Take Control of Your Employment Search with a Timeline Approach

Before student teaching

Take care of important foundational job search steps for which there will be little time once your full-time student teaching semester begins.

ü Visit your university career center’s website to learn what services are available to you, then schedule an appointment to meet with a career center advisor.

ü Register for services (if required) and attend workshops on resume creation, interview preparation, and job hunting.

ü Register for all required licensure exams. If you are considering out-of-state school districts, it is crucial that you research and fulfill these states’ licensure requirements as well. Do not assume that the certification exam requirements you have met for your home state will satisfy requirements in other states.

ü Draft your professional resume. The content of your resume will change with each field placement and internship you complete. The largest section of your resume should center on your full-time student teaching experience.

ü Research school districts and geographic locations to determine where you want to live and work. Most school districts have comprehensive websites where you can learn about their schools, communities, students, and employees.

ü Attend job fairs, if available. If you are in a high needs area like math, science, or special education, districts may be interested in interviewing you early. Some may even extend early hire offers.

During student teaching

Immerse yourself in the culture of your school and to begin making the important transition from college student to professional educator.

ü Keep a daily log of your activities and accomplishments. These achievements can become action items for your resume.

ü Build professional relationships with as many school staff members as possible, including the principal and assistant principal(s).

ü Compile a list of professional contacts who have knowledge of your work with students (3-5 should be sufficient). Contact these people to inquire about their willingness to serve as references when you are ready to begin your employment search. While these contacts may write reference letters on your behalf, be aware that most school districts also require district-specific reference forms as part of their employment applications.

ü Continue to build your professional portfolio and resume. Incorporate the most important achievements and activities from your daily log into bulleted resume items. Begin each bullet with a strong action verb. Vary the verbs.

ü Research dates of teacher job fairs and register to attend.

ü Watch for on-campus interview opportunities and follow the procedures to participate.

ü Invite the principal and/or assistant principal(s) at your school to observe you teach a lesson and to provide feedback on their observations.

ü Submit employment applications and monitor districts’ online job postings. Each school district will have its own set of application requirements and procedures that you must follow.

ü Upload critical documents to your applications. Most districts will require access to licensure exam score reports, official degree-dated transcripts, and proof of licensure eligibility.

ü Keep a log of all employment-related communications and applications.

ü Schedule practice interviews. Ask the principal and/or assistant principal(s) at the school where you are student teaching if they will complete a practice interview. Determine if your career center or college of education offers mock interview sessions. Take advantage of every possible opportunity to develop your interview skills.

ü Schedule and attend interviews. Always send a follow-up card or email to your interviewers.

ü Maintain regular communication with employers with whom you have interviewed or applied. Consistent follow-up is critical.

ü Continue to utilize the services offered by your university career center and maintain regular communication with career center staff.

Once you receive an offer

ü Ask clarifying questions about anything you do not understand.

ü Assess the level of fit between you and the position. Can you see yourself in this role?

ü Once you accept an employment offer, withdraw from any other serious contenders, end your employment search, cancel any remaining interviews, and do not submit additional applications or accept additional interview offers.

If you have not yet received an offer

ü Continue to follow the suggestions outlined above. Summer is a very busy time for schools, school districts, and human resources offices. As one position is filled, another opens. Even after the school year has begun, hiring needs arise as student enrollments shift.

ü Remain in contact with school districts of interest so that you are ready when unexpected or last minute opportunities become available.

ü Consider substitute, interim, teacher assistant, or part-time teaching positions. All offer opportunities to develop your instructional and classroom management skills, and all afford you the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and readiness for when the school has a full-time teaching position to fill.

Work with your career center to assess what worked well and what improvements you can make as you continue your job search. Mid-year openings are common, and with continued focus and commitment, you can be a top candidate.