I am in an Alternative Certification Program. Any advice for landing a first year teaching job (grades 4-8)?

Question

Applying online hasn't really produced any results at this point. I also went to the Region IV job fair about a month back. My ACP is online so there's no one to really mentor me or serve as a reference and I have no classroom experience, just a 2004 graduate from USC with a ton of corporate experience. I've been just showcasing my transferrable skills (via resume & cover letter), transcript & test scores from the TExES exam.

Answer 1

You've stumbled into the secret that we teacher know first hand.

Teaching is personal - hiring, promoting are all done in person. Ive seen substitutes hired, when I know there were tons of applications. Principals want to meet you, see what type of person you are - what you are like. They are entrusting their kids to you, and anyone - anyone can make a resume look good.

You need to beat the pavement.

Answer 2

I know that they say "Do not contact the principal" but it is sort of an unspoken expectation. So next Monday, get a stack of resumes and hoof it to every possible school in your area. I say Monday, because most principals in Texas are on vacation the first two weeks of July.

Also, aim for the low performing schools - sounds odd I know but those schools usually have a higher faculty turn over each year. Let them know that you are the best for their school because you are on the cutting edge of what's happening in education (the region service centers are always ahead of the curve). Also, know your alphabet: SpEd, ARD, RTI, ELL...and (this is a biggie) let them know that you will differentiate for all your students.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 3

First, you have done well by getting certified 4-8 - makes you more marketable in the grade levels that need help.  Here's another thing to think about - be willing to do a job that principals are having a hard time filling.  For example, I obtained AC three years ago.  My program talked me into obtaining ESL certification as well, and I ended up taking a position as the ESL coordinator at an intermediate school.  I have learned so much these past three years.

Just like the others said, start contacting principals personally.  It would be good if you have already completed the online application which you can tell them in the email/phone call.

As far as lack of teaching experience, you say you were in the corporate world.  Did you train anybody on how to do their job?  Develop a training for a group of people?  I'm just trying to come up with ways in which you have "taught."  For example, I taught preschool prior to my AC program which helped me with proving teaching experience.

Answer 4

I've done an AC program in Texas.  You definitely have to get out there.  Look on different ISD websites and find the dates and times for job fairs.  Find some friends in local schools.  That'll help give you credibility.  The online AC program probably wasn't the best route to take, but talk to the people at the site, and ask them how others landed jobs, their success rate, etc.

Good luck!