Help! I don't know what to do...

Ok, so here is my situation...

None of my family and friends are teachers so they really don't understand what I'm going through. They don't understand why I am having a hard time finding a full time teaching position. Especially with all the media attention on the "so called" teacher shortage. (yeah right!) I am certified to teach eled and I taught in a private school in Queens for 4 yrs. I moved to LI in July 2007 after I got married. My husband is from LI. So I have been subbing in LI since sept.
I have been looking for a full time position and have had zero luck. I have applied to schools in nassau, suffolk, and just recently nyc. Being a teacher is all I have ever wanted to do. I absolutley love teaching. I only get interviews for sub positions in Li and I haven't heard from nyc. I just really
really hate being a sub! You get no respect from students or even faculty. I don't know if I can continue being a sub and have to wait a year or more to get a position. I could go back to school and get a certification that is in demand but money is an issue. I have heard that they need teachers in North Carolina and Florida. I am seriously thinking of moving but my husband is really against it. I 'm just really frustrated! I'm ready to give up! Has anyone else had a difficult time finding a full time position?

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

it took me 3 years to get a f/t position on the island.

i moved down and taught in Palm Beach County, FL and I loved it. I regret moving back. (we moved back home because I was pregnant).

I would go back to my old school in a heart beat.

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

Honestly, you are in a field that is completely saturated with qualified and certified teachers. I know many people looking right now who are doing leave replacements and subbing just like you are. Districts are also not hiring like they were 10 years ago. I really have no advice just good luck wishes!

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

Thank you for your feedback. I really appreciate it.

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

Would you recommend teaching in Florida?

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

You don't need to move to find a teaching position; you just need to be patient and give it time.

Jen was right when she said that your certification area is for a position that is oversaturated. To just be certified in Elem.Ed. these days is rare - a great deal of people coming out of school and into the work world are dually certified. If you could go back and get certified in Special Education and/or see if you can pick up a subject area, that would make you more marketable. Otherwise, you're going against people who have eled plus another certification and districts will be more inclined to hire someone else.

SO, before you run off and move away, play out your options. I would rec that you take on another certification area and plaster LI school districts with your resume. Once you get into obtaining a second certificate, you could write on your resume, "_____ CERTIFICATION PENDING". That will get you in the door more quickly than just having elementary education alone.

Good luck!!!

Theresa


PS - I started out Elem ed/special ed certified and then added English 7-12. Once I added that English certificate, I had a ton more interviews and finally found my district.

Message edited 4/24/2008 1:30:57 AM.

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

I agree with getting a second certification for elem ed.

Also, being a sub S UCKS, but if you can schmooze with the teachers, ask their opinions, make them feel good about themselves - they will remember you - they will ask for you and your name will float around.

Also ITA about being patient - the baby boomers are retiring...

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

I am having the same problem over here, it is really hard to get a ft job. we just have to be patient and wait it out!

Re: Help! I don't know what to do...

Thank you for the advice ladies! I will try to be patient and keep trying. It's just that going from having my own classroom to being a sub has been really difficult. Especially when I get treated like I'm just some kid out of college (no offense), which I'm not. The first thing teachers say to me when I sub is "so what college did you go to?" I just get stereotyped. But I guess that's with any job...I agree that I need to add another cert. but I'm not sure what type. Any suggestions?