Education

Improving Your Chances

April 24, 2005 2 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

The education job market has become increasingly complex in recent years. One school district offering hiring incentives even as another is laying teachers off. Schools and districts are becoming more selective in their recruiting. Available positions may be more specialized and harder to track down. And the job-searching process itself has become more multifaceted.

So what can teachers looking for new positions do to improve their standing in this environment? Here are a few tips gleaned the Career Coach archives:

Become “highly qualified.” The federal No Child Left Behind Act requires public schools to have a ‘highly qualified’ teacher in virtually every classroom by the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Highly qualified generally means you’re fully certified (including by alternative certification) and you’ve shown proficiency in your subject area. Check your state’s specific criteria to make sure you have all the bases covered. Administrators will instinctively favor candidates who don’t have any outstanding gaps.

Be willing to relocate. Demand for teachers varies significantly by region and locality. According to data from the American Association for Employment in Education, teacher need has been greatest in parts of the South and West and in many rural and urban areas. “If you sit down and talk to people from [outside your own region], you may find your interest increased and the possibilities exciting,” says Steve Head, director of educational placement and career services at the University of Wisconsin.

Consider a shortage field. There continues to be a high demand in schools nationwide for teachers in subjects like mathematics, science, special education, English as a second language, and foreign languages. Switching fields isn’t easy, but in some cases, the career opportunities may be worth it.

Fine tune your search. “Don’t underestimate the possibility that refinements in your job search can make a difference,” says Head. Revamp your resume and portfolio to highlight key aspects, seek out varied resources and contacts, review application procedures closely, follow-up on inquiries and applications, and use the Internet to extend and manage your search.

Research. Before an interview, learn as much as you can about the position, the school or district, the community, and the students. “I find that those who have done the research generally have a genuine interest and aptitude for the job,” says Ron Alatorre, a high school principal in California.

Focus on students. In interviews and contacts, show strong enthusiasm for students and emphasize your commitment to their learning potential. “I am looking for that optimist who feels any child not only can succeed but will succeed,” says Alatorre.

Take the lead. In a time of change and heightened pressure, schools and recruiters are reportedly targeting candidates with strong leadership skills. In your job-search materials, highlight instances where you’ve overcome challenges or driven organizational improvement.

Events

Federal Webinar The Trump Budget and Schools: Subscriber Exclusive Quick Hit
EdWeek subscribers, join this 30-minute webinar to find out what the latest federal policy changes mean for K-12 education.
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Curriculum Webinar
End Student Boredom: K-12 Publisher's Guide to 70% Engagement Boost
Calling all K-12 Publishers! Student engagement flatlining? Learn how to boost it by up to 70%.
Content provided by KITABOO
This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
School & District Management
Moving the Needle on Attendance: What’s Working NOW
See how family engagement is improving attendance, and how to put it to work in schools.
Content provided by TalkingPoints

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Education Briefly Stated: May 21, 2025
Here's a look at some recent Education Week articles you may have missed.
8 min read
Education Quiz What Is the Average Teacher Salary for the 2024-25 School Year? Take This Weekly Quiz
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read
Education Quiz Are You Keeping Up With Trump’s Big Changes to K-12 Funding? Take This Weekly Quiz
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read
Education Quiz How Is Trump Changing School Discipline Rules? Take This Week’s Quiz
Test your knowledge on the latest news and trends in education.
1 min read