Between 2014 and 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that nearly 2 million teachers will be needed in the United States. This number may have changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the demand for outstanding educators will continue indefinitely.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you’re looking for your first teaching job, especially in the post-COVID era. Even a Bachelor’s degree may not be enough for some districts or those looking for a teacher capable of adapting to changes in the classroom these days.
Then, how do you get your first teaching job and begin a long and rewarding career in education? Take a closer look at these four tips to help you land a job quickly.
Adaptability is the key to success.
What a difference the COVID-19 pandemic has made is obvious. Many schools across the country have either transitioned to virtual learning for the time being, or they are allowing in-person learning with varied restrictions.
Teachers have had to adapt to COVID as a result. Asynchronous learning, which allows students to “read, watch, interact with, and listen to various types of content at their own pace and complete coursework and take tests at their convenience,” has been used by higher education institutions for many years.
The spread of the disease and the rise in the number of students taking classes online have led to an increase in the number of educators using a flexible teaching approach that allows students to work at their own pace.
When you’re looking for your first job, it’s important to show that you’re flexible and adaptable. Your interview(s) may even be held over the phone or on a Zoom call, rather than in person. By showing you’re willing to work for your students, no matter the circumstances, you’re more likely to stand out positively.
Secondly, the Internet.
Right now, networking may seem difficult, but going online is an excellent way to get your name out there and be seen. Do your homework if you’re interested in working for a specific school. Gather information about the school’s strengths and weaknesses, and talk to the people in the community about your job hunt.
Connect with others virtually and in person by creating a LinkedIn or other social networking profile. If you’re new to an area or district and want to get noticed, networking is a great way to do so.
Networking is a great way to get your name and qualifications in front of the right people in a short period of time.
3. Get Your Interview Ready.
It’s critical that you make a good first impression in your interview, regardless of the format. The length of a typical in-person interview ranges from 45 minutes to an hour. Those are only a few days to make your mark. As a result, you should dress appropriately, arrive on time, and study for the interview in advance.
An excellent method of preparing for an interview is to practise answering sample interview questions. You could even employ a friend or colleague to help you roleplay. There is a good chance that you will not know exactly what your interviewer is going to ask you, but some basic questions, such as:
Do you have any long-term plans?
- Your strengths and weaknesses, in your own words.
- Why should we hire you and why are you qualified for this position?
- What drives you to succeed?
- What obstacles have you overcome in your life?
Answers to these questions do not necessitate memorization or rehearsing. To be sure, having an idea of how you’ll respond is a good idea. As a result, you’ll avoid stumbling over your words, and you’ll feel more confident in your abilities.
Be who you are.
Be yourself and take care of yourself throughout the entire search and interview process. You don’t have to go over the top in order to impress potential employers. Being yourself will be an asset to your students as a teacher, so get in the habit of doing so even before you start working.
Setting small goals throughout the job-hunting process and your first year of teaching can help you stay true to yourself and avoid burnout. Those objectives could include, for example,:
- Make a list of schools you’d like to attend
- securing a number of job interviews
- Getting a second chance at a job interview
- School visits in the area
- Getting involved in a particular neighbourhood or community.
When you know what you’re working toward, you’re more likely to stay true to who you are. You’ll be noticed by employers, and so will your students in the future.
It’s an exciting time to consider a career in education, despite the fact that it has been a difficult year for many in the field and will continue to be so for some time. More than ever, children and teenagers require motivational teachers to help them get through these trying times.
