whats the best way to apply for teaching jobs?

Question

Im graduating in December with my masters in special education & currently have my BA in elementary childhood. Would I just send out resumes to every local school district?Should I fax or mail them? What about a cover letter?Do you send that with the resume of do you bring that on the invteview? How would I be sure that the school got the resume?

Answer 1

I would update your resume and make sure it highlights your strengths and things you have done. It wouldn't be bad idea to have someone at your college's career center check it over, too. I strongly recommend mailing your resume and cover letter (vs. faxing). Invest in a neutral linen paper and matching envelops. I would also write a generic cover letter for those that I wasn't that interested in and a specific cover letter for each of the school districts you would prefer to teach in. Do some research, so you can let them know in the cover letter that you really want to be there. Of course, there should be absolutely no mistakes, grammatical or otherwise.
I know that when a job opens up in the school where I teach, they can get up to 600 resumes for one job. It's important that your materials stand out, or the supervisor won't even bother to read it. If they've received your resume and are not considering you for a position, they will most likely send you a letter explaining that. Don't be discouraged because many districts avoid first-year teachers all together (although your masters will help you overcome that).
When you go to the interview, bring another copy of the resume along with your letters of recommendation and portfolio. They may not even want that stuff, but better safe than sorry. I would also be sure to dress the part. I am suprised at how many people I've seen in interviews dressed in business casual. Get a navy blue, dark grey, or black suit (with a skirt, not pants if you're a female) and a white, button-down shirt. If your hair is long, wear it up. Check to see if your career center offers practice interviews as well.

Answer 2

If you have been on interviews, you might want to contact some of the principals and ask them for a critique on your interview, what went well, what didn't, and if there was anything specific that stood out with them as to why they did not hire you. This information could help you with your interview skills. Also, you may not have to wait a whole year to apply again. Keep in mind that during the first weeks of school there may be opportunities if the schools need additional teachers; keep an eye on the school district's job website. I know several people who have become substitute teachers when they did not land a classroom job and were later offered classrooms (gives the Principal's a chance to observe you). I also know several other people who took jobs as teacher aides. If they worked well with the rest of the staff, they were offered any classroom positions that opened during the year. Either of these options will get your foot in the door. If you persevere and are good at what you do, you will find a teaching position.

Answer 3

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! :) It is a good idea to send out your resume and cover letter to every school that has an opening. Be sure there are ZERO mistakes in the materials you submit. There are often dozens, even hundreds of applicants for one or two positions in a district. Those on the hiring committee need some quick ways to weed out the applicants and spelling/grammatical errors are usually taken as early indicators that the applicant isn't as serious as others.

With graduating in December, I'm not sure how many positions will be open in your area. One great thing to do is start subbing on a regular basis, especially in the schools you'd like to work in. When it comes time for hiring, those on the committee will be more likely to look twice at your application if you've done a good job in their schools.

Good luck!

Answer 4

1. Visit the Career Service's department at your university for job-application support. My university has one full-time employee who only helps Education students.

2. Check the websites for local school districts and read their application process. Each district will want a unique mixture of documents sent in differently. "Mass mailing" your resume and cover letter is NOT effective. TARGET your application to the district you are applying for. Some school districts will allow you to submit your professional portfolio, so bring in your best examples of lesson plans, student work and research. You may be able to start substitute teaching immediately after graduating, but you probably won't get on full-time until the next September.

Answer 5

Yes, mail out rons of resumes to schools around your area! Send the resumes either to himan resources or directly to the principal of each school. Send your cover letter with your resume and a copy of your three letters of reccomendation. Good luck...it may take some time to get an interview but once you do, bring your portfolio with you. They probably wont even look at it but its nice to have something to show them just in case. So exciting!!

Answer 6

This will allow you to find jobs in the city and state that you desire to work.


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