I know a lot of us started the summer together helping out with interviews, etc. And I know that some of us are in the job hunt still. I thought we could have a thread where we could update what has been going on: Are there positions still posting around your area? Have you gotten a job? Are you ready to throw in the towel? (I hope not!) As for me, I am awaiting a second interview for a technology help desk/trainer position in a district 20 minutes from me. A reading specialist position has been posted for awhile in my home district and they should be interviewing this week. There was an aide position that posted here as well, and I am thinking about going ahead and applying for it, BUT an 8th grade ELA position just posted today for my home district and in a school where I have had 3 interviews. So I am off to buy resume paper, put together something, and drop it off.
Not a whole lot of job openings around here but I sign a contract with my Para position so I won't be seriously searching for another month or so more. I have been ready to throw in the towel several times especially last year when the school I work in turned me down for a position. I was heart-broken and my confidence was quite shaken. I have recovered, however, and am working hard on getting things up to par for my next search!!!
I am fed up to a point and ready to throw in the towel but just keep plugging on. I had interviewed at a school almost 2 months ago, even had a second interview with them, was not hired and NOTHING has opened since. I actually called the district today and asked if they knew if anything was going to open. Of course, they told me they did not and to keep checking the website. Once a week would be good enough the woman said. I didn't mention the fact that I check it daily...just hoping...even sub jobs haven't been very plenty and I have been thinking I need to open myself to more schools just to get more jobs and hopefully another school would have an opening and think of me. I don't mean to be a downer. I know I sound like one, but it's hard to constantly see nothing and feel rejected. I guess I feel like Learner - I have been heart-broken and my confidence shaken.
I am doing a LTS position that ends dec. 23rd. The school I am in offered me another LTS position, but you work 13 hours but only get paid for 7. I cannot afford to do that with my daycare costs. I do have an interview tomorrow for a LTS position that begins in Feb and goes to June. We shall see how that goes....
I am still seeking a teaching position. I've had several interviews and no calls. It seems that it is cattle call for these jobs. I'm hanging in there, but started to sub for Los Angeles Unified School District in the San Fernando Valley. I keep being told that it is very competitive out there. I have a MS Professional Clear and a CLAD certificate. Any suggestions?
Thanks. It seemed to go well, considering that I am sick, lost my voice, and had a slight fever last night - the schools won't let you cancel the interviews, though. You either make it to the interview or you lose out - I don't think I'll get it , though, because they want me to come in to "observe" for a week (unpaid of course) and do a demo lesson starting next week - meanwhile I have the LTS position that I am in now until Dec. 23rd and cannot take all that time off. How I wish it wasn't an employers market!!!! <sigh>
My heart goes out to all of you--- I'm having a heck of time keeping up with everything as a new teacher, but I'm truly thankful I was able to get a position. There are so many gifted educators out there, but only a few positions and with tiny budgets its getting harder. My prayers go out to all of you--- I hope you're able to find a great teaching position soon. And also... thank you for all the wisdom and support you gave me while job hunting. I've been any educator who's online about this site--- you're all amazing
I'm pretty much spent. One district in my area just posted a hiring freeze. They aren't even taking on subs anymore. I was going to take classes for my reading endorsement but I can't afford that so I can't. I just don't see anything good happening for me anytime soon. This Friday is hubby's work christmas party. I really don't want to go. I do not want to go hear and people's pity.
I'm going into Special Ed through our District Intern program. Here's what's happening ... (at least in our District Intern program) ... I had planned to teach Special Ed in Elementary, so I took the tests and have been subbing that level. BUT, because there are no regular elementary jobs available ... all those candidates have gone into Special Ed. - (bad for the students because these teachers don't really want to teach this population and bad for me because they've taken my job). ... So Human Resources advised me to now start subbing Secondary because that's where the only jobs will be. So ... I took the test to qualify to teach English and just found out that English teachers are no longer a "high needs" area in LA ... so now all those regular ed English teachers will be flooding into Special Ed (again bad for the students and bad for me). I'm not completely hopeless, because I'll most likely be able to work with the Moderate/Severe population ... but I REALLY love teaching subject matter to the Mild/Moderate students. And I had an secret alternate dream brewing of teaching remedial English - I'd so love to help these students gain the skills they need to graduate and maybe even go to college.
MAT-I am so sorry to hear that. I know how you feel though. I am sooooo tired of sitting at home day in and day out. There aren't sub jobs like last year, and those that do call are half days or aide (both which pay less so I dont take them in the hopes that a teaching job will come up). There are 2 positions still posted here for teaching (one reading specialist, one 8th grade ELA) and I haven't heard anything from that. I think tomorrow I'm going to walk in with my mini port and introduce myself to the P for the reading specialist. The 8th grade ELA position is at a school where I've had 2 interviews this year and one last year so the P knows me, but I wanna drop off my resume to remind her of who I am.
