How To Get Hired For A Teaching Job
The Time Is Now
So, you have completed your teacher training. All of your courses have been completed, you have your diploma and certificate in hand, and it is time to pound the pavement and find your first job.
Or maybe you have been out of the game for awhile, and you are looking to re-enter the teaching profession.
And then there are those who are looking for a new teaching gig, but it has been so long since they looked for a teaching job, that they aren’t quite sure what to do.
Well this article is for all of you! After you read this article you should have a bit of a game plan with which to tackle the tough journey ahead.
You have all heard the reports, and at times they are varying in nature. There is a shortage of qualified teachers. There are no jobs available. There is a glut of inexperienced teachers. The pay scale is horrible and teaching is not worth pursuing.
There is some validity in all of the reports, but there is also a degree of falsehood in all of them.
Maybe we can clarify and de-mystify, and hopefully we can get you on the right path in finding your next teaching position.
A Variety of School Districts to Choose From
Statistics are a bit varied when trying to pinpoint how many schools and school districts there are in the United States. The following are estimates at best, but they will still give us a foundation for this discussion:
· 15,000 School Districts in the United States
· 97,382 Public Schools in the United States
· 30,000 Private Schools in the United States
· 6.2-6.5 Million teachers in the United States
With the help of some rudimentary math, one would surmise that there are many more teachers than there are jobs, and that would be an accurate statement. However, not all teachers are working as teachers, for a variety of reasons. Many have been laid off, or quit, and have not returned to the workforce as teachers.
When looking at the number of school districts in the United States, keep in mind that each and every district is its own governing body with its own hiring practices and its own set of criteria regarding eligibility.
Also keep in mind that budgetary concerns are different for each district and in some cases for each school. In some areas, private schools will pay a teacher more than public schools. The point to take from all of this is that there are a variety of opportunities out there, and simply because one school district is not hiring does not mean that a neighboring district is not hiring. Someone looking for work needs to do diligent research about the schools and school districts that they are interested in.
Are You Mobile?
The ability to travel where there are jobs is a huge advantage for those searching for teaching jobs. If there are no jobs available in your district, do you have the desire and capability to pack your bags and move to another district? If you do then your chances of being hired increase drastically.
This writer found no teaching jobs for two years in western Washington. However, within one month of applying in Alaska I was hired. A similar situation occurred when I was hired to teach in Cheyenne, Wyoming, after months of not finding work in Washington. The bottom line is that I was single and willing to travel; that fact alone increased my chances of finding a job.
While on the subject of Alaska….they are always looking for qualified teachers and for good reason….it is cold and isolated up there. They also pay very well, and often offer incentives to entice teachers to visit their state.
In fact, you will generally find that many isolated areas are always looking for teachers, so keep it in mind when you are doing your search.
Sell yourself!
- Job Searching: Five Tips For Success
Five time-tested suggestions for finding a job for all who are looking for employment.
But What If You Are Not Mobile, or Not Willing to Be Mobile?
Well, in that case, competition becomes rather stiff, and you had better plan on marketing yourself to the best of your ability.
As a general rule, the more skills you have the better your chances are of being hired. Do you know how to coach? Schools are always looking for qualified coaches in sports. Do you have a background in the Arts, or do you speak a foreign language?
One way to build your resume is to volunteer for activities, thus gaining experience. The first teaching job I got was because I had volleyball experience and they were looking for a teacher who could coach volleyball. Over the years I volunteered to coach basketball, baseball, volleyball, track and yes, chess.
The competition is tough out there, so again, learn to market yourself and learn to increase your desirability by learning new skills.
If there are no new jobs in your district, but you don’t want to leave town, then sign up to substitute teach in the district of your choice. Substituting is a great way of making yourself known to principals around the district so that when it comes time for them to hire, you will be a name that they think of.
Worth considering!
- Peace Corps
Peace Corps Volunteers travel overseas to make real differences in the lives of real people. Apply online to Volunteer, find a local recruiting event, donate to a Volunteer project, or access teacher and student resources.
