Is substitute teaching relevant? What can I say to convince reluctant district administrators?

Question

I am fully certified to teach in two states. In one state, I worked in a Catholic school teaching 7th/8th grades and for a charter school as a Resource Specialist. For the last 4 years there, I worked as a substitute teacher, but was unable to hire on as a permanent teacher. Because of the limited opportunities, I moved from that state to another. I came mid-year, passed all state required tests, passed the background checks, and worked here as a substitute teacher at all grade levels.
My name was submitted by a principal for a 5th grade at his school. During the interview at the district level, one person (who has the yes or no approval) stated repeatedly she was concerned about my lack of "actual" teaching experience. Nothing I said could sway her. Another troubling aspect is they are willing to hire recent graduates with only Student Teaching experience.
I am male, 48 years old, completed teacher training, graduated with honors, and this is a second career.
Any opinions/advice

Answer 1

There is probably another reason you are not being selected. I've been on selection committees in which we discussed the applicant's lack of knowledge of classroom management, lack of communication skills, and disagreeableness, none of which would be valid reasons for not hiring ... however, they are very important. Ask a non-hiring principal (i.e., they have no positions available) what you can do to improve your chances. Good luck.

Answer 2

Would it be possible to get copies of your work record showing how many days you had actually worked. Had to laugh at the comment about your lack of 'actual' teaching experience. Only someone who has never done it could regard substitute teaching as anything but the real thing -- and the most arduous form of teaching!
But, back to the question at hand. Can you get references from your former supervisors? Although with the background you have, that should hardly be necessary.
It almost seems as though there is an unspoken reason why she doesn't want to hire you, and that's a real bummer if it's the case.
Good luck on it, and don't give up!

Answer 3

It sounds like you've hit a brick wall. I wonder if there are really some other reasons, like your sex or your age. That would be bad, but it could be a possibility. Did your teacher training include student teaching or is it from an alternative program that didn't have a mentored student teaching situation? That could be an issue, too. Maybe that lady didn't like you. In my district (in Texas), I didn't have to have an interview with the board or anything. They had to approve it, but they did so based on the application and resume. I didn't even have to be there. I think your experience is fine. Maybe you should try with some other districts. There are many districts out there desperately in need of certified teachers! You might have to go with one that is desperate for a while even if you don't want to stay there long-term just for some "real" teaching experience. There's a job for you out there somewhere!

Answer 4

Once again, she's a person who hasn't been in a school since 1962. She has not idea what it's like now, nor does she care. She'd have trouble trying to teach. Anyone who has subbed on a regular basis has to work a hundred times harder to get the kids to pay attention and to gain their respect. If the principal has asked you to be there full-time then obviously you have been able to accomplish this. Further, it looks like this person doesn't think that we teach in Catholic school or that it's sooo easy that you really couldn't make the transition. Boy, these people irritate me! Perhaps, because of your experience and degrees, they would have to pay you much more than recent graduates. That could be the reason she's coming up with all these excuses. They might be able to hire more than one new grad for the cost of you, but can't tell you this because it's discrimination. If the principal really wants you he's going to have to put some pressure on these people. Good luck!

Answer 5

I would acknowledge the fact that you realize substitute teaching has some major differences--that there isn't the lesson planning, the assessment (usually), the interaction with parents, etc. Talk about the experiences you had with those dimensions of teaching in your training and, if any, while substituting. Talk up the fact that as a substitute you've had to be an effective classroom manager, had to be flexible, etc. Also, try to substitute in a few districts A LOT. Those districts will get to know you, see your professionalism, your attention to detail, etc., and it can make a BIG difference. Finally, shoot for long-term substitute positions which will allow you to demonstrate effective lesson planning, assessment, etc. I would also not be afraid to bring up your prior work experience and how that affects your decision to teach and how you can bring those experiences to the classroom. Good luck!

Answer 6

I have been a Substitute Teacher for over 20 years, in several states and also for the Department of Defense Schools.

And I can tell you most school districts do not recognize the talent and dedication it takes to be a substitute. They just simply lump all "subs" in one big pile. No matter how desperate they become to find subs throughout the year, they do not take care of these assets.

The Department of Defense Schools is currently hiring teachers. The majority of positions are overseas but there are still a small amount of stateside DODDS positions.

www.usajobs.com or www.avuecentral.com

Answer 7

I think you just got a dud on the hiring squad. You sound pretty competent and qualified just from your details. I will say that in my area, the men are the worst substitutes. They're odd and don't know how to work with the kids. I know this is obviously not true for all or even most men in the business, but we seem to have bad luck in our district. Perhaps the woman who couldn't see your point has had bad luck too. My only suggestion would be to try a different school district.

Answer 8

I'll be honest. I think it is an age thing. My mom went to college, got certified to teach English when she was younger than you (but not much younger). She couldn't find a job anywhere, so she finally gave up and settled for being a teachers aide. She retires December, this year.

I'm going into my 5th year teaching now...and I have never seen an older person hired on as a first year teacher, regardless of background.

It sucks, I can't explain it. God knows we have enough burnt out teachers that could use a break!!

Answer 9

Of course its relevant! I interviewed someone for a teaching position this week, if she would have had that experience I would have been more likely to have hired her! Look for districts that hire alternative certification teachers, or districts that are suffering a teaher shortage (most urban districts!) They are more willing to hire teachers who are outside the norm. Good luck.

Answer 10

You were probably applying to a school who get more applicants than positions open. There are plenty of schools with plenty of open positions and not enough applicants.

You can probably figure out why. But if you truly want to teach, there are plenty of schools that do need teachers. Look at those schools if you really need a teaching job.