How to Apply for a Teaching Job
Applying for a teaching job requires patience, organization and making an excellent first impression. You may be required to sit for an interview or two, teach a model lesson or meet some of the students. It is important to perform each step with enthusiasm and focus in order to complete the application process successfully.
Instructions
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Research websites of the schools to which you plan to apply, and educate yourself on the application process for that particular district. Some districts have an online application process and others require phone inquires. Follow the steps outlined on the district's website.
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Prepare your documents. Be sure to have all your degrees and your teacher certification available. Write a cover letter that is specific to the job for which you are applying and send along a résumé with phone numbers for references. Contact your references so they are aware of the potential call from the district. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page and should explain why you are applying for the job and what you will bring to the school. Be sure to note in your résumé any extracurricular activities you can sponsor.
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Follow up on your application. After a few days, call the district or send a follow-up letter to see if they received your application. This shows perseverance and dedication to your job.
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Dress professionally for your interview. Interview with enthusiasm and articulate your points well. Answer the questions in a manner that best highlights your dependability, creativity, team-mindedness and organizational skills. Ask your own questions about the district and the position for which you are applying. Follow up the interview with a hand-written thank-you note that you mail to the school district within two days.
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Teach a model lesson. In some districts, once you have succeeded in the interview, you will be asked to give a model lesson for the students and administrators. Find out how many students will be in your class and how long the model lesson will be, and prepare accordingly.
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Go for a follow-up interview. If the model lesson goes well, you may be asked back for a final interview. During this interview, administrators will make the final decision on whether or not to hire you.
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Tips & Warnings
Write down the names of all the administrators and teachers you deal with in your application process. This will help you to remember how to address them, and will also aid you in writing your thank-you notes. In the model lesson, administrators are not necessarily looking for you to teach new information, but are watching to see how you relate to the students and command their attention. Do not be the first to discuss salary; if the administrators like you, they will bring up compensation.
