Didn't get the teaching job, so now what?

[linnylu]

I am so bummed. I have had 2 interviews with the same school district for a high school teaching job. Today I found out that they went with the other candidate over me. I really, really need a job and there are so few out there. I don't have my masters and have heard not to get it yet. I have been out of teaching for 10 years and really want/need to return. Any advice? Maybe I need to go back to school for a new career? Disappointment is so hard to take.

 

[disney1990]

Have you tried subbing at the schools where you want to teach? Maybe it will get you a foot in the door, when they see what a hard worker (and good teacher) you are. This worked for a friend of ours.

 

[MushyMushy]

Just keep trying! Teaching is so over-saturated these days. Try to get to know people in the schools where you want to work. Subbing is definitely NOT a food in the door for a lot of schools. In fact, the longer you're on the sub roster for some schools, the less likely you'll be to get hired there (depending on the district, of course). One thing you might want to do in the meantime is look into other types of teaching gigs -- tutoring, adult ed (like GED classes), and things like that.

Good luck. I graduated in 2006 and am still looking.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

Have you tried subbing at the schools where you want to teach? Maybe it will get you a foot in the door, when they see what a hard worker (and good teacher) you are. This worked for a friend of ours.

That's what works in our school district. Right now, due to budget cuts and layoffs, all positions from cook to teacher have to be filled internally and that includes substitute teachers.

I would look into getting your substitute license and then sell yourself to teachers. I don't know if it is the same in your district as ours, but teachers pick their own substitutes. Subs leave their qualifications and phone numbers with teachers, hoping that they will be the one called.

Once they make a name for themselves as good subs, they are usually first on the list for any available open teaching spot.

I am so bummed. I have had 2 interviews with the same school district for a high school teaching job. Today I found out that they went with the other candidate over me. I really, really need a job and there are so few out there. I don't have my masters and have heard not to get it yet. I have been out of teaching for 10 years and really want/need to return. Any advice? Maybe I need to go back to school for a new career? Disappointment is so hard to take.

 

[elbigvato]

How planted are you in the area where you live? You may have to move to another town or find a different school district to apply.

 

[linnylu]

Just keep trying! Teaching is so over-saturated these days. Try to get to know people in the schools where you want to work. Subbing is definitely NOT a food in the door for a lot of schools. In fact, the longer you're on the sub roster for some schools, the less likely you'll be to get hired there (depending on the district, of course). One thing you might want to do in the meantime is look into other types of teaching gigs -- tutoring, adult ed (like GED classes), and things like that.

Good luck. I graduated in 2006 and am still looking.

This is actually what I was told by a couple of teachers in the district- the district does not hire their subs. I know I'd be a great teacher. Why can't anyone else see that? It's enough to make me cry.

 

[Disneycrazymom]

I am sorry. It is a difficult time right now. I hope you find something to hold you over until you land your dream job.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Around here, subbing is the first step in getting your foot in the door.

I know you want hs, but maybe look into something like a gifted and talented summer type program, if its not too late. Our friends dd is subbing and just got that summer position at a private school camp. so the experience will be good etc. At least its a start.

How about something like a museum docent?

Best of luck to you.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

Unfortunately, many states are cutting back in terms of budget. In March, Missouri decided not to pay every school district $650,000 that was owed to them... with no warning. Many school districts right now are cutting back people not, hiring on. I've heard that in our state it's going to be even worse next year. Some districts will hire subs, some will not. It depends on how hard up for subs districts are.

Honestly, it might not be a bad idea to get your Master's now. Because of the highly qualified teacher stipulation in NCLB, most districts require that you get your Master's within a certain amount of time of being hired on. Maybe by the time you are done, the economy will turn around (or you will at least make some contacts in the school you are working with through your program).

 

[kydisneyfans]

I would look at teaching at a community college/adult education level. Thousands have gone back to brush up on skills or get a new career, and those jobs are open if you look.

