Why is it so incredibly hard to find a teahing job?

Question

I graduated college in 2004 from Iowa with an elementary education degree. After that I applied for jobs everywhere from Colorado to North Carolina, and I heard nothing back except for a few rejection letters. I now live in Indiana and I still can't find a job. I am willing to relocate, but every state has their certain requirements for new teachers making it sooo difficult to find a job. Does anyone out there share my frustrations or have any advice for me??

Answer 1

I totally share your frustrations!
I also graduated in 2004 and I have el. ed. and sped. I took a job that first year in a one room school house on a Hutterite colony. I am still there, but have constantly been looking for another job and I cannot get anywhere! Keep in mind this is in South Dakota...51st in the nation for teacer pay...I think my garbage man makes more money than teachers here do, yet I still can't get a job!
Good Luck!

Answer 2

Keep in mind that teaching is the same as every other job -- just because you finished your degree doesn't mean that people will throw jobs at you.

The best way to locate a job is to focus on one state. That way, you can work toward their qualifications (credentials, etc) and get a position. Jumping around from state to state is really not a good way to get a job in this market. Keep in mind that NCLB qualifications are a plus, but are not the only thing the districts are looking for.

Where did you do your student teaching? I would suggest that you start looking in the area where you did your credential work (since you should have everything completed already). If that is not possible -- get your substitute credential, and do some sub work -- subbing will show off your teaching abilities (specifically, classroom management) and make it easier get a position when one opens up (if you have all of your credential requirements met).

Contrary to popular belief, it's not *easy* to become a teacher. It does take hard work, effort, and patience. You need to make contacts, show people what you know, and how good you are at your job. That's the best way to gain trust, and in the end gain a position. Once you have some time under your belt, you can move on to other districts, or states, as you see fit.

Diligence is the key -- use your job hunting skills (as you would any other "regular" job) and you will land a position in no time.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Apply for a teaching job in a rural or inner city school. That is where they can't get teachers. I was able to get a job as a high school history teacher without my teacher credentials in North Carolina, so you should certainly be able to get a job WITH your teaching credentials. You must be applying only in the large cities, where there is no shortage of teachers. Also, give them time to call you. School isn't even out here yet, so they might not know how many openings they will have until later in the summer.

Answer 4

many districts in Florida have a shortage of well qualified teachers.

That said, there is no shortage in the 'best' schools -- virtually all of which are in the upper middle class areas. In fact, in those schools, it is common for new teachers to work several years as substitutes before getting a full time position.


What did you study and learn in Iowa that the average Florida teaching grad might not have studied [or learned poorly]? {Many Florida teacher preparation programs are not well thought of anywhere except their home area.


{Btw, school districts in Florida are county wide, so each individual city does not have its own schools unless the city is sponsoring a charter school. Charter schools do have separate hiring down here.}

Answer 5

im a teacher in n. ireland. luckily i have a job but its the same here. theres too many old teachers still hanging on when they are just not fit for the job, physically or mentally. even when they do retire, they come back to cover supply work, which costs the school budget a fortune, rather than let a new 'cheaper' teacher get the money and the experience. the system sucks!

Answer 6

Go online to find districts that are hiring. There is a teacher shortage nation wide, so I'm surprised you haven't landed a job. But don't give up. Many districts hold Job Fairs. Here is a list that my own district has.

http://www.springbranchisd.com/person/recruit/jobfairs.htm

Good luck !!! Spring Branch ISD is located in Houston , Texas.

Answer 7

Is there a reason why you aren't focusing your search to Iowa? You have Iowa credentials. So, you should meet the requirements for Iowa pretty easily.

Answer 8

I think it is because you do not know how to spell teaching make sure someone proof reads your resume!!!