I know – it sucks; I was in this situation two years ago. And the big problem is that you cannot continue with the certification program unless you have a job – several people that I went through the training portion with did not get jobs. Yes, keep applying, keep calling, keep emailing. I know this sounds really bad, but schools will continue to hire even after the school year begins. I don’t know how that will affect your certification program. Do you have some sort of letter or documentation from your program that you do meet “highly qualified” standards?

Do you know anybody that works as a teacher that can help you get an interview where they work? I think that’s how I got my job, to be quite honest with you. Are you willing to do something that nobody else wants to do? Again, the kind of job I got but I ended up loving it.

You’ve gotten some really great answers. It does suck that it’s all about who you know when you don’t have experience. One other option you might want to try is to find the alternative school(s) in your area. There’s often a lot of turn-over there because it’s a lot to take on, and it’s easy to get burned out. However, if you got a job there, you’d learn invaluable lessons that will prepare you for any other teaching environment, and you’ll get your foot in the door. It’s much easier to transfer in a district than it is to get into the district to begin with. Keep calling and bugging people, and keep doing so AFTER the school year begins. Some schools are able to hire on additional teachers once their numbers are in and it’s clear that more help is needed. Good luck!

It’s so hard to get yourself out there, especially when you’re new to everything. I understand exactly where you’re coming from!

Have you ever considered moving to obtain a teaching job, just to gain a little experience under your belt? This way, when you apply back home, you’ll be applying with the experience of teaching in a classroom. Just an idea…if you can swing it financially.

Best thing, is to apply and then call the districts a week after your application arrived….basically what you have been doing. I would avoid emails, less personal and is the easiest form of communication….make them think you’ll do more than just type and click. Call and keep calling….not to the point of harassment, but call once or twice to make sure they know you’re still around.

Also, last and final piece of advice….try to hand-deliver your applications….this way, you’re there….ask to meet the superintendent if he or she is available. Dress well. You are SURE to make an impression!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Are you in South East Texas? What is your content area? Each district works differently… For example in Fort Bend or Alief ISD you go through their personnel office… in HISD you contact the schools individually and on your own… Try to call the schools with the posted openings and ask the secretary can you schedule an interview with the building principal… you need to hurry…

Unfortunately, in many areas there is an abundance of experienced, fully-certified teachers. To hire anyone who hasn’t fully met the requirements for highly qualified status would be a “ding” against schools.

A lot of getting an interview is who you know. That’s why subbing is such a good idea. It helps you make good professional contacts.

Also, you need to be flexible and willing to move. I had to take a job 65 miles away from home, but if I hadn’t, I’d still be subbing (2 years after I received my teaching certification.)

the solid information is you have all summer season!!! I propose getting your hands on the curriculum and textual content cloth books asap. i could additionally get a interpreting record from yet another 4th grade instructor on the faculty. The greater prep you do now the better because of the fact the 1st 3 hundred and sixty 5 days is tough. analyze lecture room administration recommendations and structures. arise with the form you will checklist grades, grade papers, and communicate with parents now. Plan out lecture room decorations and bulletin boards. a tricky ingredient approximately 4th grade is which you probably are being asked to teach all matters.

The best way to get your foot in the door is to substitute in the schools. You then learn the buzzwords you’ll need to use in interviews, what the schools focus on as far as standards/testing/etc., and they will see your ability level. I am a teacher and every time we get a good substitute in our building teachers start requesting them when they call out sick, principals notice them, and they end up getting hired when we have an opening…

I also agree with subbing. It provides a good way for the schools to get to know you. Just remember to always keep your best foot forward for every sub assignment! You may also want to consider applying at private schools. The pay isn’t great and generally the benefits are worse…BUT you get experience that you can only get from that first job.

Good luck to you.

i am also a new teacher…. i think it is just a hit or miss career…. i know what you are going through…. i have called a few schools and the position was already filled…you might want to sub for a year and get your face out there so that schools can see you and get to know you.. that way you have a chance to see other schools… just a suggestion… that is what i am doing..

Keep doing what you’re doing, but also put your name on the list for substitute-ing. You can get school districts familiar with your abilities that way.