Man I would love to be able to just in and say "Hi! I'm MATgrad." but they specifically tell you not to come in, send faxes, letters or emails. So I sit and wait. STG~I keep hoping for you girl.
They don't say that in this district so I email away...my mother in law said they delete those emails that have resumes in them so I'm planning on dropping them off just to cover all bases.
Hi gang. I'm right there with you with the discouragement. It's tough. I had to quit my 2nd job because it conflicted w/my current subbing schedule. As irony would have it, not long after that, the main district I sub in just had another huge budget cut, in the form of nixing all of the teacher workshops, which has not been good for us subs. Yesterday, I went to Kelly Temporary Agency's Educational Branch. They also employ subs in charter schools and some private schools. I've also been hounding the regular temp agencies for anything. I'll lick stamps for minimum wage right now. It seems like the month of December has come to a screetching halt. Today is Dec 3rd, and I have to wait another week and 1/2 to pay my LATE rent. The private school that I worked at last year (resigned from) ....the 2nd grade teacher called me and said she misses me. She said the teacher that replaced me is miserable. Got me thinking, perhaps it's time I wrote my principal a letter. (long story, different thread perhaps). Anyhow, I did. I actually told her that if she would consider hiring me back for next school year, it's not out of the realm of possibility. I NEVER thought I'd do this, but I will admit it: I'm desperate right now. Things just don't seem to be getting better, at all. That said, I try to keep my chin up...and at this rate, it's one day at a time. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I know it's tough right now....our country is in a recession, and we have to try and find little nuggets of happiness and joy in all of this, somehow.
I am still waiting to hear something about the English teacher position and I had that interview about a month ago. I am also waiting to hear about the classified position I applied for in another school. (I think I will email that principal today.) In the meantime, I talked to an acquaintance who works at a rehab center and she said that some teaching positions should be posted soon due to retirement. These are state jobs, so if I can get one, the pay should be decent. I also applied for a couple of positions outside my area. The waiting is just so hard though. I feel like the school system is putting off hiring as long as they can. I just wish I knew if I was even in the running for either of the jobs I applied for. I am subbing an average of 3 days a week now, but the money is just not enough. I don't want to move, but if I get one of the jobs outside my area, I guess I'll have to. It's so frustrating.
That's the hardest part of this whole thing is the waiting. Like you said, it would be nice just to know if I'm a candidate for an interview.
The waiting is the worst. I can't even get called back on temporary positions. How hard is it to just send out at least an email saying "thanks but not thanks" It's not really that hard. It's a simple cut-n-paste. That non-renewal feels like the kiss of death. I was so ready in my last interview to just scream at the woman "If I did something wrong, they would have fought my unemployment but they didn't. If I was so terrible would all of my students have passed their state tests. Would I have letters from parents thanking me for helping their kids? Nope. I would have nothing. Heck, Would I have these two letters right here from my last two admins about how much they want me back? Nope." I just can't figure it out anymore. It's a bad economy for all. The employers can afford to be picky but couldn't it be done with at least a little dignity for the job seeker. I'm really dreading this Christmas party tomorrow. It'll be nice to go out and get a good meal instead of me cooking. However, I'm sure some people will try to offer the usual advice of "Are you subbing?" To be followed with "I'm going out on .....for a weekend trip could you...." My Mom asked me what I wanted for Christmas I told her teaching again would be nice.
Well, I just dropped off my resume packets to to schools for a reading specialist position and an 8th grade ELA position. We'll see what happens!! MAT. I feel that my two resignations are coming back to bite me on the butt (though both were for family/medical reasons).
Maybe I shouldn't have read this thread. I'm already so scared to graduate in May and not have a job in place. I really hope everyone lucks up and finds something.
And the universities just keep spitting out more and more candidates! We're now fighting the January grads...and soon the May grads too. I want to go back to my university and slap the admissions boards! **** Subbed today- and heard whispers of retirements. God be with me! This faculty (the school MY kids went to) KEEPS their teachers. I ran into my kids' kindergarten teacher, 3rd grade teacher, and a whole lot of others - and my kids are now 19 and 21. I want to whisper in their ears....wouldn't you like to retire????? Hoping to cozy up to a principal.
