How to Get the Experience Needed to Land a Teaching Job

Anyone who has searched for teaching jobs knows that most teaching positions at the K-12 and college level require some previous teaching experience. In most cases, just to meet the minimum qualifications to apply for job, you will need a minimum of one year of teaching experience in addition to your educational credentials.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Work as a substitute teacher. To qualify as a substitute teacher in most states you will need a Bachelors degree in any field, and a copy of your transcripts. Some states only require a high school diploma to work as a substitute teacher.

2. Volunteer to teach an enrichment or life skills class at your local community center, or nursing home.

3. Apply for a job at a private school or social services agency. Many private schools and agencies are not governed by state requirements and can hire someone with less experience.

4. Talk to your local community college about teaching a non credit course in a topic you are familiar with. Some examples of non credit course that don’t require teaching experience might be cooking, painting, yoga, music, home budgeting, digital photography or container gardening.

5. If you are still attending school, apply for a work study program through your college or university. You can specifically ask for education related work study positions. One such program is the federally funded America Reads Program.

6. If you are a student, your college career center can line you up with educational related opportunities and internships.

7. Volunteer to work at your local boys and girls club, or community center in an after school or summer program.

8. Check out state and federal government education websites for paid and volunteer opportunities in teaching and tutoring.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to work as a substitute teacher you will most likely have to pass a criminal background investigation.

[niknik2008]

on 9/14/2008 great advice