Job Fairs Are In Every State
- Teacher Job Fairs Search K-12 Job Fairs public and private schools, administrative teaching jobs, Fi
A valuable link in searching for job fairs across the United States.
Going to Job Fairs
I would venture to guess that every state in the Union has their own teacher job fair. Go online and find out when it is being held and sign up. This is another great way of getting your name out there, and as an added bonus you get a chance to meet face-to-face with many school administrators. Consider it an informal job interview that could pay dividends down the road.
There are also job fairs for overseas teaching positions, and that certainly may be something to consider, and there are teacher exchange programs that usually last a year or two.
One other avenue to consider is the Peace Corps. It is a two-year commitment but they are always looking for teachers who are willing to work in needy countries and do some good for mankind.
Should You Get a Masters?
No, this is not a trick question, even though many students believe a Masters increases their chances of getting hired. Remember that every school district is different, and also remember that they all have different budget concerns. Some districts may prefer to only hire candidates with a Masters; others may shy away from candidates with Masters because that puts the candidate higher on the pay scale.
I do not believe there is a right answer to this question. There is no doubt that a Masters will increase your pay, but there is also the concern that in today’s hiring world, you might just price yourself out of the market.
An alternative idea
Are you looking for a teaching job?
Public Vs Private School
The basic assumption among teachers is that private schools pay less than public schools, but I’m here to tell you that the assumption is wrong. As a general rule I would say yes, but for a teacher willing to shop around there are surprises that await you.
I worked for a Catholic school in Beaverton, Oregon, that paid more than the Olympia Public School District in my home town. I have, in fact, worked for several Catholic schools and my pay scale was always within 10% of the public schools in the same area. As an added bonus, generally speaking there is more teaching freedom in a private school, and less dependence on district standards and standardized testing.
And no, you do not have to be Catholic or religious to teach at most private schools. Private schools are looking for good teachers; that is their primary goal.
One other caveat to consider: oftentimes it is not necessary to be endorsed in a subject in order to be hired to teach that subject in a private school. Private schools often hire the “best teacher” rather than the teacher trained for a particular subject. In other words, you might very well be hired to teach science even though your endorsements are in social studies. I know because it has happened to me several times during my career.
Opportunities Await You
The bottom line is that there are jobs out there for qualified teachers, but it is also a tough market to enter. Your chances of getting hired increase greatly if you are flexible and willing to travel, and they increase more if you have a variety of skills. Rarely does a first year teacher get hired for a desirable position. Even in Alaska, competition is tough for jobs in Anchorage and southeast Alaska, where the weather is not so brutal.
Teaching is not unlike many other jobs in that you need to pay your dues and work up the ladder of success. Consider your first few years to be an apprenticeship, and do whatever is necessary to make yourself more attractive in later years.
Best of luck to you in your job search! Teaching is a rewarding experience, one that gives back to you each and every day. If you have the passion and desire then there is a place for you in the world of education.
2012 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)
Mr. Holland is an eighteen year veteran of teaching and has taught at the junior college, high school, and middle school levels during his career. He has coached four different sports and chaired several clubs, and over the years has taught math, social studies, creative writing, history, and science in three different states. He is also a graduate of the Leadership Academy, sponsored by the National Geographic Society, and as such is certified to teach other teachers in Social Studies. Three times he has been selected as one of America’s Top 100 Teachers.
Related
Comments
Ever so timely for me!
I had always assumed private schools pay less. It is interesting (and nice) to hear that isn't always true.
Bill, great article and must tell you as an out of work teacher, who hasn't had a teaching job in over two years, I would have to agree with most of what you said. With two small children and husband, I don't have the luxury of just picking up and moving to where a job is or traveling a great distance each day to get back and forth to work. I also have a master's degree, which has put me at a disadvantage to districts who don't want to have to pay for my extra educational credentials. Thank you though for writing this and sharing this for others who could totally gain employment from your suggestions. Have of course voted way up and shared all over!!
