Depressed because I can't get a teaching job

[linnylu]

I have been a stay at home mom for 12 years. I taught for 7 years before making the decision to stay home. Last spring I started looking for teaching jobs and was able to get only 1 interview out of the 3 districts I applied to. I am licensed to teacher 7-12 social studies in Ohio. I didn't get the job This school year I have been babysitting for 2 teachers just to bring in some money. There are rarely openings for social studies teachers and if there is an opening, 100s apply. The situation is so depressing to me. I really can't afford to go back to school since our oldest will be in college next year and our 2nd oldest the year after. We just don't have the money for me. But what can I do besides teach? I am 40 years old, so I am not getting any younger. The thing is, I know that I would be a great teacher. I love teenagers. I love the school environment. I think that I will be a better teacher now that I have teens of my own. There are also 100s of subs in our area so they aren't getting called very often- plus being a sub is not the same as being a teacher.

 

[golfgal]

First, getting an interview-especailly after only applying to 3 jobs is VERY good in the teaching industry. We had a social opening at our middle school last year, 1000 resumes sent in .

There are PLENTY of things you can do besides "teach". You could sub-which is really the best way to get a full time job, you could work as a corporate trainer, you could work as an office manager, get a job with an educational software company. Start looking at job openings on Careerbuilder or Monster Jobs and see if there is anything that interests you.

As far as going back to school, if you want to go, go. There are a boatload of scholarships for non-traditional students and having 2 in school will actually benefit you when it comes to financial aid-3 even better.

 

[Meriweather]

DD is an unemployed teacher.
She has been without a job for 2 years in May.
She got on the sub roster at 2 districts after 6 months. One was too far away so this year just on the one roster.
She has applied to 100s of jobs and interviewed at least 20 times, 3-4 for second interviews still nothing. SOOOO many teachers are looking.
She only has one year experience, but has a master's and is science endosement.
She is K-8 certified.

It is very depressing for her too.
She lives with us because she has no choice. I feel so sorry for her. She has worked since she was 16 and is very bright and personable. And it is so hard on her.

Good luck to you and all the people looking for jobs in these hard times,

 

[focusondisney]

What about some place like Hunntington Learning Centers? I know they are all certified teachers. I'm sure they don't pay the same, but it will get some current experience back on your resume.

 

[aladams2]

We're just in the wrong field. I got a teaching job out of college and moved to Cali from the midwest for it. Taught for 2 years and then moved back to the midwest w/ new DH for his job. Had 2 kids and have been trying to get an elementary teaching job for 7 years! Yup, that's right, 7!! I have been subbing for 7 years and am one of the most requested subs in the district. I love subbing, but I still would love my own room. There were 800 applicants for one opening last year. With the layoffs and budget cuts, there really isn't much I can do. I'm not going back to school either, and there really isn't much else I'm interested in doing. So I stay subbing. I like having the days off w/ my kids and my DH does rotating shiftwork, so it works best for us. Sorry I don't have any advise for you, this field of work is very difficult at this time and I'm hoping there will be a lot of retirements soon!!

 

[HeatherC]

How about tutoring? You can make a lot of money doing this. Put an ad in a local paper or advertise on Craigslist and submit your name and pho e number to your high school.

 

[SpecialK]

I'm in the same boat. Fifteen years experience with a masters. One of my friends has 15 years and a masters in reading and can't even get on a sub list.

I'm no longer looking to get back into education. I've spoken to a couple of principals who are friends, and the experience and advanced degree actually work against getting hired because I'd be more expensive than a recent grad.

If you have your heart set on working with kids, you could look into before & after school prgrams, park district programs for teens or a tutoring service, as another poster suggested.

 

[Hoodie]

Any public sector job, including teaching, is going to be really hard to come by until the economy turns around. I know a ton of out of work teachers. Honestly, it's stories like yours that has led me to keep my job at least part time and not be a SAHM. My best friend is a special ed. teacher, supposedly in high demand, and has been looking for something for the last 2 years. She had only been a SAHM for 5 years, but can't even get anything subbing either. Another one has 2 degrees and was a SAHM and homeschooled and can't find anything in any field.

She's tutored a couple of kids. She even tried getting some part time work as a receptionist for a local salon and was turned down. It's hard out there, esp. for those who have been out of the workforce for more than a year.

 

[ENSOCK]

WOW! And my children's school is always looking for certified teachers. We are a small private school and have a turnover evey year. Right now my son's 5th grade teacher is qualified to teach 7-12. she is just waiting for an opening in math to open then she will move up. Good luck with your searches.

