About 2 million teaching positions are expected to open up between 2014 and 2024, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This number may have changed due to the COVID-19 epidemic, but the demand for outstanding educators will continue indefinitely.
For first-time teachers, finding a job might be difficult, but by following a few simple guidelines, you can increase your chances of success. Competing districts and schools looking for teachers who can adapt to classroom changes may no longer accept candidates with a Bachelor’s degree as sufficient qualification.
So, how can you get your first teaching position and begin a long and rewarding career in education? To help you get noticed and land a job quickly, here are four recommendations.
First, be flexible.
Things have altered dramatically since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the time being, several institutions in the United States are allowing students to learn in person, although with varying limits.
Teachers have had to adapt to COVID as a result. Asynchronous learning, which allows students to “read, watch, interact with, and listen to various sorts of content at their own leisure and complete courses and take examinations 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 speed.
When you’re looking to secure your first job, it’s crucial to show flexibility and adaptability. A phone interview or a Zoom meeting may be an option if you prefer not to meet in person for your interview(s). The more you show that you’re willing to put in the effort for your kids no matter what, the better you’ll be seen.
A system of interconnection
Getting your name out there and getting recognised might seem challenging right now, but getting online is a terrific method to do just that. Do your homework if you’re interested in working for a specific school. Gather information on the school’s strengths and weaknesses, and talk to the people in the community about your job hunt. Create a profile on LinkedIn or another social media site to meet people digitally and in-person.. For newcomers to a region or district, networking can be a great way to get your name out there.
The ability to swiftly get your name and credentials in front of the right people is one of the many benefits of networking.
Prepare Yourself for Your Job Interviews
It’s critical to make a good first impression in any interview setting. It is not uncommon for an in-person interview to span anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour on average. That’s hardly much time to make an impression. Prepare for the interview by ensuring you’re properly dressed, on time, and well-prepared.
You can do this by rehearsing how to answer some of the most often asked interview questions. Consider enlisting the assistance of a friend or coworker to assist you with your roleplay. No matter how well prepared you think you are, you can never be sure what questions the interviewer will ask.
What do you want to accomplish in the future?
- Your strengths and faults, in your own words.
- Why should we hire you for this position?
- What drives you to succeed?
- What obstacles have you overcome in your life?
To answer these questions, you don’t need to memorise or rehearse them. To be sure, you should have a general sense of how you intend to answer. As a result, you won’t stumble over your words, and you’ll have greater self-assurance.
Be Your True Self.
It’s critical to have a positive attitude and take good care of yourself throughout the job search and interview process. It’s not necessary to exhaust yourself in order to make a good impression on potential employers. When it comes to teaching, it’s important to remember that being yourself is one of the best ways to connect with kids.
Setting minor goals throughout the job-hunting process and your first year of teaching will help you stay true to yourself and avoid burnout. Those objectives could include, for example:
- submitting applications to a predetermined number of institutions
- Getting a lot of job offers
- obtaining a second interview appointment
- Visits to local educational institutions
- Getting interested in a particular neighbourhood or community
When you have a clear goal in mind, it’s easier to be loyal to yourself. Employers and future students alike will take note of that.
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. In these troubling and uncertain times, children and teenagers require more than ever the support of educators who can serve as role models and sources of inspiration.
