Any New Florida Teachers Having Trouble Finding a Job?

Question

I live in Hillsborough County Florida and have not had any interviews offered to me out of the 20 resumes I sent out. I'm ESE certified and thought I'd have many opportunities, but with the budget cuts and hirering freezes there are few jobs posted. As soon as I see one come up it is taken down.

Any one else having trouble in the Tampa area? I do not have the option to move because of my husband's job. It's depressing because I feel like I might be doing something wrong.

Answer 1

I know that in my county there is a freeze on hiring any new teachers. Maybe it's the same for you? Call the district office in charge of hiring or look for answers on their website. I'm sure you are not the only one in this situation. They might have an FYI....

Answer 2

Be patient.  It is not unusual for a lot of schools to do their hiring in August.  They sometime wait to see what their enrollment is going to be like or how many of their existing teachers  decide to retire or transfer.  Furthermore, lots of principals take their time off in July.  I have known new teacher to even be hired the week before school starts. It is not convenient for the new teachers who would like to start working on planning and preparing their classrooms but...  

Good luck.

Answer 3

Are you in an area that you could drive to another county? Even if the drive was 40 min. it may be worth it.

I teach in FL and have been for the past few years. Many teachers have lost their jobs throughout the state as I see that you know. All of those teachers are trying to find jobs as well.

My advise is to keep looking for the jobs as they are posted. Find out how long they keep your resume on file because you may need to send it out again. I really do hope that your persistence will pay off. When the new school year starts jobs may open up. You may end up getting a job that starts later in the year. So don't give up yet!

* You could also offer yourself as a tutor and pass out flyers to schools. Tutors make some good money and parents of students taking the FCAT are usually interested in extra help. Just a thought.

Answer 4

maybe you could run your own school from your home or some special classes for kids first?