Useful hub for teachers! Sometimes you have to move somewhere else to find a job. There are no private schools where I live, and there aren't many private schools in Finland.
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Natasha, I assume you are willing to travel, so I doubt seriously if you will have trouble. If you decide to take a look at private schools, the Catholic schools are usually excellent, and each Archdiocese has job listings on their websites.
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Janine, thank you! I'd be interested in knowing what you didn't agree with....you said most of what I said....if you get a chance, let me know.
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Made, Finland seems to have a great public school system, so I doubt there is a reason to have private schools. Here, they sprung up because of dis-satisfaction with the public school system
Thank you my dear and Happy New Year to you!
Wow, what a wonderful hub. It's filled with such great information for new teachers, and it is aided greatly by the pictures as well as your personal experiences. I am once again impressed with not only your writing abilities, but your choice of subject matter. Once again, great job Bill! Voted up and awesome!
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Thank you Karen; very nice of you to say all that. Have a very Happy New Year!
Finland seems to be a successful when it comes to teaching. Americans seem to be amazed about the fact that children don't start school before the age of seven in Finland. I'm watching some youtube videos about schools in Finland right now. It would be interesting to write a hub about this subject...
Happy New Year, Bill! :)
Congrats on your teaching achievements!!! I taught second grade in St. Louis for two years before staying home with my babies. I hope to go back to teaching for the 2014 school year when my youngest goes to Kindergarten. The first time around was easy because I was hired at the school where I student taught. I'm anxious to see how the second time around goes. I have started subbing here and there for a local district hoping to just get my foot in the door for when the time comes to apply for a teaching position. Great hub! :)
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Made, I hope you do write a hub about it...I would love to know Finland's secret. :) Happy New Year to you my dear friend.
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Stephanie, best of luck to you in your search when the time comes. It sounds to me like you have your game plan ready. Thank you!
Hi Bill,
Awesome article, as only a teacher such as youself can write. Sharing!
Take care and enjoy the New Year!
John
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Thank you John and Happy New Year to you my friend.
bill
Hello Bill this is great information.. thank you.. I am going to share it with people I think should be teachers and I feel like they really want to be teachers..
Happy New Year
Debbie
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Thank you Debbie! We need a whole bunch of good teachers.
Happy New Year to you my friend.
bill
Good tips! Timely, too. I might interview for a part time position at a private school this coming week. I always wanted to keep up with my Spanish and until I'm making a little more and can travel, this could be really fun! ;)
Great hub with all the necessary information and approaches necessary for finding a teaching job in a tight market. 18 years ago I taught for two years as a College adjunct then got two one year positions, and then lo and behold the first college offered me a full-time position even tho I was still in ABD status, because they knew my work.
As soon as I got my PhD it converted to tenure track. So from personal experience I know that substitute teaching is a good idea. The principals who make hiring decisions need to get to know you. :) Great Hub. :)
Hi Bill: much information, on a much needed topic...thanks for the shot in the arm that we could all use in this economic environment. Very useful and motivating!
Hello again Billybuc. Christmas/Yuletide over and time for thoughts on what's in store for the New Year, eh? I'm no teacher, nor ever qualified for that kind of job - sorry, career.
What I know is that this country amongst the rest of Britain suffers from a shortage of good Maths teachers. We're warned we could slip well down the league and we're already trailing some Eastern European and even Third World countries in the department. Engineering and that sort of Maths-orientated work will suffer with it. (On the other hand those who qualify as Civil Engineers face having to emigrate because there's nothing to keep them here. Many of our famous engineers have had to emigrate to make it).
Teaching here is a mess since the last government messed around with the syllabus and how small children learn the language (we've got a lot of non-EU refugee status immigrants from the Third World, and a lot of Eastern Eurpeans who don't seem to want to go home).
