Brand new teachers less likely to get a job?

Question

Are public schools likely to give a beginning teacher a chance? I just graduated in May 2008 and because of this have no contracted teacher experience yet. Do schools look down on hiring brand new, just out of college teachers?

I am asking this because I am having a heck of a time trying to find a job. And to verify, I did well in college (which is a pretty reputable college), have great references/recommendation letters, and have all the requirements for an elementary school teacher.

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

A couple of things can help you. 1st, expand the area your willing to travel or move to. Not all states are the same, and it can be very tough for a new teacher in some states, and very easy to find work in others.

2. Apply to big city systems whether they advertise for jobs or not. It's shocking how many school systems are strapped for teachers and they do nothing to recruit or even advertise.

3. Be patient. School are just now completing their second wave of hires, those teachers that have some experience and want to leave their crappy jobs. Soon the flood gates will open and schools will scramble to hire anyone they can.

Don't be surprised if some school calls you in mid august asking for an interview for an application that you sent them in april. Some school just do so bad at being timely and respectful about these things.

Answer 2

Absolutely not!  We first year teachers are their most important asset when it comes to new ideas, a fresh outlook, and our ability to teach with technology.  We don't come from other districts/schools with bad habits to break or a bitter, laid-back attitude.  We have initiative!!!

Just spend this quality time you have getting your resume all together, make your portfolio, compile and collect all the resources you can and start creating a plan book so that when you finally get that interview, you can walk in so prepared that they would have to hire you!  Talk to anyone you can about getting yourself in gear.  Substitute teaching is a blessing in disguise as well - it really does get your foot in the door.  I know how you feel.  I graduated in April 2007 and didn't get my first job until just recently and I went to a great school with a wonderful education program.  Hang in there, you will snag that perfect job in no time!

Answer 3

I see new school teachers just about every year. A lot of them started out as subs or student teachers. Where I live there is a shortage of teachers (mainly because of salary; teachers don't make a lot of money).

Start off as a sub. Sub at several different schools for about a year. This way you can know which school you'd like or not like. Then, after-wards apply at schools which you'd like to stay.

Answer 4

Depending on the school district, new teachers are generally in demand because they perform the same work, don't yet have tenure, and begin at the bottom of the pay-scale.

That said, it's a tough time to get a job as public funding is scarce across the board so teachers get more students/class as opposed to schools hiring new teachers. If there is a job available that doesn't require supervisor/curriculum-lead responsibilities, I would imagine schools would be all too happy to hire a new teacher.

To sum up, schools have low turnover but just keep plugging away after any openings you find.

Answer 5

With most places having a teacher shortage, I know that most qualified applicants are placed in positions.  In the district I work for, new teachers are interviewed starting very early, complete a placement test and if they do well they are hired for the district and then go on interviews in the different schools and are placed that way.  You will get something.  I wasn't hired after college until the end of July.  They are always still hiring in August too!

Answer 6

just pray!