by: Marilyn Albert
Considering the current economic and political climate in Wisconsin two new questions have to be asked: How can I be successful in a finding a teaching job? Will there be jobs for teachers in the near future?
The following is from an interview with professors Dr. Patrick Delmore and Dr. Phil Yang, School of Education, Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin.
1. Research the district:
a. website
b. student performance
c. school & district goals
2. Resume and Cover letter:
a. adjust to fit the job description
b. make sure you know what the job is about
c. who your students will be [community, diversity]
3. Highlight your interpersonal skills. Demonstrate how you have been involved in your education and community.
a. student teaching
b. internships
c. community involvement
4. Know what the application process is and follow it explicitly: a. Degree—do you have the right degree, if not don’t apply
b. teaching certification
c. process, process, process
5. Ask yourself if the job and the community is a good fit for you. You need to be able to see yourself there for a few years. You need to get started somewhere, you can always relocate once you get experience, then you can “pick” the location
6.References must be impeccable.
a. Make sure the references are current with the correct phone and email
b. Make sure you have permission to use this person as a reference
c. Provide the reference your current resume
Do new teachers in Wisconsin stand a chance in today’s economy and political climate?
The answer is yes. Regardless of what happens in the short term, new teacher candidates must think long term. Sage advice for any career since most people can be incredibly myopic about their job prospects. The best advice is to think long term. One thing is certain: political changes will happen, the economy will change; and, attitudes and readiness will change. I like to think there is a perfect storm brewing out there for our new teacher candidates and there are more things working in their favor than they think.
1. Retirement: Retirement laws are changing. People within three years of retirement should take advantage of retirement sooner rather than later. As the baby-boomers start to retire, more jobs will open up. These positions can easily be replaced with new college graduates who come in with a new set of expectations and competencies.
2. Attrition: As restorative measure will slowly take place within school districts a variety of strategies may take place. Some schools will release teachers from their current contract with current teachers needing to re-apply. Not all current teachers will apply and a natural attrition will take place. Some teachers may qualify for what is called a guaranteed retirement plan and take early retirement.
3. Relocation: There is always a market for ambitious and talented teachers. New graduates should look at this next stage in their lives as an opportunity to relocate. Look at other parts of the country or teach internationally.
4. Teacher shortage: There is a teacher shortage, with few people going into teaching fields and those that are frustrated with salaries and change in benefits an even stronger shortage can emerge. When you add all this up, it is possible the teacher outlook in Wisconsin could look better than anticipated.
Best Advice: Think of yourself first as an educator. Teachers need to be educated in more than the traditional teaching field. Educators must think nationally and globally about the teaching professional; as well as expand their thinking about the traditional classroom.
Where to find Teaching postings: http://services.education.wisc.edu/wecan/