Then there's also the hooligan element. As you have in the States, we have teachers who wave the white flag as they enter the classroom, and kids of seven who terrorise their teachers. Mostly these teachers in primary and pre-primary schools are female, and mostly they're not very 'worldly', going straight from training school into class with only the odd turn in a school. Mind you, my cousin Tony - who is a strapping 6'-8" - was terrorised when he was literally sent to Coventry for classroom experience. It was a long time before he set foot in a school in a teaching capacity after working in industry!
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Cyndi, good luck with the interview. The only way I would return to teaching would be part time, but I doubt it would happen. I'm lovin' this live too much. :)
Happy New Year lil' Sis!
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Theresa, that's part of the "game" a lot of teachers and grads don't understand. You have to get yourself out there and be seen, and if that means substituting then that's what you do. Thanks for sharing your experience, and Happy New Year!
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Hi Kim! Thank you! I know you are familiar with all of this, so thank you for stopping by. Happy New Year to you and your family.
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Alan, welcome my friend! Thanks for sharing those thoughts. Teaching is not for the weak of spirit, and it can harden the toughest of workers. I have never worked inner-city, and I have heard some horror stories from cities like New York and Washington D.C.....there are some tough areas in this country where education really comes down to avoiding jail.
I have serious concerns with the education in this country, and I suspect as long as the Federal government is running this show we will continue to have problems. What a shock, eh? LOL
Happy New Year to you!
You mention very good point about getting into or staying in the teaching profession. The main points are extremely useful for those who are not familiar with how getting teaching jobs work.
Wow, great credentials Bill. I am sorry I didn't become a teacher, I think I could have made it interesting for children; loving the only two or three teachers who did that for me. Private school would have been nice too I think. It has to be a hard job today I am sure though, teaching. School really seems to have changed.
Billy, here's a funny one for you. I wonder if you know in this country public schools are private and state schools are public schools. Much of the time there's the 'old boy network' amongst teaching graduates and experienced staff for jobs in schools like Eton, Harrow and Winchester etc. It's who you know and all that, as well as old school ties (they wear their old school ties even after having left for decades, and senior civil servants know each other from their ties before they know their names).
Call me a misogynist (had to look that one up), but this meritocracy they say we are don't seem much like one! Do you get that with your 'Ivy Leaguers'? (I remember Nixon had a bee in his bonnet about them)!
I never knew the pitfalls that teachers had to deal with in the job market. I'll bet there are more problems now, than 30 years ago. I have always admired a good teacher, and had a couple that were exemplary.
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Hi Stephanie; thanks for the visit. I'm just trying to help the young teachers; they face a tough market right now.
Happy New Year to you!
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Jackie, your insights are right on! It is a much tougher gig today than it once was. I left the profession at the right time, on a high note, on my terms. :) thank you and once again, Happy New Year!
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Deb, it's just a tougher market now; budget cuts are making it very tough on teachers, especially those with a lot of schooling....and those who teach the Arts.
Thank you!
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Alan, the Ivy Leaguers are certainly an excellent example. That is a clique that cannot be broached by anyone outside the circle.....and once in the circle the dividends keep coming for a lifetime. If we have such a thing as blue bloods in this country, you just hit upon it.
Thanks again and no, I did not know that public schools were private over there. Very interesting!
Wow. From one teacher to another, it is surely a profession that you'd have to be prepared to make a few sacrifices before embracing! Thanks for sharing, Bill.
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Thank you Michelle! I'm sure glad I don't have to look for a teaching job nowadays. :) Happy New Year!
Thank you for this. When I got out of college there were no teaching jobs in my area. I kept my eyes open for 2 years while I worked at the oil company.
What a helpful hub for those looking for teaching jobs. You covered it all. The only teaching I have done were seminars helping people in business. This is great especially for those graduating and don't have a clue how to go about this process. Voting up and sharing around.
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Martin, we have returned to those tough days....very few teaching jobs available. Thank you for the visit my friend.
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Thanks Carol; I hope it helps someone out there because this is a tough market for sure. Happy New Year to you.
