The New Teachers Looking for Jobs Support Thread!

[Blueeyes101817]

and i am on the other end, i am a 23 year old in new jersey that has been trying to get a teaching job and cannot.. They went for those with more experience--I have been working at a Goddard School and was a coteacher for a pre-k class

i understad the frustration

 

[MM27]

Are the people that come for a year or two then leave being offered tenure when they're eligible? Because it could be a case of the district using lower salaried teachers to fill a need then cutting them loose when it's time to commit to them as much as the teachers using the district for experience then moving on. Works both ways, and I'm sure it happens to lots of districts and teachers regardless of how the person became certified.

You have to work 3 years and then on your first day of your 4th year you get tenure. It's not a matter of not being offered a contract. I think many people look at urban schools as a good starting place because if you can prove that you can be successful in, or "handle" a classroom there, you are obviously doing something right. I will be starting my 9th year in September in my school. I can't tell you how many people told me my first year, "If you can handle this, you can handle anything."

When I graduated college in 2000, everyone was saying how it would be no problem finding a teaching job. I ended up taking this job, an hour away from my house because that wasn't really the case, again, unless you were willing to do the urban thing. The commute stinks, but I love working with the kids I have. When you see how much you are a part of these kids' lives, it is well worth it. I had kids on the last day of school that hung around almost an hour after school got out, were in tears, with a death grip on me and they didn't want to leave. As tough as it may be during the year, those things tell me why I do it and keep going back.

 

[#1hockeymom]

Hey, I didn't get a job because "your G.P.A. is too high." Yeah, we wouldn't want to hire somebody that actually shows they understand the subject, now would we?

Hockeymom - & & then that you would lose those years of seniority because you were classified as special ed.

I am so sorry.

Thank you to both of you!

You have to work 3 years and then on your first day of your 4th year you get tenure. It's not a matter of not being offered a contract. I think many people look at urban schools as a good starting place because if you can prove that you can be successful in, or "handle" a classroom there, you are obviously doing something right. I will be starting my 9th year in September in my school. I can't tell you how many people told me my first year, "If you can handle this, you can handle anything."

When I graduated college in 2000, everyone was saying how it would be no problem finding a teaching job. I ended up taking this job, an hour away from my house because that wasn't really the case, again, unless you were willing to do the urban thing. The commute stinks, but I love working with the kids I have. When you see how much you are a part of these kids' lives, it is well worth it. I had kids on the last day of school that hung around almost an hour after school got out, were in tears, with a death grip on me and they didn't want to leave. As tough as it may be during the year, those things tell me why I do it and keep going back.

Here, even the urban districts are laying off, but for a bit they were the only jobs in the area. I believe Detroit is laying off close to 800! I totally agree with loving an urban placement. I LOVE my job and my kids! I just wish it wasn't so hard to keep my job year to year! Great evaluations, great test scores, happy children... and I still don't know when/if I'll have a job in September, or what grade level/school! Talk about insane!

In my district it is walk in on the first day of your fifth year and you have tenure. Tenure doesn't save you from being pink slipped, though.

 

[yoopermom]

I've missed this thread! I'm a teacher who's been on layoff for 4.5 years, just finishing up my LD certification. Found out in the past week that I have to choose between a full time in a new district 90 miles away at step 1, or go back to my original district half time (for half of my salary from when it was frozen with my layoff, plus whatever tiny amounts have been added over the years). Since I'm tenured, our house is paid off, DH has a stable job here, and DS has one year til he's done with middle school, I'll probably take the local one.

What's been frustrating for me (and I've been doing TONS of interviewing) is that lots of experience/education gets me in the door, but when they figure out what it might cost them, the door gets slammed in my face! At least here in MI, they have to give you credit for your education, but can start you at the bottom step in terms of experience. I know of at least three experienced teachers in my LD program who are moving this summer (Alaska, Nevada, Arizona) in order to get a job away from the depressed Midwest.

Good luck to all!
Terri

 

[#1hockeymom]

I've missed this thread! I'm a teacher who's been on layoff for 4.5 years, just finishing up my LD certification. Found out in the past week that I have to choose between a full time in a new district 90 miles away at step 1, or go back to my original district half time (for half of my salary from when it was frozen with my layoff, plus whatever tiny amounts have been added over the years). Since I'm tenured, our house is paid off, DH has a stable job here, and DS has one year til he's done with middle school, I'll probably take the local one.

What's been frustrating for me (and I've been doing TONS of interviewing) is that lots of experience/education gets me in the door, but when they figure out what it might cost them, the door gets slammed in my face! At least here in MI, they have to give you credit for your education, but can start you at the bottom step in terms of experience. I know of at least three experienced teachers in my LD program who are moving this summer (Alaska, Nevada, Arizona) in order to get a job away from the depressed Midwest.

Good luck to all!
Terri

YIKES!! Hugs to you! I think I'd take the local job, too, even if it if half time.

 

[yoopermom]

Thank you fellow Michigander...

Honestly, after this year which will complete my vestment, I really think we may be out of here. It's the only home my child remembers, but how long can we survive with the economy this bad?!? Michigan is really bleeding out, and I feel sorry for it, but tired of us "little guys" having to pay the price!

Terri

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Just bumping this thread up to see if anyone found jobs for this school year?
I got offered a long term sub position for a first grade classroom starting at the end of october and going til march...at least its something, but im still hoping for full time!

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I do not know where you live but my suggestion is to sub in a system that you would want to work in. Our teachers are dropping like flies and between births, deaths, and retirement jobs come up as the year progresses.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

Well just posting an update--i got an offer in mid august for a long term sub position, starting in october. I went to orientation and on the last day, got a phone call and got offered a full time kindergarten position!

 

[2002Disneybride]

I am still looking-kind of...I am happy being home with my kids, but I will be looking to return to work maybe in the next few months...I will be keeping my eyes open for a Guidance or Elementary position...I am certified in both, as well as a Spec. Ed Teacher.