By Marthe Leach, Program Manager, Braven Chicago
When I started applying to teaching positions in Summer 2010 as a first-year Teach For America corps member, I was turned down more than 20 times before I finally secured a position. After seven-plus years teaching in a variety of schools, I learned a few tricks that I wish I’d known on day one. Here they are:
Figure out which schools you’d like to work for
In Chicago, we have public, private, charter, contract, and alternative schools, just to name a few. They each have positives and drawbacks. For instance, you may have more opportunity for leadership in your first year at a charter school, but a neighborhood public school might lead to more opportunities to get involved in the immediate community around your school. Knowing the differences between each model and deciding which ones appeal to you ahead of time will narrow your search.
Add a high-needs endorsement
Schools are always looking for teachers that are endorsed in special education, English language learners, and STEM fields. Many colleges even offer certifications in these high needs areas for free during the summer. Consider adding a few more classes to make yourself more enticing to employers.
Build your network
Like any other career, you’ll likely be hired because of who you know. Start meeting other educators while you’re still in school to get a jump on your job search. Many teachers’ unions and education non-profits offer free workshops for teachers. It’s a great way to build your skills while meeting like-minded educators who may just get you a job one day.
Attend a job fair
Teaching job fairs, whether put on by the district or by a private organization, give you an opportunity to get a feel for many schools at once. Yes, it can be a slog to get up early on a Saturday morning and wait in line for hours, but it’s worth it to get your face and resumé in front of multiple hiring managers.
Write a killer, data-driven resume
Sure, you may not have experience in your own classroom, but your resumé can still show you have the makings of an excellent teacher. Emphasize your translatable skills such as communication, data collection, and managing simultaneous projects with a strong, outcomes-focused resumé.
Do your research and find a great principal
Studies from the UChicago Consortium on School Research show that 24 out of 25 teachers list the principal as the top reason why they decide to stay in or leave a school. Do your research upfront to make sure you’re applying to schools you’d want to work at for the long-haul. If you’re a Chicagoan, you can find results from the 5 Essentials Survey online — data solicited from parents, teachers, and students about their opinions of their school and its leaders.
Be Patient
Your dream teaching job may not come right away and that’s okay! Consider substitute teaching, in the meantime, and build up your network and skills. Eventually, you’ll land a role at a great school.