Back in October I started applying to counties out of my area. I am single, with no children, so for me, relocating was okay. I started to immediately get phone calls for interviews once I looked outside of my area. When I went in for an interview, I was called on my drive home, about 10 minutes after I left the interview, with the job offer, and I took it (I was one of four girls hired in one week at my school)! I am so happy I did. It's tough, because I had to move, so I am not near my friends, my support network, etc., but I am so happy I did it. I am grateful that I have a job, with a great administration, very supportive staff, and great students. Every single one of my team members stops by my room at the beginning and end of the day just to say "hi" and see if I need anything. One of my students had been sleeping on the floor, so three teachers rallied together (they didn't want me to have to worry about it as a first year teacher that started mid-year) and found him a bed and took it to his house. The staff went out for happy last night, we have a baby shower tonight, and a Christmas party next weekend. This makes me feel much more at home, because my biggest fear was moving to this area and not knowing anyone, and feeling very alone. So the moral of the story is be open to new/different situations. Start looking in counties that may be several hours from where you are currently living, because you increase your possibilities. I know it's not as easy for those with a family, but if you can, start searching elsewhere. I really regret having initially limited myself to where I was living.... because if I hadn't, I may have had a job back in August! If anyone is interested in VA... send me a message, and I can try to answer any questions.
I understand your frustration. However, I wouldn't say that ALL of those teachers don't want to consider special ed. Some may actually want to. Is it wrong to consider another line of work when you can't find a job in your certification? I myself have thought of changing. However, I wouldn't flood the CENTSE program. I'd consider a program through a local University. I wish you the best, either way.
You're right - not all who switch to Special Ed don't want to teach that population - but I've met quite a few who are switching over to Special Ed just to get their credential, hoping they can switch back over to regular ed when they're finished. I'd do a program through a University in a heartbeat, but I'm 47 and can't risk the debt (even with the hopes that it might be forgiven).
I hear you Special-t. That would bug me too to hear of folks saying they can "switch back". I have actually not thought of that. Lately, I've gotten a lot of special ed sub assignments. While I know subbing spec ed is not nearly the same as having your own class, it has still given me a window into working with these kids. I have enjoyed it, and it's something I am considering. However, I too am already in debt. I'd be adding on to the debt I already have for my multiple subjects credential. I'm 41...and figure I'll be spending $ for quite some time...my whole life, basically. Anyhow, if you have any interesting insights on special ed, feel free to PM me. Best of luck to you!
I am subbing and working on adding a single subject in science to my credential. I passed two sections of the CSET and am studying for the third. I am also trying to figure out where I can take the methods class to add to my credential. Subbing jobs lately have been few and far between. I am going to add another k-6 district and hopefully middle school. I thought about participating in the CENTSE program, I applied last year and they were going to set up an interview but my references did not meet their criteria. I have never subbed in sped ed but my son is in SDC and I feel like I have some really good personal experience there.
I haven't been on here for awhile... but I'm currently teaching preK at a private school. Not really my cup of tea though. I love the kids, but I don't feel like a "real" teacher because of all the added childcare stuff and I would rather teach older students. I am most likely going to start subbing in January just to get my face out there because those connections are just necessary. I'm just hoping something will come my way by the end of the school year... and if not I will probably find a non-teaching job. My husband knows coworkers' wives who have had to sub for 2 years to get a job around here, and have to sub again for another year if they take off any time to have kids. I wish my husband would have chosen the job in Alabama!!! I bet I could have gotten a job there... =)
Well I fell into the whole "teacher shortage" thing and only became certified in K-5. BIG MISTAKE. I have ONE job interview for 3rd grade, didn't get it. Two weeks before school started I accepted an aide position with a special education student. Three moths later my girlfriend from college called and told me that there is a 2nd grade position opening up at her school, and if I wanted it, it was mine. I, however, did not take it, because I have grown really attached to "my kid", and leaving him mid year will devastate him. So now I am adding on a middle school math certificate as well as Special Education. Hopefully in 2009 I will have something. I am in NJ by the way. And in my graduating class of 2008 (May) out of 70 people, 5 were special ed majors (got a job). 10 were either math or science, got a job right away. For the rest of us, we're jobless.
UVAgrl, I hope you don't mind. I was reading a post from a teacher who is having a miserable time of it, dealing with and unsupportive administration. I cut and pasted your entire post on another thread, just to show her how it CAN be. I'm so glad to hear you're having such a great year!!
I also fell into the whole "teacher shortage" thing and entered an alternative certification program. With this program, I am eligible for temporary provisional certification upon hire. I was assured when I entered the program that I would be able to find a job, but I've been looking for almost 2 years and I have had 1 interview (still waiting to find out about the job). My certification is English, Middle and Secondary grades. I am looking to add Middle grades Math to my certification and if that doesn't help me get a job, I may as well to forget it and try something else.