The school my wife teaches at is hiring for the semester starting July 6. She took doubled her workload, and she didn't even consider teaching as a career.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Have you applied at any private schools? In our area, they pay less than public schools but I know a few people who have had better luck getting private school jobs.

 

[meliss8599]

What are you endorsed/certified in? If you don't have them already, you may want to go back to get additional endorsements in Math, Science, and/or teaching ESL (English as a Second Language).

At least in the Chicagoland area, those are the most in demand and they're the endorsements that will get you in the door and keep you in once you're there. ESL is HUUUUUUGE here due to the large immigrant population. I can't say enough how glad I am that I got endorsed in it.

I know Reading Specialists are in demand as well but, I believe, that's a masters.

 

[stepmommyof1]

Just get married, that's what I did.

LOL Just kidding.

I think all the other ideas are good, and my little idea is getting a different job (just a temporary little job, doesn't have to be in teaching, just something that will get some bills paid) and do tutoring on the side, like with Sylvan Learning Center or another tutoring place. They hire part time tutors and it would give you some more experience in the education field to put on your resume until you find a full time teaching job.

Good luck I hope it works out

 

[Cindy B]

With a 10 year gap, it is best to get some new experience. In my area, subs do not get hired on-- so it is best for me to look not in my local district, but in different counties!

I'm still looking as well and I graduated December 08. I currently have a non teaching job that i HATE but it is a job!

 

[comicguy]

It took me three years to get my current teaching job.

I had to sub for three years, also during that time I did home teaching for students who were kicked out of school for short term (3-5 days) and long term (5 days - 6 months). I also taught summer school. During that time I did a long term position (10 weeks). I left the district that I did all of this work in after I was passed over for a fulltime position because "you are too good of a substitute" This was after I was hired three years before and told "we pride ourselves on hiring/promoting from within"

Then I took a temp position as a teacher at a residential facility, which landed me my current job for which I am up for tenure next month.

My advice, look for ways that you can "teach" without being a "classroom" teacher. (summer school, afterschool programs, tutoring, teaching at risk kids, coaching, etc...) I know it is hard, pay is not the best, it can be discouraging but just keep reminding yourself it is worth it and it will eventually payoff.

 

[golfgal]

I would look at teaching at a community college/adult education level. Thousands have gone back to brush up on skills or get a new career, and those jobs are open if you look.

The school my wife teaches at is hiring for the semester starting July 6. She took doubled her workload, and she didn't even consider teaching as a career.

I think this is a great idea.

As far as teaching in a high school, the fact that you got down to the 2 finalists says a lot. Keep trying. Also remember that most schools don't do their hiring until August when they have a better idea of numbers although this year, hardly any schools will be hiring.

 

[paintnolish]

I have heard NOT to get your master's. Schools have to pay those with a degree, or any hours of study towards a master's degree, more. If it is between you, who hasn't taught in a long time but has to be paid more, and someone who just has a bachelor's degree, they will often go with who needs to be paid less. Obviously, they are looking for a good teacher, but if you are both good teachers, money will be a consideration. I will graduate in Dec. with a teaching degree and would like to spend the spring beginning master's work, but I have been told by many (my advisor, college professors, and teachers in high schools now) to NOT work on my master's.
Now, I am not teaching now, but I have been observing in high schools for the past few years and have been studying to teach. Part of this studying and learning to teach involves how to look for a job. It is tough right now. You know that. Network! Do you know anyone with connections? Other teachers or adminstrators? Sub! Get your foot in the door and make an impression! Do you have an updated portfolio? Get another endorsement! Can you teach middle school or another subject?
Anyway, good luck! I will be in your position at this time next year!

 

[nfowife]

I 100% agree with subbing. Most states, if you are certified, you can do pretty well $$-wise by subbing. Also gets your name out there. And don't give up hope. Just keep going to schools, dropping a cover letter. There will probably be more hiring towards the end of the summer/beginning of next school year.