I am a teacher at a private school in NJ. I want to get into a public school setting.?

Question

However, I am told that it is extremely difficult, unless you "know someone". This is especially true for the primary grades. Does anyone have any advice?

Answer 1

It depends upon where you live, but many places are somewhat nepotistic and it really does depend on 'who you know'. That said, it also depends upon where you're applying. If you apply in a wealthy district that pays well, then everyone and their mother are already applying for public school jobs--your only chance is to have someone already there who knows you.

However, if you apply to a less affluent district, especially one with a teacher shortage, then knowing someone shouldn't make a difference. This assumes, of course, that you meet the NJ state requirements for a public elementary teacher. If not, then don't bother applying until you do.

My advice is to look at online job boards on each district's website. You can also find their salary scale there. If you find a district that pays well and only has a few openings, skip it. You'll never get in. If you find a district with lots of openings, then apply!

Answer 2

I was once in your situation. I now work at a public school. I did know someone, however it is possible to be hired without knowing someone.

I have heard comments about me such as "we love those private school converts..." because we are trained to do so much more in a private school. Public teachers will often say no while those who come from a private school always did extra without pay. Also, you are already trained and with experience (and public schools will not always pay you for that) and they benefit from it.

Your experience can certainly help you. Apply wherever you can. My situation was that a teacher from my private school became a principal in a public school. They needed a Spanish French teacher and literally could find no applicants. He called me and I got the job; there was no other applicant at all. I would have gotten the job whether he knew me or not, but I did not know about it without him.