5 Ways to Land Your Dream Teaching Job!

Having my daughter in October and graduating in December was a bit of an unconventional end to my undergraduate career. However, spending that extra semester soaking up time with my baby and working as a substitute teacher was a very useful experience! Despite special education having one of the highest shortages, I saw many of my classmates struggling to get the jobs that they were interested in. I also followed many of my closest friends applying for various elementary teaching positions in their extremely competitive field. Whether you're already searching for a job for the first time, or you're still in school, I hope these five tips help you navigate the application and interview process to help you land your dream teaching job!

1. Get those certification tests out of the way early!

           This is probably pretty hypocritical for me to say, since I waited until after graduation to finish my tests, BUT I can say that I have watched several people rise above in the application process because they already received their license, and unfortunately I can also attest to people who had to re-test several times and couldn't guarantee their future employer that they would be licensed in time to start school in August. Also, the online state licensing program takes a long time once you get into June and July to apply, so do yourself a favor and get them passed early!

2. Go above and beyond at any pre-interview meetings.

          The district that I student taught in had a "meet-and-greet" in November, looking at December graduates. Since the district is fairly large, this was geared at only special education candidates and all of the special education coordinators and the Director of Special Education were all asking and answering questions about their district. It wasn't geared towards any openings in particular, but I treated it as an interview. I brought my portfolio, and although I didn't use it, I did decide to go back to the Director and give her my resume and cover letter (that was addressed directly to her about the district). I had a good but brief conversation with her about our daughters and let her know that I was going to be looking for something full time in August. 

           Right before I left, she told me that if I saw any openings that I was interested in, to contact her directly. And so, when I saw an opening, I called her office. They immediately got me an interview, and she listed several things from this meet-and-greet that impressed them, even though that was four months prior. 

            I was VERY nervous to go to that meet-and-greet. But, I met 2 of the 3 people in my interview and it made me feel much more comfortable during the interview, and allowed for me to get to know the district. Which leads me to number 3...

3. Know your position.

            I honestly didn't even know that the school that I got hired at existed. I saw it online, and Google Maps didn't even show me the right location. I couldn't find any website or any information online. So I called the special education district office and talked to the secretary about the openings. Then, I found out who the coordinator was and texted and e-mailed previous mentor teachers to find out more about her. Everyone loved her and I even found out that my student teaching supervisor had coached her in high school. During the interview, I was prepared with not only personal information that could prove benefit to their team, but I also knew the basis of the position while also having big questions that showed my enthusiasm for the job.

4. Ask questions.

            While in an interview, you want to show off your knowledge, it doesn't do anyone any favors to pretend like you understand. It's easy to smile and nod, but if you don't understand an acronym or term, don't be afraid to ask. In fact, I got called out for doing this during my interview: 

             The school that I will be teaching at is an alternative school for students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. The paras/assistants are called behavior technicians. I did not know that, and the principal could read my face that, despite my nods, I had no idea what she was talking about. It was a simple explanation and we laughed about it, but I could have easily just asked instead.

             Some good questions to ask for special education could be:

• What is the average class size?
• What other staff will be in my room?
• What disability categories will be in my classroom?
• What kinds of supports do you offer to teachers?

5. Student teach where you want to work.

              If you've already student taught, or you're in the midst of it now, this doesn't really apply. But, if you have a choice of what kind of environment you want to student teach in, take advantage of it! I will never be able to explain how beneficial it was for me to teach in an alternative school setting. Not only did I feel prepared for any other type of classroom, but I also could use real examples for my interview in a different alternative school with students of similar diagnoses. 

              I have also heard from others who student taught in a private school, and when they went to interview for a position in a Title 1 school, were turned down. It is not the end all if you changed your mind about where you want to work after student teaching, but instead of focusing on your student teaching experience, instead emphasize your challenges and successes in other, similar, environments.

I wish you all the best of luck as you enter the work force of the best job ever! If you have any other tips to add, comment below! I'd love to hear your advice!