Teaching Jobs

Hi all. I've been reading a lot and I see that people are having a hard time finding teaching jobs on L.I. Is this true? I recently gave up my 12 year career to attend school full time so I could teach. I'm starting my second semester this fall and I know I have a long way to go, but I'm so afraid that when I finally do graduate, that I won't be able to find a job. I would LOVE to teach elementary. It's always been something I've wanted to. Do you think I'm wasting my time going to school for this?

Message edited 8/4/2006 4:29:36 PM.

Re: Teaching Jobs

I am going through the same thing in NJ - yes, elem. ed is the hardest to find.

Re: Teaching Jobs

I don't think you're wasting your time but it definitely is extremely hard to get an elementary position these days. I was very lucky and I am currently a tenured teacher but I have friends and subs that I work w/ who are great and they still haven't gotten a perm. position. These same people graduated when I did. My principal said it's even hard to get a position in Queens now because that is everyones 2nd choice after LI. You never know though. Often it is right time/right place, who you know, working your way up from the bottom ( I started as a para) or pure luck. Best of luck!!

Re: Teaching Jobs

FH has been teaching HS in queens for three years (going on his fourth).

It is VERY hard to find a job on LI (unless you have connections)

He is heading to his 5th interview next week. He has a glowing resume, recommendations, etc., but it seems like they "know" who is getting the job before he sits down.

He is in a great district in queens right now, even though they pay isnt comparable to LI, it is getting better.

Good luck!

Re: Teaching Jobs

Wow, I was afraid that this was true. I can only hope that by the time I graduate things will be better. My SIL's brother is a principal at one of the schools in the Sachem district. I should talk to him.

Re: Teaching Jobs

It goes through cycles...just keep an eye on districts that may have a lot of retiring teachers. Good luck to you!

Re: Teaching Jobs

took me a year to find a job teaching HS science!!

Re: Teaching Jobs

I was lucky in that I graduated in May and had a job for that September. However, I am certified in math, so I am not the norm.

I will say when I initially went to Dowling to look into their program, they were strongly encouraging students NOT to pursue elem, english, social studies or business (what I was going to originally pursue) certifications - as the market is saturated in those areas. It is not common on LI for 2,000+ people to apply for 1 elem job. And 9 times out of 10, the perm subs in those districts get the job.

Don't mean to be a downer, just realistic.

Re: Teaching Jobs

its tough - but the summers off must be worth it!! Lucky Teachers!

Re: Teaching Jobs

It is extremely hard to find a probationary position on Long Island in Elem. Ed. With time and effort (Leave Replacement positions, subbing . . .) you will eventually get yourself known in a district or two and will eventually find a job. You just can't expect it to happen as soon as you are done with school, it does take time . . . .

Re: Teaching Jobs

It's harder to get a job on LI. If you start off in NYC and transfer to LI it might be easier.

Re: Teaching Jobs

Last year my district which has 5 or 6 elementary schools only hired 4 elem teachers. With budgets going down, teacher cut backs and most people from tier 1 almost out I know in our district we are coming to the end of a hiring cycle. Each group of new teachers coming in is getting smaller and smaller. I came in with 86 new teachers my year and I think last year was around 20.

If you are going to do ele ed make sure you take a second major in something else- that would be my suggestion.

Re: Teaching Jobs

i think every situation is different... a lot of it is being in the right place at the right time... both DH and I were VERY lucky and got jobs right away... but it doesnt always happen that way... if it is something that you truly love to do, then do it and dont give up... everything happens for a reason!

Re: Teaching Jobs

you can go to Florida and have your pick of schools. I did that last year, wound up at a WONDERFUL school with the best technological resources you could ever think of. Then I became pregnant and DH and I decided it might be best to be home with the family. Now I'm stuck back subbing. Stupid mistake I made.

I am certified in Math and Business and can't find a job. Go figure. I'm going back to Accounting!!!

28,000 for a master's down the draiin

Re: Teaching Jobs

my aunts BIL teaches in florida -

he has been teaching for over 20 years and makes only $50k (with his masters)

my aunt said she would only start out at $36K down there with her masters - and its not as cheap as it used to be to live there.

if you can sub/leave replacement in a SD out here - i would do it rather than teaching in the city - FH already has tenure there, so he doesnt want to take a non tenure track job out here, which makes it harder!

Re: Teaching Jobs

I am still looking for a job It stinks but I cannot give up on something I love

Re: Teaching Jobs

What are you going for? EL Ed and HIstory are difficult as is Phys Ed. If youre science or math you have better chances

Re: Teaching Jobs

My plan is to see if I get ANYTHING...like someone else mentioned., a long term sub, whatever...just to get my foot in the door! I am not giving up!