Finding a Job as a Teacher

Once you're qualified to become a teacher in your state, you'll want to get out there and find your first teaching job.With some time and planning you will soon have the perfect teaching position to start your career. Here are some tips on finding a job as a teacher:

Choose Your Focus

Before you begin your search, identify what your focus will be. Do you want to teach at an elementary level or high school?

At the elementary school level, decide which grade you want to teach to. If you're aiming for high school, identify which subjects you prefer to teach, and which ones you would be comfortable teaching. Remember that the more subjects you're willing to teach, the more job opportunities for you.

Select an Area

Once you've chosen who you want to teach and what you want to teach, the next step is to decide where you want to teach.

Ideally you'll probably want to teach close to home, or you may have a few schools in mind. The easiest way to identify at which schools you want to teach is to get a map of your area and mark off your preferred schools, noting which district they are in.

Contact the Districts

Now that you've got your shortlist, you can begin contacting the HR department of each school to inquire about their job application process and any open teaching positions they may have. Once you've completed the application process, you can request to be put on the substitute teaching list.

Start Subbing

The best way to show off your skills and start networking with schools is to start substitute teaching. It also allows you to flex your teaching muscles and make a bit of cash while you wait for a permanent job to open up. With a bit of work, you can show each school why they would be glad to hire you on staff.

Talk to Principals

When subbing at a school, take the opportunity to talk to the principal and give them a copy of your resume. By getting in your resume and putting a face to the name, you'll have a much better chance of being remembered when a faculty job becomes available.

Keep Looking

Unless you can sub in every school, you won't get a chance to meet every principal out there, so keep your eyes open.

Look at job boards and contact any schools who do their hiring directly to see if you can send in a resume and cover letter. Attend job fairs, and consider taking a few classes while you're waiting for a job, to bulk up your resume. If you have the time, consider volunteering in your community, as this always looks great and will keep you busy.

Don't Give Up!

The wheels of bureaucracy move slowly, meaning that even when new teaching positions are created, or when positions become vacant, it can take a long time between posting, interviewing, and hiring. Even if an opening comes up, you need to be patient and professional at all times.

Don't worry, as soon you will have a great permanent teaching position and a great future ahead of you!

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