As a teacher, finding work at an excellent public school can be a challenging but rewarding experience. These 7 ways to get a teaching job give you the resources and strategies to increase your chances of landing a job that aligns with your skills, values, and goals. Here are some tips and tools to help you find a public school that suits you and your students.
1. Start with the National Education Association (NEA) website
The National Education Association (NEA) is a professional organization that represents public school teachers and support staff. They offer a wealth of information and resources for teachers, salary information, and advocacy tools. You can use the NEA website to help with getting your cover letter and resume in top shape to get noticed.
2. Use the SchoolFinder tool from GreatSchools
GreatSchools is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources to help families find and support great public schools. They offer a SchoolFinder tool that allows you to search for public schools in your area based on several factors, including location, student-teacher ratio, and academic performance. You can also compare schools, read parent reviews, and access detailed profiles of each school. Doing this kind of research can help you decide where you want to apply or maybe where you don’t!
3. Check the job postings on Teacher.org or EdJoin
Teacher.org is a comprehensive resource for educators that provides information on teaching careers, job search strategies, and professional development opportunities. There is also EdJoin. They claim to be the nation’s number one site for finding education jobs in the United States. Both offer a job board that lists current vacancies in nationwide public schools. You can search for job postings based on location, subject area, grade level, and other criteria. Additionally, you can access articles, videos, and tools to help you prepare for your job search and interview.
4. Connect with local teacher organizations
Local teacher organizations can provide valuable support and resources for finding work in a public school. They offer networking opportunities, professional development programs, and advocacy services. For example, you can join the local chapter of the National Education Association (NEA) or the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) to connect with fellow teachers, access job postings, and receive support from union representatives.
5. Attend job fairs and career events
Job fairs and career events are excellent opportunities to meet with school administrators, recruiters, and other education professionals. There are websites dedicated to listing recruitment events. For example, TeacherJobFairs.org’s mission is ” to provide an online digital platform and face-to-face platform for prospective Teachers, Educators & School Personnel to meet their future employer.” You can learn about current and future job openings, network with other teachers, and showcase your skills and experience. Another website that promotes educational job fairs is EdWeek.org. You can find information about job fairs and career events in your area by visiting the websites of teacher organizations, schools, and local education agencies.
6. Utilize social media and professional networking sites
Social media and professional networking sites can help you expand your reach and visibility in your job search. For example, you can create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your education, experience, and skills. You can also join groups related to education, teaching, and public schools to connect with other educators and learn about job opportunities. Additionally, you can follow schools and organizations on Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms to stay up-to-date on current news and job postings.
7. Consider alternative paths to finding work
In addition to the traditional methods of finding a job in a public school, you can also consider alternative ways to get your foot in the door. For example, you can volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or teacher assistant to gain valuable experience and build relationships with school administrators and teachers. You can also consider teaching at a charter, private, or international school to gain experience and exposure to different educational models and cultures. Don’t ignore Substitute teaching! It is a great way to research a school, its students, and staff interactions. And if you like the school, it’s an excellent way to get your foot in the door and a leg up in interviews.
In conclusion, using these 7 ways to get a teaching job can help you find a good public school that fits you best. Remember finding a great school requires time, effort, and persistence. By using a combination of the resources and strategies outlined above, you can increase your chances of landing a job that aligns with your skills, values
