We just found out that we are elegible to go to this event on Thursday 6/21. Unfortuneatly we have missed the pre-regestration deadline, but through a couple of phone calls found out we can regester the day of. What now? Neither of us have ever been to a Teaching job fair, we have each had a handful of Interviews but no luck with a job so far. How many copies of our resume's should we bring? Do we just walk up to the booths (I guess Im looking for proper procedure so we don't do something wrong) Anytips from you lovly people would be apreciated especially if anyone has been to this event in the past. Thanks Mickey28
I've been to 2 teaching job fairs and we just walked around to all the booths that we were interested in, and that had openings for what we are certified. I brought my teaching portfolio, and more resumes than I needed (20+, just in case.) I'd come prepared to possibly have on-site screening interviews.
At my college, you were lucky if you could speak to 2 districts during the time allotment. The lines were hours long. I'm not sure how the Florida Teach In is, but since it is quite big, I'd wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to wait your turn.
From my understanding, you need to get there EARLY. I'm talking like an hour early. The teach-in site will have a list of the districts/charters that are expected to be there. That doesn't mean they have current vacancies just that they expect to in the future have vacancies. Bring tons of resumes, wear comfortable shoes and be positive. While I love teaching in Florida, please be warned that your first 97 days are probationary and that you can be let go at any time. I personally don't know of anyone let go in that first 97 days but just wanted to let you know. After 97 days, they just have to keep you till the end of the year. We no longer have "tenure" so you will be an annual contract teacher forever. Hiring is a little better this year than past years but it is still a tough market. What area are you looking in?
We are mainly looking in Central Florida as that is where we moved, as for specific area we are looking for Elementary while my husband can also teach in middle school social studies.. Thank you for the information about the 97 day probation we were unaware of that.
Just lower your expectations a little and you should be fine. You are aware that there is no more tenure in Florida, right? New teachers work year to year based on what your school needs (not necessarily your performance.) I know I sound negative but I want you to have all the facts before you spend all of the time and money to move here.
Mickey, in addition to local school district sites, check teachers-teachers.com. There are TONS of openings in central Florida.
I do know a teacher who was given the option of resigning or being fired during that probationary period. That teacher was awful, though. Also, sometimes schools hire too many teachers and end up cutting positions after the school year starts because there are not enough students to justify the teachers. That has only happened once at the school where I most recently worked, but I know of some other schools where it's a pretty regular event. On the plus side, many schools are still hiring after the school year actually starts because of late enrollments.
Go MUCH earlier than an hour ahead. I went last year early, and yet by the time I got in, all the interviews were filled up. Thousands were there, and all the districts did was take resumes. There were only three that were even hiring (for about 2 positions each). Orlando, Palm Beach and I think one other. Hopefully, this year the market will be better for you.
