With graduation right around the corner, it is time to prepare for a future in teaching. Once your degree is complete, you have to find a school that is willing to hire a new teacher. By following these job search tips, you can land your first teaching job and begin a rewarding career.
1. Start Building Relationships Early
While many jobs are posted online, applicants can find out in advance through other teachers when a job is available. At the very least, networking will provide you with references that can help you get a job. If a teacher at your target school provides you with a reference, it will make you stand out in a crowd of applicants. Networking takes time, so begin this process as early as possible.
2. Get Your Portfolio Organized
As a new teacher, you lack the experience and references that other applicants will have. To showcase your talents, create a portfolio that will impress the interviewer. Transcripts, recommendations, student teaching work, Praxis results, lesson plans and certifications can help you show your potential employer that you have the qualifications necessary to succeed in the field.
3. Gain Experience
The hardest part about getting started as a teacher is showing that you are experienced enough to do the job. While you may not be able to work as a teacher before your certification, there are things that you can do to gain experience. Many tutoring and literacy organizations use teachers who are not certified to do the work. You can volunteer at an ESL program or a literacy group to gain an employment as a teacher. In addition, you can shadow teachers to develop your skills and gain added experience. If the teaching market is difficult to break into in the United States, you can also consider taking ESL positions abroad.
4. Live Without Limits
Some teachers want to work specifically as a middle school teacher or at a private school. While you should still apply for these jobs, do not limit your options too much. Your first goal is to get a teaching job and gain experience. If the job you are offered happens to coincide with your career goals, then you are extremely fortunate. In the beginning, be willing to work in any teaching position to start gaining experience.
5. Think About Substitute Teaching
Working as a substitute teacher is a way to gain experience before you are officially hired as a full-time teacher. In addition, it allows you to earn money and develop references while you are finding the right position. In some cases, you may be able to transform a temporary position into full-time work. Take advantage of substitute teaching because it can lead to new job options.
Teaching is a rewarding profession where you have the chance to make a difference every day. To increase your chances of getting a job, gain as much experience as possible. Network, a strong portfolio and a job history will help you to find the teaching position that you are looking for. With effort and patience, you will be able to find a job that will get you started in your career.
