10 Tips For Finding A Teaching Job

If you're an unemployed educator, use these 10 tips finding a teaching job. Whether you're an experienced teacher looking for a new position, a new graduate looking for that first job, or just someone considering making a career change into education, these ideas can help you craft a successful job search. Polish up your resume, put on your game face, and prepare to teach.

1. Start with your local schools. Your local schools are your first and best resource for finding  teaching job. Check the web site for your local independent school district frequently for job openings. If you live in a large metropolitan area or are willing to travel to a neighboring town or city to work, also check the web sites for surrounding school districts. Don't forget to check private schools or charter schools in your area. Put a resume on file with any schools you are interested in.
2. Substitute. Substituting can be a good way to get into a local school district and get a sense of the working environment. It's also a way to meet people who work in the district and form relationships that can help you in landing a permanent position. Substituting can be a good chance for those considering going into teaching to get experience and get a feel for different types of teaching. Many school districts do not require substitutes to have a teaching certificate, but just a Bachelor's in any discipline. Check with your local schools and, if you are qualified, register as a sub.  Some subs have been able to parlay their substitute experience into full-time jobs.
3. Hit a job fair. Education job fairs offer a lot of bang for your buck. You'll be able to talk to and leave resumes with local school districts and private schools, get a feel for different schools, and maybe become aware of opportunities that you didn't think of. Bring plenty of copies of your resume, dress professionally, and get ready to network.
4. Go online. There are any number of education-focused job boards online. Choose a few to surf regularly, in addition to your local school district's site. Check out School Spring, ABC Teaching Jobs, or Education America. Search job listings, upload a resume, and create a profile and job agents.
5. See what your alma mater can do for you. Whether you are a recent graduate or are changing careers, check with the college you received your degree from about career services. Especially if you graduated with an education degree, leveraging the resources at your college or university can open opportunities. Visit the career center to see what advice they have or what contacts they may be able to help you make.
6. Keep up to date on the latest classroom technology. Finding jobs to apply for is only half the battle. Be sure you are current on new classroom technology so that you can set yourself apart in interviews.
7. Perfect your resume. Make sure your resume is complete and error-free.
8. Polish your interview skills. Be sure to prepare well for an interview. Research the school and know a bit about it when you go in. Be professional and let them see your enthusiasm for teaching. Be sure to follow up with thank-you notes.
9. Network with other teachers. If you know anyone who currently teaches or works in your local schools, or schools you'd like to work in, make sure they know you are looking for a job. Current employees often know of upcoming job openings long before they are posted. Volunteering with your local schools can also be a way to meet people in the system and become a familiar face.
10. Be flexible. You may not land your dream teaching job right away. But getting a teaching job of any kind will give you valuable experience and let you form relationships with people in the field. Be willing to teach a different grade or a different type of school than you might have originally envisioned. At the very least, it'll be a step toward your dream job. At best, it might turn out to be your dream job after all.