Finding A Teaching Job

It is important to know the ins and outs of the job market for educators.

Going about your search the correct way can increase your chances of finding a job and will

optimize the effort you put into the search.

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• Everybody needs an education, and teachers at all grade levels and in all academic subjects are always necessary. • Some academic subjects, like mathematics, chemistry, physics and foreign

languages, are generally in higher demand. • There is also a shortage of minority teachers and, with increasing

enrollments of non English-speaking students, the demand for bilingual teachers and Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESOL) is on the rise.

• Teachers willing to move and licensed in multiple subjects will enjoy more job opportunities than teachers licensed in only one subject and unwilling to relocate.

• The need for teachers also varies by location. Regions like the South and the West are experiencing a large increase in enrollment, and need more teachers to accommodate larger student bodies.

• There are also high needs schools, mostly in urban or rural areas, which have difficulties in attracting and retaining teachers.

Understanding the Job Market

• For a breakdown of job vacancies in public schools by region and subject, visit the National Center for Education Statistics. The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), issued by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, projects the job outlook for teachers to “grow about as fast as the average” between 2008 and 2018, an estimated 13% in ten years. The need for highly qualified teachers continues to expand.

Job Outlook

• It’s important that your resume is as current as possible. • Make sure your resume includes all of your educational

information, as well as any honors, awards or distinctions you may have received. • List all relevant employment experience, being sure to weed out

any older, insignificant positions you have had. • Include any experience you may have had as a student teacher,

your certifications and licensure, and be sure your contact information is up to date.

Gather Your Documents

• Some employers require a cover letter, which should be clear and concise, no longer than one page. • Tailor your cover letter to the specific job you’re applying for. • A cover letter should always include your address and the address of

the person to whom the letter is addressed. • Include an introduction that cites the exact position you’re applying for

and how you heard of it. • The second paragraph should discuss why you’re interested in the

position and why you should be considered. • In the final paragraph, explain how your credentials can be verified (via

relevant contact information) and thank the reader for considering you.

Gather Your Documents

• Also keep in mind that, in today’s digital age, many of these documents are submitted electronically. In fact, teachers are often asked to show proficient technological skills.• It’s a good idea to develop an online portfolio of your studies and

work that you can send out to potential employers.• http://sitemaker.umich.edu/amandafletcher/welcome_to_my_eportfolio_

Gather Your Documents

• As a part of a teacher preparation program, many teachers are expected to write a teaching statement. This essay details your pedagogy, methodology, goals, standards and reasons for teaching. • Make your statement as concise as possible, being specific and avoiding

too many extraneous details. • Also, while you should talk about your goals as a whole, try emphasizing

the goals you have for that specific position. Discuss the importance of education, the rewards of teaching and how you hope to impact the lives of your students. • A teaching statement is an opportunity to make yourself stand out, so

make sure you present yourself as a truly passionate and ambitious teacher.

Compose a Teaching Statement

• Regional School Districts/Boards of Education• Job Fairs• Professional Organizations• Nonprofit Organizations• Online Databases

Where To Search

• Read the job posting thoroughly to ensure you meet all requirements and adhere to all deadlines. Also, make sure you submit your application via the preferred method (email, fax or hard copy). • Keep track of all the jobs you’ve applied for as well as the responses

you’ve gotten. Group emails together into folders and have all your documents stored in one place for easy access. Note the dates of each application you send so you know when to follow up and answer all responses promptly. • If you haven’t heard back after a few days, it’s okay to inquire about

your application --- maybe they lost or overlooked it. But don’t overdo it! You don’t want to become a pest!

When Applying

• Be aware that potential employers may review your social media accounts to screen potential employers. • Remove risqué or questionable pictures or posts.• Watch your language.• Be prepared to explain anything that your employer might not view as a

good representation of a potential teacher.

Social Media