I really am having a hard time getting a job. I've only done summer camp in my field. On the bright side, I'm sort of okay that I am not working because my daughter still has two more years at home before she starts school. I'm concerned that now I'll really never get hired if I finish my MAT this year because who would want to pay more for an 'unexperienced' teacher?
2006-09-04 15:10:57 · 8 answers · asked by Venus 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
You need to be careful. Many school districts do not want to hire a teacher who has their master degree because they will have to pay you more money. Having little or no teaching experience is also going to be a factor when applying for a job. I sympathize with you and I understand how hard it is to find a teaching position. I live in Ohio and I will be looking for a job come this summer of 2007. I am in my last semester of college as an early childhood major and my professors constantly tell us that we are going to have to move south or out west to find teaching postions.
I wish you the best of luck. I know how difficult this is.
2006-09-05 13:33:14 · answer #1 · answered by happy_teaching_gal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With the "No Child Left Behind" all teachers are now required to be highly qualified. At my school (and many others) we receive tuition reimbursement as we pursue our masters.
There was a time when they said not to go for the masters until you had a job. I think that this is changing. They will either have to pay you more or have to pay for you to go school. Either way it costs them.
Having 0 experience does not hurt you; you are still at the bottom of the pay scale and they may hire you (even with the masters) before they hire someone with 10 years experience.
The area that you live in does play a factor; some states are so short on teachers that they are more than desperate while others just have too many teachers. Having a masters degree will not dissuade most people from hiring you. In many instances it can be a bonus.
In addition; it is incredibly difficult to get a masters, teach full time and parent and care for a home. I did it but I am surprised I survived! I would get as much down towards it as I could if I were you.
2006-09-04 15:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by Melanie L 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where I live, quality, certified teachers are in high demand (and it looks like that trend will stay for a few years) When your family time allows you to begin work, you may want to start out as a substitute (yes, I know it can be stressful), but that will give you the experience and an insight into which school(s) you really want to be at. A "foot in the door" sort of speak. If you do not have your certification, often times you can be working toward it at this time. Experience is only part of what is needed as a teacher, maturity is the other. Your experience as a parent will also be considered, if you mention it during an interview. Those are my thoughts as an educational administrator. Best wishes
2006-09-04 15:20:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I would try to start looking for a job before you finish your masters, so you can get some experience. If your reason for not working is to be at home with your daughter try substituting or teaching summer school. If you have not already done so make sure you take your states exam to get certified. If you pass that test most principals won't have a problem hiring you. Good Luck!
P.S. Most school systems encourage their teachers to continue their educations so it is not like the business world were paying for advanced degrees is frowned upon
2006-09-04 15:46:26 · answer #4 · answered by tmitchell912 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some systems do that to keep the budget down...some don't. If you are someone they want, they will hire you to fill a position, no matter what your level or degree....Try to sub in a school system and this will help to expose you to your department and let them know what you can do....many teachers get hired that way from within.....also, if you wait, get a job, and then when you have a job, the system will sometime pay for all or part of the classes to earn your next degree...Masters.....then the pay step increase will kick in (usually) during the next calendar year.
2006-09-04 15:17:54 · answer #5 · answered by Sammyleggs222 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess it would depend on what state you are in. In California, they care more about getting a fully credentialed, qualified teacher rather than how much they will have to pay. And even with a Master's degree, you'll still be on step 1 of the pay scale. That's not a whole lot of money.
2006-09-04 15:17:09 · answer #6 · answered by Taffi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends what your certification is in and what districts you are applying to. I have a Master's and I'm just doing my student teaching right now, but my certification will be in math (a highly needed field), and I'm willing to go to St Louis or Chicago Public Schools (where they desparately need teachers), and I won't have a problem getting in there. If you are looking for an elementary job, for instance, it's going to probably be a bit tougher.
2006-09-04 15:14:45 · answer #7 · answered by Krimil 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having your masters degree is only going to help you in the long run as you gain teaching experience the advancements in pay grade are time based so it won't matter salary wise., however if you think you might want to teach at a university someday your one step closer to your doctorate..
2006-09-04 15:30:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