My wife just got her teaching degree, how do i find her a job?

Question

My wife graduated from Western Michigan University and has been a teachers aide for 2 years now. How in the heck do I get her an actual teaching job? We've applied to several schools but no hits yet. Some people tell me of job fairs but I can never find where and when any of these are. We're willing to move a considerable distance to get a job but need a little guidance. Thanks in advance for any help!

Ryan/Kendi

Answer 1

ryan- it is so hard to find a teaching job in the northern states. i'm in pa and graduated 4 years ago this month with two majors- elementary education and early childhood. i graduated with honors, a member of the national education honors society and have some experience working with kids. and here i am, teaching for the local head start/pre-k counts program. mind you, i LOVE my job...but it's not a teaching job in a public school. i apply to jobs within the surrounding counties every year, every opening and don't even get an interview! the competition is so tough and it all has to do with who you know.

if your wife can be a substitute teacher, that's a great foot in the door. i can't afford to because i'm a single mom and need health insurance. but i know so many teachers who got their start from substituting.  

as someone else mentioned above, the states hiring the most teachers are florida and north carolina. i don't know how far your willingness to 'move a considerable distance' extends. but, if you're willing to re-located, those are the states to go to.

here's the link to the michigan department of education website:

http://www.michigan.gov/mde/

have your wife go to the surrounding school district's main offices (not the school office) and ask for the information she needs to include to apply to teach there. it's probably a big packet of information. when i send out my application, it has to have the state application, three letters of reference, my cover letter, resume, copy of transcript, certification, state child abuse clearance, state criminal record, fbi criminal background check. . . all this needs to be included in order just to be considered for an interview. apparently, at least around here, there are usually a couple hundred applicants for one or two openings. it's just a really competitive field right now. don't give up!

Answer 2

You didn't  mention what she is certified in. If it is special ed, math or science, she can find a job most anywhere in the USA. If she is an elementary teacher, art, music, social studies, English, or PE, try a state with money or a large number of new people. Try Florida or North Carolina. California is in a money crunch and will lay more teachers off, ditto Ohio.

Answer 3

well now is the time to start looking for the upcoming school year. Try going to different school districts in your area & putting in her application. She could have tried at the school she has already been working at as a aid for a regular position. Also if she knows of any school districts in her area do a search and you should be able to apply off of the school website for any open positions, or just go to the school central office and tell them that you will like to apply for a job..GOOD LUCK!

Answer 4

You already know this, but as a fellow Michigander with my degree from Grand Valley State University, our economy sucks!!

I was a teacher's aide in Grand Rapids and Grandville for several years.  I saw many other graduates in the same situation as your wife.  Unfortunately, there are not many (teaching) jobs in michigan.  I am sure if you wait a few more years for the baby boomer era to retire, there may be a few openings but who really wants to wait and possibly be let down.  But consider this...when one opening becomes available there are anywhere between 100-300 individuals that apply for that position.  And it could be that the schools are highering from within.

Last year I heard in the news and read in the papers that California, Florida, Arizona, and a few other west coast states are recruiting teachers from Michigan.  It may be helpful to do some research on their state websites for any teaching positions.  Also make sure that they accept a teaching certificate from Western.  I know that anyone who moves to Michigan and tries to find a teaching job cannot because they did not get their degree from here.  It's just a precaution.  

As for job fairs, there aren't many...I know I've been watching certain websites for any updates.

As for a teacher website, check   www.michigan.gov/mde

There you can gain access to the Michigan Education Information System.  I might help...its worth a try.

Well I hope this helps, and I wish you and your wife the best of luck!!!!

Answer 5

Why can't your wife do her own work?  If she can't do this, how in the world will she be able to manage a classroom full of kids?

Maybe she should not be a teacher and you're the one pushing her into it.

Answer 6

Florida has a new class size law that is supposed to be in effect as of next school year. It is a good place to start! Check with local school districts to be hired- most of them will have their own websites that most likely have a section for job listings.

There is also this website that can help:

http://www.teachinflorida.com/