It happens every May. Thousands of college graduates nationwide receive their degrees and head for the work force. Finding employment as a teacher this year may be a dicey enterprise. Demographic, political and economic issue weighs heavily on the fortunes of the teaching profession.
Children of Baby Boomers, for example, are in the process of leaving the K- 12 educational system and heading to either higher education or employment. Subsequent generations have had fewer children. Political issues on the other hand are magnified this year because of the upcoming Presidential election. While every candidate wants to be known as the” education President,” few seldom live up to that title. Lyndon Johnson and George Bush the Younger were two notable exceptions. Issues regarding illegal immigration and how or whether to educate illegal immigrant children are also to be considered. So are local school budgets. During this period of austerity brought about by the current recession, many schools laid off teachers and cut back funding of ancillary programs such as art, music, school trips and purchase of library books. We must also add to the mix the number of teachers who have postponed retirement because of the losses to their retirement portfolios.
Job seekers need to keep in mind that the conditions will vary from states to state. The Northeast, for example is experiencing a decline in student populations and the need for teachers. Other areas like Texas and Georgia are experiencing growth. The short version is that a graduate with multiple teacher certifications, who is willing to relocate, will have a better opportunity to find employment.
What about Graduate School?
Some graduates are considering side stepping immediate entrance into the teaching force by attending graduate school. While attaining a Master’s degree may be a help in some instances, there is a downside to this strategy. First, teachers with an advanced degree command higher starting salaries. Many budget conscious schools will hire the least expensive teacher. Thus getting the degree may price you out of the job market. Second, most college graduates will run up large student loans when attending graduate school. It is difficult to pay off these loans on a teacher’s salary. You should also be aware of the fact the under current law, a student loan is not dischargeable when declaring personal bankruptcy.
Additional Tips
The US government Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook each year. The book provides information about average salaries, requirements, as well as job prospect for the next ten years. These statistics should only used as guidelines as jobs markets, political wind shifting and the economy have a significant effect on job openings at any given time.
Be sure to register with your alma mater career center so that you will be able to access job opportunities as they open up. Many colleges maintain web sites that post jobs for alums.
SUGGESTED READING
A great book that has been around for a number of years is Richard Boles’ “What Color is Your Parachute?” The author updates his book periodically with great tips for résumé preparation, interviewing techniques and launching an informational investigation of job that you would like to have.
Other books to help in your job search include:
How to get the Teaching Job you Want by Robert Fiersen c.2004
I Want a Teaching Job: Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of your Dreams by Tim Wei c.2010
Inside Secrets of Finding a Teaching Job by Jack Warner and Clyde Bryan c.2004
All of the above mentioned books are available at Amazon.com as well as other booksellers
Teach for America
Wendy Kopps senior thesis at Princeton University still provides opportunities for recent graduates who wish to try out the teaching profession, even if they did not obtain an education degree. Competition for slot s in this highly regarded program is intense. The rewards from participating in the two year program can be exhilarating. Contact www.teachforamerica.org
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome and appreciated. Good luck with your job search. Change the world! TEACH!
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