Teaching MS/HS English in the Chicago and suburban areas...tips and suggestions please!?

Question

I am a recent grad with a BA in secondary education English and a minor in speech/theatre. I'm trying to find a position teaching English/LA and/or Communications and I'm having a difficult time doing so as the schools have fewer openings than the number of applicants. I started subbing last year, and I was looking for a job for this school year but have been unsuccessful. What tips, advice, suggestions, or inspirational words can you share from your experiences?

I apply, leave voice mails and emails, and send hard copies of my materials, but rarely get responses from the responsible parties.

With the large number of applicants, do administrators and dept heads actually take the time to look at all the apps, cover letters, resumes, etc., or do they pick a few good ones from a pile and stick with those? How does the selection process work?

Some districts have established a consortium where applicants can apply for a few districts in the surrounding area at the same time. Is there such a consortium for a larger number of districts in the Chicagoland area and suburban districts?

And, what has been your experience in finding your first year position? It seems English openings are rare to find today. Were jobs in demand in your field, or did you have a difficult time finding a job?

Any suggestions, advice, or even stories would be great. Thank you! I appreciate your time.

Answer 1

Hi there. I teach in the Chicago suburbs. I have a masters, six years of experience, and lots of other great things on my resume. However, I was certified/licensed in North Carolina only before coming up here. Public school districts didn't even give me a second look because of that. I did however get a job at a private school last year. I'm making a lot less than I could be at a public school, but I figure once I get a couple years under my belt there, and get my IL license, they'll look more closely at me. Also, it's really late in the year and probably a lot of districts are full. I know of a few districts in my area specifically that have a hiring freeze because of the economy... I hope you find something!  

Answer 2

I've been teaching H.S. English since 1982.  The field is overcrowded regardless of where you live.  I'm on Long Island, NY, and the market relies on nepotism.  Unless you're willing to put your life on the line and work in the inner cities, you're going to have to get some good connections or find another field!  It's the most fulfilling career in the world, but there just isn't any demand.  What else is an English major going to do but teach?    I originally started in a publishing house and then decided to pursue my MsEd.     Thanks to tenure (which I think is an outrage because I work with some people who should have been dismissed a long time ago), nobody leaves.  Don't get me wrong -- experienced teachers are wonderful assets, but there are some teachers who really don't want to get out of the chair and teach anymore.   Another thing you need to realize is that

before a job opening is even advertised, the job has been given to the superintendant's niece or best friend's son!  

     I hope you do find a job, but you're going to have to start in either the private sector (Catholic school? Private school?) or go into the war zone! You might have to consider leaving Chicago.  Try growing areas like the Carolinas or Arizona.    Good luck!