Any other substitutes/teachers out there?
 

I'm a licensed teacher in Ohio and I'm on my second year of subbing. I'm looking for a full-time position but the job market here stinks :(.

I'm trying to do things to get my name out in the system. Currently, I have business cards that I pass out at schools. I eat lunch in the teacher's lounge. I'm friendly to other teachers and try to join in on conversations, but it's hard to fit in when I'm in a different school every day.

Are there any other teachers/subs that can give me advice about how to get my name out?

I'm in the same situation as you. I'm in my 3rd year subbing in NE Ohio and all I can say is keep doing what you are doing. If you are looking for something long term (like a maternity leave, etc), make sure you talk to the building principal so he/she knows that you are interested. Get yourself out to as many districts as possible. I tried to do that my first year but one district kept me so busy that I only went to 3 other districts and not that often. My second year, not at all (I was in long terms with this particular district all last year) and this year I'm kind of stuck where I was last year. Not that I don't mind it....I love the district but with levy problems....it's been very difficult to be hired.

Keep plugging away at what you are doing and it'll take you a long way....you just have to be patient. (Wow...me using that word considering everyone else has told me that too and I do my best to refuse!

I subbed when I was in grad school, before I became a fulltime teacher.

Go meet the Principal's Secretary, or other designee who is assigned the job of contacting subs for emergencies... such as, when they call @ 6am for a sub THAT day.

In Miami, where I used to teach, these designees were easily "bribed." (and I mean that JOKINGLY.) If they were given a cutesy little gift, with the sub's card/resume (whatever you use) attached, they'd be called. Gift = something small like a first aid kit / bandages - "in case of emergency" - get it?

The beginning of the year, schools are flowing with subs. But if you can stand to wait till Feb-Mar, that's when lots of subs have been hired, and there needs to be a new flow of available subs.

Good luck!

This is surprising to me. In Texas, we are constantly needing teachers. Again, the best suggestion is to speak directly to the principals and vice-principals of the buildings that you are in and let them know - You are willing and able to teach anything that comes open. Also, check out the private and parochiol schools. Even though they may not pay as well, it's a way to get your foot in the door and get the steady experience.

Or, move to the Dallas area. All of the districts in this area need teachers! When I started in the Dallas district 11 years ago, on the first day of school they still had 200 positions unfilled. It's not that bad now, but they still constantly have positions open.

Hi PhiMuTeach!
I'm in the same boat. This is my second year of teaching in SW Ohio without a full-time job. I have 2 part time jobs with a school district that keep me there 7:30am-3:30pm every day of the week..but still no full time benefits or pay...just keep trying to find jobs anywhere is all I can say. I'm getting my Masters and another license in something other then Early Childhood Edu. so hopefuly things will change for me next year! Just keep your head up and keep searching!

hmmm
 

:confused: What is it with Ohio? I've heard negative things about the market for teachers out there. I know a girl who chose to move from Ohio to another state so that she could find a teaching job!

I'm not from Ohio, but I'm interested in teaching, too... still looking at my options as I don't have a BA in edu :(

Don't worry--I had the same problem! I graduated last August with a master's in education, and I was offered two jobs...only one of which was full-time, and it would've meant moving to another city so I said no thanks. It is kind of a bummer, since my advisor promised me before I entered the program that there would be tons of jobs out there due to the fact that many Home Ec teachers are retiring and they would supposedly need new ones, but you know how that goes.

I think you're doing pretty much all you can do as far as getting your name out. That's the secret right there. I don't know how Ohio does it, but here in Kentucky we have a state website that lists all open teaching positions and a lot of times you can find out about jobs before they're listed simply by contacting the schools. Make friends with the principals in the schools you'd like to work in and let them know you're looking for full-time employment because a lot of times, principals already have the position filled even before the job opening is listed!

Just hang in there--I definitely feel your pain! I really like my current job, which has nothing to do with teaching, but I still sort of feel like I should at least give teaching a shot since I took out all those loans to get certified. :p

Thanks for the word of encouragement! I'm still hanging in there- subbing has taught me a lot. I just want my own classroom! The school district I sub for is building a new elementary school to open next school year, so I'm hopeful.

I've already decided that I'm either going to get a job here or relocate to NC next school year. I can't do another year w/o health insurance. I'll definitely keep everyone posted!

To answer your question Orchid:
There is a problem w/ teachers getting jobs in Ohio for 2 main reasons:

1. The population is shrinking, so there are less jobs and students.
2. The licensing for elementary educators is narrow. I'm licensed PK-3 , which is basically K-3 since preschool jobs pay close to minimum wage. I really wish that the certification was K-5 here, because I would teach fourth or fifth grade in a heartbeat!

Be wary a little bit
 

If you are looking for full time teaching employment, be aware that to some degree you are setting yourself up for the world's longest interview/tryout.

Sometimes, subbing lets you get your foot in the door, but other times, it can almost work against you because it changes the way they see you and lumps you in to a group of people who some places only have to have high school diplomas.