 

[Nik's Mom]

This may not be what you are looking for, but have you considered checking into working as a para professional or teachers aid with your school? I know it isn't perfect, but it would get you back in a classroom and working with kids. Just a thought.

 

[NewCrew42]

I lived in Ohio several years ago. I had a couple of years teaching experience and a Masters when we moved there. I was basically told I would never be hired there because of my experience and advanced degree. I had "priced" myself out of the market. I was called to sub a lot. The people who were hired had subbed in the district between 3 to 5 years and only had their BSE.

The school board president lived two houses away from me, the district superintendents backyard connected our backyard, and the high school principal lived on my same street two blocks up. Knowing all of them so well helped me to able to sub, but they were very honest that they would never be able to hire me.

MSE plus 3 years teaching experience VS. BSE with 0 years teaching experience. The district needed to go with the person they could pay less.

I ended up working at a Before & After School childcare program. Maybe look into other areas as others have suggested.

 

[teachermommy78]

It is so frustrating! I am lucky enough to be teaching in a private school with no benefits and about $20,000 less pay a year than Chicago Public School teachers. I'm LUCKY because I have this job. UGH!

This time in our history is so tough. The economy will get better and hiring will become a regular thing, but then I fear requirements and qualifications will be so changed. I am in the same situation as you for further education. Not only do I not have money to get the masters that is REQUIRED in many districts around here, I have three small children that I just cant bear to neglect. That is on me, but the money isn't.

I agree with the others. Subbing is the best way "in."If i didn't have a job, that's what I would be doing. Also, aiding would be good, too.

 

[RadioNate]

It's tough out there. I've been a SAHM for nearly 10 years and my no-so-DH left me last month. I have no idea what I'm going to do! I thought about getting a masters in teaching so I'd be on my kids schedule (the youngest is 3) but it looks like no one is getting jobs.

I just got my 1st rejection letter yesterday. I was in the Public Relations field and have a good friend who is a VP at a PR firm. She was being honest, which is good, but she said they wouldn't even consider me for an internship let alone an entry level paid position.

I'm going to have to go back to school. I don't know how considering I have no money or anyone to watch my kids but there is no other option.

Good luck to everyone out there looking for jobs. It is terrifying.

 

[Kathi OD]

WOW! And my children's school is always looking for certified teachers. We are a small private school and have a turnover evey year. Right now my son's 5th grade teacher is qualified to teach 7-12. she is just waiting for an opening in math to open then she will move up. Good luck with your searches.

The turnover is probably due to the lower wages and lack of benefits when compared to public school teachers.

I worked in private school for several years. When I finally found a job in public school, my salary jumped big time. In private school I was making $22000. My public school job paid $46,200 and was only 71% time!!! Additionally, I got full family benefits, paid for by the school district.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Just being sent out to everyone trying to find a job

 

[kaytieeldr]

There are PLENTY of things you can do besides "teach". You could sub-which is really the best way to get a full time job, you could work as a corporate trainer,

That's what I thought, as soon as I saw the thread title. AOL had an article just this week, including this in their seven "good" or "less stressful" careers; I apologize for not remembering the exact category

 

[DisneyLover83]

I graduated with an Accounting degree in December and also been doing the "job hunt" since last September, very few calls for interviews and it is hard mentally.... I'll be thinking of you and hope something comes your way.

 

[Reddy]

I had a thought - I think teachers would be great for this, but pay won't be much but hey something is better than nothing right??
have ya thought about working with the Mentally Retarded group homes?? or day hab. centers??
The company here is looking for someone to work with my boys & few others

 

[DisTeach1]

I am a high school teacher and my best advice would be to find a way to go back to school and get an extra certification in something that is in demand. I started out with a K-8 credential in Regular Ed, and then kept going to school while subbing and looking for a job-I've ended up with a Special Education Credential, a Master's Degree in Special Ed, and I just added a new Autism/Asperger's credential (something new in CA). I am the only one in my district to hold this new credential so far.

In this job market, you have to find a way to distinguish yourself. Going back to school will pay for itself in time if you find a job.

 

[eliza61]

Tutor. I was searching high and low for a qualified teacher for my son a few years ago. It doesn't necessarily have to be in Social Studies. He needed help writing papers and reading comprehension. I was offering 30 bucks a hour.

Good luck. I pray daily for the economy to pick up.