Billy Buc, you are a marvel. In content variety, and in followers! What's the secret to getting so may followers? And happy, healthy New Year to you & yours. Ken
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Helly Kenja, thank you so much! The secret? I spend a lot of time commenting on the hubs of others, and cultivating friendships.....and I have been so lucky to have met some quality people along the way who have liked my writing and shared it. Happy New Year to you!
Hi Bill,
It is always good to read a piece like this from one who is/has been in the same profession. I do agree with you teaching can be tough and at the same time rewarding. Entering my 7th year of college teaching, I have encountered diverse teaching experiences and learnt a lot about teaching. Most of all, I have come to realize that teaching is not for the weak. One has to have courage, interest and strength to be a teacher, the way to find fulfillment in teaching is to be a complete teacher in the first place.
Globally and especially here in Kenya, I find there is need to streamline the pedagogy training to be in line with global needs and trends. The world is changing fast; Technology, Governance, Medicine, Social issues, Global concerns and other emerging trends. These necessitate changes in Teacher Training if countries especially Third world countries have to realize millennium goals and respective states visions.
Great article, voted up and useful.
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Dwachira, very true words my friend. Here in the States they have not changed focus yet; they are clinging to old, worn out beliefs that simply do not apply in this new world. Hopefully they will see the light soon....and you are oh so right....teaching takes courage!
Thank you and Happy New Year to you!
Good tips Bill! Here in PA teaching jobs are scarce because of all of the budget cuts. I think a lot of newer teachers are joining Americorps and getting their foot in the door that way.
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Glimmer, that is a great way to get established and get experience. Thank you for mentioning Americorps. Happy New Year to you.
This article is very resourceful and quite useful. Excellent job. Much appreciated.
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Anonymous, I'm happy if this helps. Thank you and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you as well Bill. =)
As a teacher, you are tops! Sharing from your experience will help those seeking teaching jobs to understand what it takes and where to look for employment. Excellent post.
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Thank you Dianna! That's what we do, is it not? We teach long after our days in a classroom are gone. I know you know that with certainty.
Great information. Mobility makes getting a job so...much easier. Happy New Years
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Tireless, it truly does....thank you and Happy New Year to you as well.
Well Billy,
Unless there is a need for teaching the fine art of tripping, falling in dog poop or irritating my Uncle Phil, I doubt I'll be hired in this field. I can hear a collective sigh of relief from parents everywhere.
Here are a few jokes pertaining to the under-appreciated art of teaching:
"Dad, can you write in the dark?"
"I think so. What is it you want me to write?"
"Your name on this report card."
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A teacher was having trouble teaching arithmetic to one little boy. So she said, "if you reached in your right pocket and found a nickel, and you reached in your left pocket and found another one, what would you have?"
"Somebody else's pants."
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Teacher: Johnny, you know you can't sleep in my class.
Johnny: I know. But maybe if you were just a little quieter, I could.
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"If there are any idiots in the room, will they please stand up" said the sarcastic teacher. After a long silence, one freshman rose to his feet.
"Now then mister, why do you consider yourself an idiot?" inquired the teacher with a sneer.
"Well, actually I don't," said the student, "but I hate to see you standing up there all by yourself."
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"Isn't the principal a dummy!" said a boy to a girl.
"Say, do you know who I am?" asked the girl.
"No."
"I'm the principal's daughter."
"And do you know who I am?" asked the boy.
"No," she replied.
"Thank goodness!"
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And last but not least...You know you are a school teacher if you believe "extremely annoying" should have its own box on the report card.
Love,
Beckie XO
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Changing underwear now, Beckie! LMAO! did you know those or did you look them up? Are you one of those people who remembers jokes from years before? If so you must be a hoot at a party. The idiot one had me doubled over laughing...I would have been the one in school to say that. Probably explains why I got so many hacks from the Jesuits. :)
Thanks for the wardrobe change; you never disappoint.
love,
billy.....by the way, you and Eddy are the only two who consistently call me billy; everyone else calls me Bill after a time....I like that you do.
