Fellow teachers...any thoughts?

Question

I teach in Mobile, AL and at the end of

last school year, the school board laid off basically

everyone that wasn't tenured. I'm not talking the usual

pink slips, but told us we no longer had jobs. I taught

for two years. Well, the school board started hiring SOME

teachers back last week, but so far, I have no job, and

school starts in one week. Teachers go back in 3 days.

Here's the clincher...I got married just over a year ago

and turned all of my paperwork into the local school board

to change my name. They never did. Well, they had a very

strict rule about only re-hiring off of the 'non-renewed

list' they sent out; i.e. a list of teachers who had been

let go. Well...I made up 50 or so resume's and sent them

out with my married name on them. No one called to even

schedule an interview. I found out quite by accident that

they still had me listed under my maiden name. No wonder

no one had called!! I called everyone I sent a resume to,

but by then, many had already done all their hiring. I'm

simply going crazy being around the house. I just want to

get back into the classroom so badly! This is so

stressful. Has anyone else had this type of experience?

What are my chances of still getting hired so close to the

beginning of school?

Answer 1

Yes, many teachers throughout the USA are experiencing similar ends of their careers due to financial needs of school districts in places such as California.  Everyone not tenured is considered expendable.  They prefer you quit, but will simply not renew your contract to reduce their salary expenses.  In such a climate, being highly-qualified, honored, experienced, or effective does not matter.  However, some states, such as Utah, are still begging for teachers and many places are running year-round programs.  

Unfortunately, your family will have to decide whether it is worth moving or not.  You will also have to decide if your income is needed for financial reasons or if you simply need something to do.  You may consider substitute teaching, until you find a new opening due to unexpected vacancies.  Keep trying and good luck!