How to Get a Full-Time Teaching Position
Getting a full-time teaching job can be an intimidating task for many college graduates. However, teachers are always in high demand, so the chances of getting a job right out of college are good. Prospective teachers may not get the first job they apply for, but with perseverance and professionalism most prospective teachers will succeed in securing a full-time teaching job within a short period of time. The following steps will help those who are entering the educational job market.
Instructions
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Before Looking for a Job
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1
Complete an approved education degree with an acceptable GPA. Elementary teachers should complete a bachelor's degree in elementary education. High school teachers should choose an emphasis area such as English, history, math and science, and complete a bachelor's degree in education with an emphasis in the chosen area.
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2
Assemble a professional portfolio. This can be put together in a nice binder or a folder with prongs. The professional portfolio should include things such as: professional resume, copies of transcripts, letters of recommendation, teaching philosophy essay, samples of lesson plans and anything else that might showcase your talents as a competent teacher.
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3
Determine what geographical areas you might be interested in working, and Google those school districts to get an idea about what positions might be available. Most school districts list job vacancies on their websites.
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4
Apply to teach as a substitute teacher. Many teachers work as substitute teachers while looking for a job. Substitute teaching provides invaluable experience and may open doors to be hired at the schools where you are substitute teaching.
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Tell everyone you know that you are soon going to be looking for a teaching job. You never know who might be able to help you get your first job.
Looking for a Job
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Call the human resources departments at all the school districts in the areas that you might like to work. Request that an application be mailed to you. Complete the application carefully, and send it back in a timely manner.
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Compile a list of schools in the desired areas and the principals at those schools. Complete the applications as directed, and either mail back or hand deliver them to the human resources department.
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Mail cover letters and resumes to all school principals in the districts where you have applied. Make sure to state that you have an application on file at the human resources department and mention that you will be making a phone call soon to request an interview.
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Call the principals from the list above and explain that you are interested in meeting with them to discuss how you might join their teaching staff. Explain that you have already submitted an application to the human resources department. At this point, if a position is available chances are that the principal will be willing to schedule an interview. Some principals may ask that you forward a cover letter and resume to them first.
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Arrive at interviews at least 10 to 15 minutes early with professional portfolio in hand. Dress professionally: Men should wear dress pants and preferably a shirt and tie or very nice Polo; women should wear either either a business suit, dress, or nice slacks and blouse. Do not wear anything too distracting; keep it simple. Please make sure to turn off your cell phone before going in to speak with the principal.
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Relax during the interview process. Thank the principal for seeing you, and give him time to look over your professional portfolio. Answer interview questions briefly yet thoroughly. The principal may offer you a position on the spot or may tell you that he will get back with you.
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Make follow-up calls about a week after meeting with principals. Explain that you are calling to thank them again for seeing you and that you would like to know if any decisions have been made about the position.
After Getting the Job
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Complete all necessary paperwork at the school district's human resource department. This paperwork may include tax documents, insurance documents, background checks, fingerprinting and so on.
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14
Attend all new teacher orientation meetings.
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Set up your classroom before the school year begins and begin planning activities for your classroom.
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Talk with veteran teachers at your new school to get tips and ideas about the upcoming school year.
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Work hard your first year. It will be your most challenging year of teaching.
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Tips & Warnings
Attend education job fairs if any are in your area. Proofread your professional portfolio and resume very carefully.
Teachers usually must sign a contract. Be careful not to sign a contract until you know for sure you have found the position that you want because the contract is a legally binding document.
