Getting schools to notice you

[lwag14]

I need some advice on how to get my resume notice. Currently I work in a private school where my paycheck is far less than that of a public school teacher in NJ (with no benefits of course). I've been there for two years now and the administration continues to disappoint me. This year we started off with no books, no crayons, no folders, and no glue (all essentials for a kindergarten classroom). Plus at the moment I am the only licensed teacher in the school. Last year there were three of us with a masters, but the other two teachers thought that they could make more money subbing and left. I would rather continue to have my own classroom. But on Friday the state was in the school looking around and the director pulled me out of the room and told me that I was the "Head Teacher." Of course this role doesn't come with any extra money or a bigger role to play in the school, it's just that I have the highest degree and therefore as far as they were telling the state my title is "head Teacher."

Basically I love the kids and the curriculum of the school but I need to get into a better school, public or private. However, this is Jersey and the only way into a school is if you know someone. At the Moment I have 2 years experience teacher, a master’s degree, a great reputation with the parents, and I'm going back to school to be certified as a reading specialist. To me that sounds like a great resume, but apparently not enough to break trough the politics of jersey schools.

I know I'm ranting, but if anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.

[seastarmath]

I think most administrators go with people they know. They need to put a face with the resume. If you can afford the uncertainty, subbing and volunteering at schools you are interested in is the way to go.

I started out years ago in a private school. I never worked so hard for so little. I got a job when we were transferred to an area that had a teaching shortage. I applied to sub and was hired full time. Same thing when I moved to my current location. When my kids were small, I was usually asked if I would accept a full time position after I did a long term sub stint. Let us know what you decide.

[teacher5]

You definitely need contacts. Start out by spreading the word. If you have relatives in other parts of Jersey see if they know anyone connected with their local public school system. Then have them contact that person and see if they can make arrangements for YOU to contact them. The same is true for any friend in another part of the state. Wherever you are strike up a conversation with strangers, like when you are waiting on line to go into a movie. Let them know you are a teacher and see if they know anyone. Go to the local college or university and make contact with people in the education department and tell them how qualified you are and ask them if they could lead you in the right direction. Obviously, if you don't have strong ties to NJ, or the part of the state where you live and work, you may want to move where there is a need for early education teachers. If you can get a job as a full time permanent sub in a district, that would keep your salary and may be some benefits going. Then when you are in the door to that job, your principal could go to bat for you by seeking out a position in his or her district, or ask them when they go to lunch or administrative functions to let it be known that they have a terrific teacher looking for a permanent job who is experienced and well qualified. Good luck!

[dsmms]

[QUOTE=seastarmath;33697]I think most administrators go with people they know. They need to put a face with the resume. If you can afford the uncertainty, subbing and volunteering at schools you are interested in is the way to go.

This is exactly how I got my job! I was hired as a long term sub for a teacher that was on military leave. I was only there for six weeks, but the job turned into an interim position for the remainder of the year and then I was hired the next year.

[kmurphey]

As a relatively new grad, I know what you mean regarding how hopeless a job search can feel without having contacts. I took a job last-minute in a Catholic high school, and have been disappointed up to this point. Good luck in your job search should you decide to switch schools.