teacher. While this may not sound appealing, it is the best way to get experience while waiting to be hired. If there are no jobs currently available where you are, substitute teaching will get you in the schools and you will get to know the administration and staff. Substitute teachers really are in demand and you could work almost every day teaching in different schools.

Eventually a long-term sub position or a permanent position will open up. If the school has been impressed by your teaching you will have the inside track. I know substitute teaching can be challenging and you will not get health benefits, but in areas where the job market is tighter this is your foot in the door. You will need to evaluate how likely it is that jobs will become available in a particular area and how long you are willing to wait.

I have seen some newly licensed teachers who can't find a job take positions as instructional assistants/support staff in schools. If you feel you need more experience, and are not yet ready to have your own classroom, this may work well for you. Instructional assistants play an important role in student learning. Just a caveat- I have noticed that if a licensed teacher who has been working as an assistant applies for a teaching position that becomes available, it is sometimes difficult for those doing the hiring to see them in the role of a teacher within the same school.

Let people know you are looking for a teaching job. You never know when someone will have a lead on a job for you. Networking with others is important in any career search.

Continue to use your college career center. They can help you with leads, resume writing and interviewing techniques.

Have a professional looking resume. This is the first impression you give someone. Make sure your cover letter is professional and highlights your experience. Research the school district you are applying to by looking at their website or talking to current employees to see what initiatives the school is working on. In your cover letter make reference to how you will contribute to the school's initiatives or action plan.

Practice being interviewed. You want to be ready when that call for the interview arrives. Make sure you can clearly communicate your knowledge and skills.

Have a portfolio that highlights your experience. Most teaching job interviews will require that you bring a portfolio that shows evidence of your teaching skills. This is generally part of your requirement for obtaining your teaching license. It will include sample lesson plans, assessments, pictures, your teaching philosophy statement, and communication with parents. You could also have your portfolio in electronic form and if the technology is available at your interview you could highlight your experience on a projector for all the interview committee to see.

Be persistent. Eventually you will find the right teaching job for you!

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