That's great! Anything I can do to help! I feel so fortunate to have found such a great staff. When I began my teacher ed program, I would have never seen myself working with this demographic. They are VERY challenging, but with the right support system, it's so fulfilling... and now, I can't imagine working with another type of group!!! The whole staff acknowledges how tough it is to come in there as a new teacher... the principal even acknowledged me at the last staff meeting. Saying it is not only difficult to start midyear, but to take over someone else's class... having to reteach all rules and routines. It's nice to feel like I am doing a good job... I don't know how many times another staff member has stopped in the hallway as my class is walking by to whisper in my ear "So much better!" or "You have a great behavior management system." And for those days that I feel like I'm not doing such a great job... I have people to vent to, who listen without judgement, and can provide me with suggestions. Both teachers next to me offer to take problem children whenever I just want a break, which is also a HUGE lifesaver. I have only used this once (I hate having to remove children from the classroom), but it is nice having that out. I have a great guidance counselor, a parent liason that makes phone calls for Spanish-speaking parents, and a very honest principal. I feel that not only do I have my assigned mentor (who is AMAZING!), but that I have a whole team of mentors. Not once have I been told by another staff member that they are too busy to help!
Hey y'all. I was an active poster throughout the summer, but haven't been because it was my first year teaching and yada, yada. I guess the yada, yada is the update that I need to write about. I found a teaching job in a school district located about an hour away from "home" and decided that I would relocate once I saved money to do so, but I would commute the one hour there and one hour back for a couple months. I started off the school year at an awesome elementary that was located on an Army base, teaching pre-k. I loved my team, my admin, and my students and their parents. A couple weeks into the school year, the enrollment numbers for all the schools in the district were looked at and another school had a massive increase in enrollment. Even though my elementary had just the right amount of pre-k'ers to keep me as a pre-k teacher, the other elementary had a far greater need for me so I was reassigned. It blew. I was reassigned to teach third grade at an elementary that had over 1100 students! Everything at the elementary was run like a factory. All the lesson planning had to be done in the presence of atleast one vice principal (there were three total) and the curriculum specialist. We weren't allowed to pick our own books to read aloud to the students. Everything was so dictated and the admin did not encourage free thinking and creativity. I was so depressed. And then a couple weeks after teaching at the other elementary, my father had a massive heart attack one morning and went into cardiac arrest. He was in a coma for four days. He miracously recovered and is in way better health than he was before. I had taken about a week off from school and the evening before I was to go back, I had a sudden epiphany that I needed to resign because I wasn't happy and I wanted to stay closer to my hometown...I didn't want to relocate anymore. So, the next day, I resigned and my principal was very understanding. I was let out of my contract for family medical reasons. A week later, I had my last day and was glad to say goodbye. After a week of being at home and starting to job hunt, my mother suffered a seizure. The cancer she had been battling for the past year and a half (year and a half with metastic breast cancer spread to the bone...she had originally had stage three breast cancer about three years ago) had spread to her brain and caused the seizure. She went into hospice care at home and died about three weeks later. That was about a month ago. So, that is my update for how my first year of teaching has gone. I am living in an area where it's tough to get a teaching job so I haven't had any luck finding one yet, but I was just hired as a sub for one of the districts in the area and I will begin subbing at the end of this week.
emma-I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. My mom passed from breast cancer that spread to her liver the summer before my first year teaching. I ended up resigning from that position in Dec. You did the right thing in resigning, and I'm glad that your principal was understanding about the situation. Good luck when you continue your job search.
Emma, I am so sorry for everything you have gone through!! I'll make sure I say a prayer for you and your family. Best of luck to you in searching for the perfect job that's close to home.
I updated my application for a school district in a neighboring county yesterday. The high school called me today and I have an interview for next Thursday. I'm trying not to get too excited because I have heard it's difficult to get on in this district unless you know someone. Still, at least I have an interview.
I was around in the summer...I interviewed for three jobs over the summer. I was offered one on the spot the day before school started but I didn't take it. It wasn't a good fit for me. I'm back at my Catholic school, 4 days a week this year (last year it was 2) and I got a raise. I'm a little frustrated this week as the heat went out in my trailer and they aren't sure if they will buy a new furnace if they can't fix this one. A few weeks ago I posted about applying to a job in the public schools that is a mid-year hire. I ended up applying and they called for an interview next week. I'll only leave my Catholic job IF the public job is a good fit for me. emmakate - Sorry to hear about your mom and your dad.
Well the technology help desk manager/trainer has been filled....and not by me. At least he sent an email, and that is one less phone call I have to make today. Just got off the phone with a principal that has an 8th grade ELA position. They have scheduled some interviews, but will be doing the majority of interviewing after the holidays. The school with the Reading Specialist has not done any interviews and will probably wait until after the holidays to interview......don't they know I want A JOB LIKE YESTERDAY?!?!?! The reading specialist job has been posted since 10/30.