Are you kiddin? Did I remember them....some days I can't remember my own name. Of course I looked them up!
You have way too much faith in me my friend!
And I am humbled to be in such honorable company as Eddy. Now there is a woman who has faced great odds, sorrow and loss yet she continues to reach for the positive every time. Just a truly amazing soul.
Glad you like that we call you Billy, because even if you didn't, I can not imagine I would stop!
Love ya Billy!
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Beckie, you are doing double duty today; you are not only reading all my hubs but you are commenting on the comments. Do you have any idea how much I appreciate you?
Would you accept a gift from me? I want to send you my novel. You don't have to read it if you don't want to; just set it on your bookshelf and maybe some day it will be worth something. :) Drop me an email with your mailing address and I'll send it this weekend if you would allow me to do that.
love,
billy
Billy,
I just sent you my address. I can not tell you how great a gift this is and I thank you. I can't wait to read it. Make sure you sign it!
Love,
Beckie XO
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Becky, I wills sign it for sure....I am thrilled to send it to you. Sorry it took me so long to think of it.
love,
billy
Billy,
This is a great hub by one who certainly knows about the teaching world in America. When I was younger after coming back to the States from Taiwan, I enrolled in education courses and was working towards secondary education certification. I never finished the education and got certification because I received a job offer from the federal government which payed me a lot more than what I would have made starting out in 1981. I think starting pay was around 10 K then. If I hadn't gotten the job, I would have become a teacher then. The urge to teach remained in my blood during the 27 years I spent working with the government. Actually, my desire to teach was forged while I was teaching EFL in Taiwan in the 70s. I guess you can understand now why I went to Thailand to teach EFL after I retired from the government 6 years ago. It has been a good experience here, but in reality, education in non-international schools is not the same as teaching in the international schools. Standards seem to be a lot lower, and many times I feel like I am not teaching in a real school. Considering the experience I have working for the government, my travel and knowledge of languages, is it too late for me now to even be exploring the idea of trying teaching in the States now? Is there an age when a person is considered too old? I'll be 69 in August, but I feel like I'm still in my 40s. Voted up as very useful and sharing.
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Paul, it is an interesting question and thanks for raising it. I got my job in Oregon when I was fifty-nine.....and two years later a job in Olympia when I was sixty-one.....I think it depends on the district and school. There are some districts where your experience would be welcomed no matter your age....but it would require flexibility on your part and a willingness to travel to where those jobs are.
Blessings to you and best of luck with your decision.
I am reading your helpful guide, and I have the utmost respect for teachers, but I would never be able to be one. Teachers have to deal with so many things that are not even related to education. The accountability they suffer does not seem to be fair. I am glad that there are some wonderful people in the world that do a great job though. :)
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Tammy, my hope is that more dedicated people are willing to put up with the accountability....the children need them.
Thank you Tammy!
Excellent hub and spot on! However, there is ageism in the field. Many districts do not want to invest in an an older candidate (Master's +.....) because they cost too much. Also, with an older candidate, they might leave after being tenured and awarded lifetime healthcare, and that is a cost they do not want to incur.
Plus, like you said, the more degrees and credits you hold, isn't always the better valor because with budgetary challenges, you can be priced out of the park.
I do agree with you that there are opportunities for those willing to travel abroad and to far corners.
Great hub as always. You have imparted sage wisdom once again.
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Robin, you mention ageism (what a strange looking word. :))....and there is no doubt that it exists. Really, the ability to travel to where the jobs are is crucial for so many on the market nowadays. There is no set answer and there are no easy shortcuts.....the last job I was hired for, I was hired because of my age. LOL Go figure!
Thank you as always, Robin. I respect your opinions and comments, and appreciate you stopping by.
Thanks for this helpful article. I am seriously considering this profession and feel inspired from reading this. I'm currently getting TESOL certification and then we'll see where I go from there... Best wishes!
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Carozy, I wish you good luck. I hope you find a job soon and it is one that you can work well with.
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