Hi Everyone! I'm having no luck this summer landing a teaching job. Here's my story (sorry if it's long). First year teaching I taught pre-k special ed part time. It was a one year contract so even if I wanted to stay I couldn't. After that I was hired in an urban setting as a 2nd grade teacher. The principal was very difficult to work with and as hard as I tried the more she had was out to get me. My brother was in the hospital for over a month that year and she told me to "just deal with it." I resigned after 7 months as 2nd grade teacher b/c I had no support, difficult children, and mostly because of what was going on w/my brother. I ended up daily subbing in the district I student taught in till end of the year. After that I continued to job hunt but didn't get anything that met my needs so I became a special ed. teaching assistant for in a prominent district. It was great experience as I worked with a girl with Down Syndrome. I worked so hard in the position helping both the teacher out and students. However, I continued to job hunt for a long-term sub position. I ended up getting a position in January for a teacher going on medical leave(this was last year) in district I daily subbed in. Before leaving, I asked the teacher I was TA for if she would be able to write me a letter of recommendation letter. She hesitated and finally told me she didn't feel comofortable writing me one, but told me to ask my supervisor the director of spec ed. She ended up writing me one but only wrote me one attesting that I worked in as as TA (nothing outstanding). I did however get a letter from the child's parent that I worked with and now I am tutoring her this summer. When I left in January of this year I left to become a long-term sub in kindergarten. Position was only suppose to last for a month, but the teacher liked me a lot and after she came back from medical leave she wanted me to stay part time while she recovered (she also saw how much the students liked me). This was last school year. This summer I had about 5 interviews, but nothing became of them. I am very dissappointed, aggrivated, and bummed about it. However, the district I was a long-term sub for offered me a professional development intern position where I'd daily sub guaranteed everyday w/higher pay and medical benefits (no dental) when teacher's have mtgs or grade level stuff to take care of. I've already subbed in the district before and feel often times you don't get known that way. I feel like I should still continue to job hunt (as I was told I can accept position which I did and continue to job hunt), but I spoke to someone my dad knows who use to be a superintendent and he knows my job situations and he told me once I receive the finalization paperwork (which I was told will be mailed after Monday) that I should stay for the entire school year and then job hunt next spring/summer (2008-2009). I feel like I'd be cheating myself if I don't continue job hunting for a full year long-term sub or last minute contracted position as I ultimately want to be a teacher not an intern/sub. What do you all suggest considering my history of leaving jobs so much. Some of it is not under my control and it is just so aggrivating. So, I know what others are going through. Thanks in advance for reading this long post. I appreciate it!
First, I think it's unfortunate that people were not more willing to write you a letter of recommendation. I've written one for anyone who has ever asked. I would hope every teacher would be willing to write one for a colleague knowing how difficult it is to get a job as a teacher. Second, I guess the real question is if the district you have the opportunity at may have openings next year that you will be eligible for? Can you make connections in the district office or HR office and with the principals? Find out the hiring process. If they keep resumes on file and look at them when they post a position I would drop off a resume for each position. (I'm guessing they keep apps and resumes by grade level or subject so you may need several?) I've bounced around a bit too (4 jobs in 5 years teaching 3 different subjects). It had been an issue when I was interviewing. You really have to sell the fact the the various jobs provided great opportunities and that you are looking for a permanent position. I would think it'd be easier to get into a district if you have that foot in the door. The district I got hired at hired 3 or 4 people who had been subs. It all depends on the district's track record (if they really hire subs.) In the end you have to do what is best for you. Good Luck! :unsure:
Your father's friend is right. You should plan on staying the entire year at this job you have agreed too. Granted, you want a full time position, but switching around a lot and leaving in the middle of the year can often be red flags. Keep your word. Do a good job for the year, and who knows, you may end up with something permanent in the fall. We can't always have the ideal teaching situations. I've had some not so wonderful placements myself. Sure, we can choose to hold out, but then again, we can't complain when we can't find anything. I accepted a perm. sub position for the fall.... and I hope that it may lead to something permanent next school year. There are no gurarantees. As for letters of recommendation, some people choose not to write them either because they don't like to or they don't feel like they can give an honest opinion of someone's work. So, my advice is to go into the sub job, mention that you are looking for permanent positions, and once you feel comfortable be upfront and ask if you could teach a lesson or do something because you would like to add to your portfolio... or something. The key is take initiative! It's taken me a long time to realize that those who just go with the flow and don't make EXTRA effort are the ones who get passed over. You have to go above and beyond. Good Luck.
I know how frustrating the job search can be. I agree with Miss Frizzle that you should stay the entire year and not take any more LTS positions this year unless it is in that building. But if you have a chance to interview and get offered a permanent position, I say go for it. No one wants to miss that chance considering how hard it is to find a job.
You've been offered a position where you are guaranteed to work every day and have some benefits. You will have the opportunity to meet lots of teachers and administrators which will be a benefit down the road. You will have experience with many grade levels and in many classrooms which will give you the opportunity to refine your teaching practice. Take the job and make the commitment to stick with it and look for something permanent for the following school year.
I agree with MrsC - stick with the position you have and look for something permanent next school year. I wish you the best of luck.
If you have benefits and are guaranteed to work every day the job is worth committing to. Continue to search for the next school year. Be happy you have been offered what you have.
