Advice on getting a teaching job?

Question

My wife recently got her certificate to teach English elementary. She started applying and sending resumes in April. No lie, she has sent about 80 resumes and e-mails to 80 different districts. Problem is she has received 2 calls for interviews only to find out that the pay is really low and not worth it with gas, mileage, etc. He main goal is to have her own classroom in a public school. She is a smart girl and has a 3.9 GPA. Is there anything she can do to improve her chances of getting a job this September?

Answer 1

Many jurisdictions, because of the declining birth rate, have a diminished need for teachers.

In fact, one teacher, a Cyclops, was laid off because he was down to one pupil.

It is very easy to become discouraged.

On the other hand, the demand for teachers overseas--especially in China, is insatiable.

Please email me for details.

Answer 2

The elementary schools are saturated with applicants. Everyone wants to teach the cute little kids.  No one wants the sassy teens, even though they are a fantastic group to teach..   It will be worthwhile for her to get her certification in 7-12.  She will be more marketable. She could also look into teaching at a community college in the spring, if she has her Masters.   This close to school starting, her chances are slim of getting a public school position, but I have received offers in October and November from districts whose first choices didn't work out.  She should substitute as frequently as she can.  Most jobs are acquired through networking.  Teaching does not pay well.  It used to have a lot of job security, but in tough economic times, even we get the pink slip.  Best of luck to your wife.  We can always use more good teachers.  

Answer 3

At this point, her best bet may be to work as a substitute in a local district (or two).  At every school she should use the opportunity to network; tell the teachers there that she is certified, would be available for working as a long-term substitute for maternity leave, etc.

Along those same lines, she could go to visit schools and introduce herself.  Most principals are pushed for time but if she has made an effort to visit and get to know the school, her name might come up for any last-minute positions.

She should also target her job search a little.  It's a little odd to send out resumes to 80 different districts; is this because she doesn't care where she works and you could both move?  Also, nearly every district has an application of some kind with essays to be written and background questions to be answered.  Instead of just sending a resume, she should fill out the applications.  She could also put together a portfolio of student work and lesson plans from her student teaching experience.  Finally, she also should follow up application packet submissions with a phone call.

Also, as another poster said, teaching simply isn't a high-paying job.  She might have to take a job that doesn't pay well (a private school, for example) to get her foot in the door.

Answer 4

I'm not sure what she can do about a teaching job, but it's important to be very dedicated to it because teachers don't get great pay. The highest paid teachers have many years of experience.

I'm not sure there's much of anything that can be done for her to get a job this september, other than getting a job at one of the two that contacted her back. However, if she does work with one of the two for a while, she'll get some experience. With that, with how smart she is and with her certificate, she's sure to get the job she really wants in time.  

Answer 5

Register with the state. I live in MO,so I am registered with MOREAP; I get e-mails from them when job openings in my area open.

I can go into any schools website and they have a link to MOREAP.

Check with your state education dept. Good luck.