I've also seen long term subs get the shaft. Most of us aren't perfect from day to day, and when you fill the same job for six or twelve weeks as a sub, you get the pleasure of dealing with crazy kids and parents just like the rest of us. Instead of the completely clean slate that other candidates get in the interview, you will likely have some baggage that they don't.

(I report this not from personal experience as a sub, but as a witness to it happening to other people. Instead of being grateful that someone stepped up and took over, "they" hold the longterm sub responsible for every negative outcome. Did the classroom teacher leave bad plans? Are some of the parents clearly crazy? Were there some discipline issues? Irrationally, all that reflects on you.)

I've heard the same thing about Michigan (lots of teachers not many jobs).

While here in AZ, we are a lot like TX, tons of jobs open. At the beginning of the school year one district still had 80 spots open (but don't feel to bad for them, this district refused to put my application active because I was missing 1 letter of rec.). My school district had about 50 positions open.

I think it's most of the Midwest where it is hard to get a teaching job. I live in the Chicagoland area and teaching jobs are few and far between.

I subbed for half a semester, then was an aide for a year, and just out of pure luck I got a job teaching Kindergarten at a private school and have been there for 3 years.

I have alot of friends from college (I went to a college where education was what most of the students were majoring in) that moved to FL, CA, AZ, and NV just to get a teaching job.

I wish you good luck, and as I always say, what comes up, must come down. They say there are going to be alot of baby boomers retiring soon!!

Interesting Thread
 

I'm in Mississippi, where the demand for teachers seems insane, but I hear complaints from would-be teachers everyday claiming they can't get their foot in the door.

I did substitute teaching for a year, and I discovered how unenthused principals are when you approach them for employment as a sub. I don't know if they don't take us seriously or what.

It wasn't until I took both Praxis tests (I have several degrees already), and showed up for one of the job fairs given by a local school district here, that I suddenly got offers left and right. I ended up having to turn down two job offers and now I will be starting as the Choral Director at a local middle school here in the city. So, in my opinion, attending the job fairs are best, because you get interviewed right there on the spot. Most of the people I talked to who are having trouble getting call-backs are people who missed the job fairs. So, stay on the look-out for them if you want to get your foot in the door.

UPDATE!

I got a job teaching third grade. They start next week though (yeah, I'm going to be really stressed out preparing)!

Subbing was how my mom landed a full-time teaching job in CA. As other GC'ers advised, be willing to fill in for just about anything. Her emphasis was in U.S. history, but I remember her subbing in everything from art to jr high boys PE, told the kids she has 2 sons, so if they didn't behave, yes, she's come charging into the dressing room, to math, not her best subject. She filled in for one fourth grade teacher who was on medical leave, and another sub had been chased out by the students. When the main teacher couldn't come back, she was hired full time. She had credentials for elementary and jr. high.

My brother has taught in an inner city school, So Cal, 10 years. He also started off with subbing. Like my mom, he was on several district sub lists, and just kept working the districts, being pleasant, helpful, and landed a full time job teaching history.

Where at (I'm assuming Ohio)? You can PM me if you want..I'm starting this year too!

I know how you feel! I got a job teaching Kindergarten this fall so in the process of getting ready for that, I am also getting married next Friday, moving into my fiancee's house, and working my other job. Plus the teacher I'm working with got married 2 weeks ago and has been on her honeymoon so we haven't had much time to get together and get ready. Open house will be interesting!!! Did I mention that it's the day after I get back from my honeymoon???? :rolleyes:

I interviewed and now have a job as a kinder teacher! I'm excited. It's a year round school and I teach a morning and an afternoon kinder. The kids are great and really funny. Tomorrow marks the end of my first week and I'm happy. I really enjoy it.
This district has been good to me and the pay is better than I thought it would be for a new teacher. YAY!

Congratulations BDE! I think kindergarten would be so fun to teach!

BTW, if anyone is looking for lesson plans, my company helped to develop these:
www.discoverdairy.com

The series was designed for use in Pennsylvania, but most of the material, especially the animal care and nutrition lessons, are applicable pretty much nationwide. The lessons meet the following educational standards (at least in PA):

• Environment & Ecology: 4.2.4, 4.3.4, 4.4.4, 4.8.4, 4.9.4

• Science & Technology: 3.3.4, 3.6.4

• Health, Safety and Physical Education: 10.1.3, 10.2.3

• Economics: 6.1.3, 6.2.3, 6.3.3

• Food Science & Nutrition: 11.3.3

• Mathematics: 2.6.3

Please let me know if you have any questions!

I hope you've survived your first few weeks of teaching! I'm alive....Some days I feel like I've got it together and others not at all. Hopefully tomorrow will be a "together" day!

I'm currently off track but I go back October 1st. I'm actually looking forward to seeing my little rugrats again. I have lots planned.
We have a field trip in October as well as a Fall carnival at the school in early November. Then we have our holiday program & parties in December before we go on holiday break AND I am off track in January!!! w00t!!!

