How To Find Teaching Jobs

Whether your degree is in education or you want to make a career switch, knowing how to find teaching jobs is the key to making a career in education. There are a number of resources available for aspiring teachers at all levels. Use these ideas to help guide your job search.

1. Network with your local schools. This step is key. Talk to anyone you know who works for the local school district or local private schools. They often know about job openings before they are publicly posted. Also keep an eye on local school's web sites, and put a resume on file with local schools as well. If you can, consider volunteering with your local schools so that you become a familiar face.
2. Become a substitute teacher. Becoming a substitute is a great way to get familiar with your local schools, and it can also be a chance to try out teaching if you are considering going into the field. In many areas, you do not need a teacher's certificate to substitute teach; you may only be required to hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. Check with the local public and private schools about qualifications. If you meet the requirements, register to be a substitute. In large school districts, substitutes can work most days out of the month. You may also end up with a long-term substitute gig if you take over for a teacher who has gone out on maternity leave or sick leave. These long-term gigs can turn into permanent positions for some substitutes.
3. Browse education job boards. Your local schools are your first resource, but if you're open to teaching jobs in other areas, education employment jobs can open up your opportunities. Regularly check sites such as Education America, School Spring, or ABC Teaching Jobs, among others. These sites allow you to upload your resume, set up job agents that will notify you of job listings you might qualify for, and otherwise manage your job search online. If you are hoping to go into community college, college, or university teaching, sites like Higher Ed Jobs and The Chronicle of Higher Education are excellent resources.
4. Attend an education job fair. You'll find listings for job fairs through your local school district, your local newspaper, or your city or town's web site. Job fairs are a great way to actually meet the people who will be doing the hiring, so be sure to bring your best game. Make copies of your resume and dress professionally. Job fairs can also be a way to learn about education job opportunities you might have been unaware of including private schools or charter schools that were under your job search radar and networking opportunities for education professionals.