My very large district just posted a whole bunch (20+) instructional assistant and other classified staff openings due to a large federal grant they received. I am certified and applying for teaching positions, but there is a lot of competition and as I outlined in an earlier post, I have been out of the classroom several years and don't have any recent recommendations on my resume. I've been subbing, but it is very inconsistent. I thought it would be good to apply for and IA position as a way to get my foot in the door. I have even applied for other positions with the district ranging from office staff to project management in the superintendent's office. I need a job! I had to go to the HR office to show them my teaching certificate in order to be qualified for a NCLB IA position (You don't have to be certified; my cert. just showed I had completed enough coursework to qualify). The lady in HR that I spoke with took one look at my certificate and said, "You're certified and you are applying for a classified position?" Seriously, if I get an IA position, can that hurt my chances to get a certified position at some point? I would think it would be the opposite, but am learning during this jobless season that many of my assumptions are wrong
We have several TAs that are certified teachers... in fact, some of them have classroom experience. Some are moving back to the area, others got riffed last year and just want SOMETHING in the field. It's a legit answer to say that since you've been out of the field for several years, you'd like to get back into schools consistently without having to take over right away.
I'm working as a para in a private school right now*, despite my certification. I can't take the risk and instability of subbing so at least this way I'm in the field and not doing something else entirely. For me, it works out nicely, as my school also uses me as a sub from time to time, since I'm qualified. *I'm working full time as a para, and will be starting a part-time online teaching job this week.
No, it won't hurt you..I was an ed. assistant last year, and now I'm a k teacher in the same school district..it's how I got my foot in the door...
Thanks for the responses. I feel better now And I did think that I might be able to sub in the same if I were working as an IA.