I am excited to say that I am finally going after my dream of being a teacher. The time is right because there is a huge shortage of teachers in this district. I am working on my certification application for Secondary English. I want to be a teacher more than anything. I am very happy. I will keep everyone posted on my progress.:)

I substitute-taught for two and a half years. Full-time teaching did not work out for me; but while I was in library school and while waiting till it started I substitute-taught, and I would NOT trade it for anything in the world. I got to see so many kinds of classrooms and students and teaching methods. The experiences I had and the things I learned would not have been picked up anywhere else.

Do not let anyone put you down simply because you have been subbing for so long. I enjoyed it very much. Substitute teachers are irreplaceable.

I'm 3 months into my first year of teaching. Teaching freshman Biology and sophomore Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC). The IPC one is pretty interesting, especially since I never took Chem or Physics in college. 'Tis a great job, can hardly believe I get paid to have so much fun.

Kitso
KS 361 snarky comments I've had students make and I can't reprimand them cause I'm laughing too hard

I start teaching this week! I am a substitute teacher, so I have a lot of different jobs lined up. Having kindergarten one day and then middle school math on another day is kinda crazy! I am excited.

Good luck smiley!

I am off track again and don't return until February 4th. :eek: I like this year round schedule. Of course, I'll probably grumble when I'm working June, July, and August while everyone else is off but it still works great.

I'm originally from SE Ohio and decided to get the hell out of dodge when I got my degree. I accepted a position in Clearwater Florida teaching 8th grade Reading, my dream job :) And get this, my school is going about 5 minutes away from the beach, heck yeah!

I never subbed and just went straight into teaching, thankfully it's worked out nicely. My hubby subs now and has had numerous offers from schools to teach whenever he finishes his bachelors.

I am so happy I have found this thread! It has given me some great advice! I recently graduated with a BAE in Secondary Education. Since I graduated in the middle of the year, I knew I would be subbing most of the time.

I am finding it is harder than ever in this job market to find a job! While I am now working a few days a week at a small, private school, and starting to sub the rest of the days. It is so hard to find a perament job for the fall. Any ideas on where to look in this job search? I have already checked out sites like teachers-teachers.com and the local school districts, but no one is listing any openings yet.

I was pink slipped today. :(

I'm so sorry to hear that! I know you will find an even better teaching job. I am a bit worried I am going to get let go, too, since our enrollment is slipping. I guess I just have to wait and see... Good luck to you, BetteDavisEyes!

I just graduated and I currently sub-I don't want to teach, but I do like subbing.

I want a regular job before the school year ends, preferrably something that utilizes my skills (English & Women's Studies Major). I've been putting myself out there and all that they seem to be offering is customer service and telemarketing! I want a real job, if I wanted to sell things I'd have just stayed in the mall. I really hate this. I don't know where to look anymore.

(hugs) That stinks. Were you RIFed or are you officially out of a job for the next school year?

They're cutting a position at my school, but there's someone that was hired after me so I'm somewhat "safe". I'm feeling bratty because I might have to change grade levels and I don't want to. It would be two grade levels younger so I wouldn't really be able to "adapt" my things from this year. I know I should feel grateful that I probably will be staying in my school next year, but I was really hoping to be in the same grade level so I could use some of the things I did this year again!

I was RIFed. I won't officially know until May 15th if it will be retracted or not.

I understand your frustration. I am in between districts right now and although I know I will most likely get several job offers over the summer, it is still very frustrating.

Hang in there and keep us updated!

I am in the applicant pool for full time work of two large counties, but even they are cutting back teachers and salaries!

I just want a job with benefits for next year!!!

Arggh!

My school district rescinded the layoff notices so I get to keep my job. :D

Congratulations Bette!!! I have been hoping and praying for good news as well!

3 weeks away from finishing my first year of teaching and coaching, and summer can't get here fast enough. I got my Texas certificate in March so I'm good to go. Right now I'm waiting to see who they bring in to be the next football coach, as our head coach left to take a job elsewhere. Hopefully the new guy won't be too bad and I won't have to go looking for a job this summer at Coaching Clinic.

Bump! I'm applying to sub in California right now. I passed the CBEST a while ago, and I'm working on getting all of my paperwork together. I still need a TB test as well as letters of reference. I just moved back home, so my whole life is pretty unorganized right now. Hopefully, I can start subbing before too long!

Good luck with subbing, Lucy KKG. Times are tough in California schools. I have been with my district for almost ten years, and I have never seen budget cuts like this. We can't buy any new textbooks until 2014, and for the 10-11 school year, there is talk of furlough days. Also, there are no longer yard duties- we have yard duty now. I know this sounds like a petty complaint, but many of us use that time to help students, and do what little prep work we can. Now, we will be lucky to get a 30 second bathroom break. Oh, and this is a k-6 district. I know that I am lucky to have a job, but I am dismayed at these budget cuts, and the effects that they will have on the students.

Yeah, I'm still waiting to get my permit from the state. It's taking forever!! I mailed my packet in a day or two after my last post. I still have to give my stuff to the school district after I get the permit. Ugh! I applied to some private schools, because I've been waiting so long. (I went to one of them, and they now have three campuses, so we'll see.)

Also have an interview at Barnes and Noble on Thursday. :-) I worked there before, so I'll probably get it.