Constance Said:

How is the demand for elementary school teachers in southern California?

We Answered:

Well until a few weeks ago there were a lot of jobs; but, recently the Govenor announced that our state is desperately in debt and cuts have to be made. This is going to hurt education too. Class sizes will be bigger and teachers are being let go. Right now getting a job in Southern California will probably be very difficult. That said, there are always areas that are growing and that will need new teachers. Jobs will just be harder to find and the competition will be greater. You might want to secure a job before you make the move. San Diego has many areas of growth so it is certainly worth applying for jobs in San Diego and nearby districts. Just be very patient. Good Luck to you.

Antonio Said:

Best website to find teaching jobs/fairs for newly graduated teachers?

We Answered:

Every county has a website for the public schools within it. I work in Ann Arundal county -- we have a website for our county schools. To find my job, I went onto the site and just looked under their human resources section. That way you are finding jobs specially in the area you want to work in.

Good luck and stay strong. I am a recent graduate and first year second grade teacher. It is hard at first, but keep telling yourself that you are making a difference. Also get support from seasoned teachers and you will make it!

Lena Said:

Is anyone else having trouble finding a teaching job?

We Answered:

Certain places in the US have an overflow of qualified teachers looking for jobs. New Jersey is one of them, along with Michigan, Upstate NY, Ohio, Pennsylvania...... most of these places are in the northeast where the economy isn't as strong and population isn't as booming.

BUT you can still get a job (I did...many people do)... you just have to be really, really good at marketing yourself.

A few tips--

1. After you've filed your application with human resources, mail a paper copy of your resume directly to school principals. Send them a letter of interest and your resume. Tell them how wonderful their school is and how honored you'd be if they'd grant you an interview. Most principals (not HR offices) have direct control over the hiring process. HR offices are notorious for ignoring some of the best candidates. So... make a connection with the principal by sending him/her a copy of your resume.

2. Sure, schools that post advertisements on the web and in the paper are hiring... BUT most schools don't advertise aggressively for teaching positions. THose schools that do advertise have tons of candidates. Seek out the jobs that people don't know about. How? Go to the phone book and call every school you're willing to work at. Ask them, "Are you hiring?" Many will be hiring, even though they don't advertise it. Others will offer to keep you application on file-- which will make you a prime candidate if they're in a hurry to fill a position at the last minute.

3. I don't know if you've gotten interviews or not... but when you get invited to interviews, study beforehand. Practice common teacher interview questions and think about what you'll say before you even arrive atthe interview. Truth is, the same questions are asked at almost every interview-- just prepare yourself beforehand.

There's a good eBook: "Guide to Getting a Teaching Job" It's at http://www.iwantateachingjob.com . It has advice on finding teaching jobs, applying for jobs, interview tips, common teacher interview questions, etc. Maybe the book can help you.

Best of luck to you!!