I guess it looks to be a 50-50 prop then. Some schools it's positive, some negative. Didn't know it was a negative before this.
Any tips on finding a teaching job?
- Thread starter Ry4Cy
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I guess it looks to be a 50-50 prop then. Some schools it's positive, some negative. Didn't know it was a negative before this.
If she isn't getting interviews, revisit her cover letter and resume.
If she is getting interviews but getting offers, have her work on her interview skills. Come up with common questions, script and memorize answers, rehearse so it doesn't sound canned. Rwcird her answering so she can watch and reflect.
Network like crazy.
1. Offer to volunteer in classrooms with teachers.
2. Sub in as many buildings and districts as possible and make a point to meet the principal (unless classroom management is an issue, then you are slitting your own throat).
3.Once she knows some principals, have her ask if she can schedule an appointment. Tell them that she is taking a leadership class and needs to interview an educational leader - ask them what they look for in a teacher, etc.
4. Attend conferences like Iowa Math Teachers Association (or whatever's the is called). Stay up on the latest in the field.
If she is getting interviews but getting offers, have her work on her interview skills. Come up with common questions, script and memorize answers, rehearse so it doesn't sound canned. Rwcird her answering so she can watch and reflect.
Network like crazy.
1. Offer to volunteer in classrooms with teachers.
2. Sub in as many buildings and districts as possible and make a point to meet the principal (unless classroom management is an issue, then you are slitting your own throat).
3.Once she knows some principals, have her ask if she can schedule an appointment. Tell them that she is taking a leadership class and needs to interview an educational leader - ask them what they look for in a teacher, etc.
4. Attend conferences like Iowa Math Teachers Association (or whatever's the is called). Stay up on the latest in the field.
Downtown offices, who have final approval, do look at the pay scales though.
She should look for work in rural districts. I know it isn't where you necessarily want to start, but we have a lot of trouble keeping teachers. My advice, don't be too selective of where you will teach or apply. APPLY TO EVERYTHING AND DON'T GIVE UP. I was called by my college adviser and told that there was a position open and to call the principal asap. I was hired the first day of school and started three days later. Next, she should talk to administrators she subs for. Make a point to introduce yourself and your professional background. Let them know what her endorsement is and that she is actively looking for work. She will be remembered for that conversation and that much more likely to get an interview should she apply in that district for a future position. If nothing else, she would be considered for long term sub positions in classrooms where there are FMLA absences such as surgery, severe illness, childbirth, etc. The biggest part is to not be too selective in where she applies and agrees to teach, I had that problem and had few opportunities because of it. Even if it is just a way to get a foot in the door and build that resume. She should also check into the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners and see when her license expires. Good luck!
Sitting in my very first classroom typing this. Yes, CFers, I'm a teacher.
My personal story:
Subbed out of college for one semester.
Became an associate for a year.
For 1.5 years, I only searched within a 60 mile radius of the Des Moines/Ames area.
That obviously was not enough. While there were job openings, they were only taking the experienced teachers.
So I expanded my search to the entire state of Iowa. First two interviews I received two job offers. Both were schools with class sizes between 35-50, so we're talking very small. Both were in the same area. However, one was opening a brand new school this year, and that's what made my decision.
Obviously not the best answer for you, but it's going to be difficult to get a job anywhere in the Ames/Des Moines area without experience. Greene County, Nevada, Bondurant-Farrar, ADM, Winterset - while small schools, they're getting experienced teachers because everyone wants to be in the Ames/Des Moines area.
Also, while K-6 is more than likely her preferred area, Middle School math is in very high demand, even in the Ames/Des Moines area. If she could get a job there, she'd easily get into K-6 later on.
Best wishes.
My personal story:
Subbed out of college for one semester.
Became an associate for a year.
For 1.5 years, I only searched within a 60 mile radius of the Des Moines/Ames area.
That obviously was not enough. While there were job openings, they were only taking the experienced teachers.
So I expanded my search to the entire state of Iowa. First two interviews I received two job offers. Both were schools with class sizes between 35-50, so we're talking very small. Both were in the same area. However, one was opening a brand new school this year, and that's what made my decision.
Obviously not the best answer for you, but it's going to be difficult to get a job anywhere in the Ames/Des Moines area without experience. Greene County, Nevada, Bondurant-Farrar, ADM, Winterset - while small schools, they're getting experienced teachers because everyone wants to be in the Ames/Des Moines area.
Also, while K-6 is more than likely her preferred area, Middle School math is in very high demand, even in the Ames/Des Moines area. If she could get a job there, she'd easily get into K-6 later on.
Best wishes.
You said you don't need the income, would she want to be a long term sub person? If money is not an issue, a teacher can keep busy subbing at a couple schools. Nice thing about subbing, you don't hav lesson plans to write generally, even LT ones just work with the other section/s and do the same. The other section usually understands and assists (in my wife's case she would help as needed also). Many times, subbing has less requirements. While less pay and generally a zoo because kids try to push limits it is something to have flexibility and some decent money.
Be open to working more than 45 minutes away from Ankeny and she won't have much trouble finding a position, or keep subbing where she is and eventually something will open up. There are lots of applicants for K-6 jobs, so being patient is a must.
I agree with this one, although it's possible there aren't a lot of options for part-time jobs with her endorsements. If the money isn't an issue then taking a .6 job or less is a really good way to get your name out there and get some real experience.
I was a History major at ISU. My first teaching job (I am still in the same district today) came at the end of August when the district had an unexpected Special Education opening (so please try not to get too discouraged with your current situation). Within 10 years, I pushed for and was finally allowed to teach a section or two of European / AP European History classes (to help alleviate some scheduling conflicts). Then, in 2008, I was able to transfer over to the Soc St department. The upshot of all this is, would your wife be willing to teach something else / in some other capacity to get her foot in the door? Also, I will echo the statements about the willingness to coach / be an extracurricular sponsor. I coach / have coached boys and girls basketball at various levels, as well as football and tennis. I wish you the very best!!
I don't have anything of importance to add, other than my student-teaching 1st semester and LT subbing 2nd semester in the same school got me my job last year in Waukee. This thread makes me realize how lucky I was.
