How Can I Get Hired as a Teacher?

Question

I have full credentials, excellent recommendation letters, and all of my paperwork is in, so why haven't I been called? I was laid off at the end of my first year because I was a temporary employee. My evaluations were excellent, though. My resume is also edited and professional. I've been calling schools and the district office and am having a hard time getting through. I know that there are open positions--several are listed on websites I've been surfing. What else can I do?

Answer 1

What do you want to teach?  Are you in a high demand area?  If you are elementary, then you have a lot of competition for the jobs available.  Sometimes with school districts you need a way to get your foot in the door.  It is not what you know and how great you look on paper, it is WHO you know and can help you get a job.  You need to know someone there who can help you out.  Yes, you may have great recommendation letters from people YOU know, but the people hiring you don't know them.  If there is someone in the building that knows you and will recommend you to the principal, then that is a lot better than a recommendation letter in your file.  I had to sub a year first before I got my teaching job.  That was how I got my foot in the door.

Answer 2

Sometimes it has nothing to do with you.  Sometimes the schools already have people in mind but have to post the opening for legal reasons.  Also what kind of education do you have?  Do you have your masters yet?  Some districts won't even look at an applicant without their masters completed.  Also, I know that you feel you have the whole package but maybe someone else can review your resume, etc to see if something could be tweaked.  It can also be helpful to follow up on applications by calling or stopping by.  Don't give up hope.  Keep at it and you will find something soon.  Good luck.

Answer 3

my guess is ask for an interview. =]

Answer 4

Wait until the last week before school starts... then the flood gates will open

Answer 5

Deliver those materials in person to schools that are looking for teachers.  Get some nice folders and inside them put your cover letter, resume, copies of evaluations, and letters of recommendations.  Dress nice and ask if the principal is available at the school.  Then, hand over your folder.  More often than not you will find that the principals will want to come out and chat.

Good luck on your job search!