Welcome to the job series! Right now, new teachers are preparing themselves to find jobs and veterans are preparing to find new positions. I will be dedicating the month of March to finding a teaching position. This week, I focus on how to find a teaching a position! Enjoy!
Finding a job is extremely stressful and it’s a long process. Over the thirteen years that I’ve taught, I’ve noticed that it has changed drastically, and job searchers have to be much more strategic. If you are finding yourself in the position where you are looking for a teaching position, I’ve identified a few ways that I have successfully landed teaching positions.
1. Research where you want to work. There are a ton of teaching positions, so you need to get an idea of where you want to work. Consider what district and school time you prefer. Would you prefer the school be private or public? A small school model or a traditional large school? Should the school have a special focus such as arts or science? You want to be sure that the positions for which you are applying are positions you would like to keep. For more information on considering if a school is for you see my previous blog by CLICKING HERE.
2. Visit district websites. Honestly, these can be hit or miss, but there are benefits to visiting district sites. The bad news, most people who require that long online application, also tend to use resume-scanning software. As a result, it seems as if it is almost IMPOSSIBLE to move beyond this point. The good news, you get to review the expectations and requirements for your desired job descriptions. See #3 to see why this is so beneficial….
3. Prepare yourself! Never show up to a career fair, or interview empty handed. Everyone has a resume. Everyone has a cover letter. Everyone has a portfolio. You need to show up with EVIDENCE. You need to be able to prove that you can do what your future employer needs you to do. Review the job description and requirements, then prepare evidence proving you either have done or can do those things.
4. Attend education career fairs. In my career, I’ve had the most success at career fairs and meet and greets. This is your opportunity to meet principals and to really shine! Usually, you can find out information about career fairs two ways. First, check out local college and university websites. They usually host fairs and bring in a variety of districts and school types. Second, check out district and company websites because they tend to host their own career fairs. Many principals interview and some even hire on the spot!
5. Collect emails and follow up! As you meet principals and hiring managers, be sure to collect their information just as you’re giving them yours! Send follow up emails thanking them for speaking with you and stating something you were excited about when you spoke. Follow ups are polite, and keep you on their minds.
These are five ways to find teaching positions. As this series continues, I will cover how to secure an interview, what to put in your teaching portfolio, and writing a philosophy of education.