I’m Ready to Teach, But Where Do I Find a Job?

by Melony Brown

Now that you have your education behind you and your teaching credentials in hand, where do you go to find a job? Years ago teachers were in high demand, and jobs were plentiful. Now, teachers are having a difficult time finding any openings. Many factors play into this change, but don’t let this deter you. The teaching profession needs you. There are still many teaching jobs available; you just need to alter your approach.

Understand that seeking a job in a school that has high test scores, highly-involved parents, and skilled administrators is similar to playing high school football and immediately being drafted into the NFL. Small, small chance it could happen, but not likely. Why is this? Many of the current teachers and administrators of said schools have worked there for years, establishing themselves as highly qualified teachers and administrators. Many of those teachers have no intention of leaving until retirement. The job openings will be one or two a year, and your chances of slipping into them are miniscule.

With that said, you will need to look for other teaching opportunities. You will have a greater chance of being hired at a school that is struggling with test scores, parental involvement, and has a high turn-over rate. This may not sound like an appealing job; however, most teachers admit they grew the most in a difficult teaching position. It will challenge you as you figure out how to reach the students in such a way as to increase their understanding of the material for those critical tests. Many of the parents whose child attends a struggling school feel defeated and at a loss for how to help their child succeed.

These struggling schools need teachers who are excited about their profession, willing to go the extra mile, and be creative with their teaching techniques. Your energy and commitment could be the one thing that makes a difference in a struggling school. If this describes you, you will likely get hired on the spot.

Urban areas are desperate for quality teachers. The stark reality is children who live in urban areas face poverty, lack of parental supervision at night, and low achievement scores. Dangerous living conditions and the presence of drugs and gangs cause schooling not to be as important as it needs to be. The tenure of teachers and administrators in urban areas is an average of three years. Yet, these students and parents desperately need outstanding, highly-qualified teachers to step in the gap and stay committed to them. A passion for change and a refusal to give up easily are the first steps to having an incredible impact on these deserving students and families.

The payoff for working in an urban school will be one not easily described in words. Most of these students desire to overcome their circumstances and would commit to learning if only someone would invest in their school and their lives. Is that someone you?

If you live in a particular area and have found a school where you would like to teach, substitute teaching, supply teaching, and being a paraprofessional are valid ways of getting your foot in the door. Even though you have the required education and a teaching certificate, don’t assume you are above starting at the ground level. If you are willing to substitute/supply teach or be a paraprofessional for a period of time, you have an incredible opportunity to demonstrate your skills to administrators. When an opening becomes available, you will likely be considered for it.

The teaching profession needs you. The job search might become frustrating, but don’t give up. Be willing to look outside your comfort zone. It just might be the place you were meant to be!