Hang in There!

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Home : 2003 : September : 19

Hang in There!
By GM

I'm sorry that you feel so discouraged. I wish that I could tell you exactly why you haven't been hired; but, of course I cannot.

I'm writing you to advise you to not give up on your desire to be a teacher. Sometimes,
things don't fall in our laps like they "seem" to for others. I have found that when things don't come easily, it makes me stronger. That strength comes in handy down the road.
Here are a few of my thoughts that I hope you consider:

* One and a half years is not that long to be credentialed and not have a full-time teaching position. It might seem long, but it's really not that

long. I've known others who have taken several years to obtain a position their first time around.

* Principals and others on the interview panel usually have specific qualitites and talents that they are looking for in those they hire. For example, they might look for an applicant who has a musical background to help coordinate their holiday events. Now, you might have excellent teaching skills, be a wonderful team player, etc, BUT you if you can't carry a tune, even if it had a handle on it, then you most likely would not be hired at that particular time.

So don't be so quick to jump to the conclusion that you interviewed poorly. I have heard that some did fantastic at the interview, but they didn't get hired. One of my neighbors interviewed at a nearby school, got overlooked the first time, but was hired a year later. She still doesn't know why she wasn't hired the first time around. One of the keys is perseverance.

* Speaking of perseverance (which by the way, I hope I'm spelling correctly) I suggest you contact the principal who said that she would write you a letter of recommendation. Keep in mind that principals are extremely busy people. It's possible that your e-mail might have slipped her mind due to all her other responsibilities. Some principals are not all that organized!

Gather your courage and make a phone call requesting an appointment with her. Go to the meeting with confidence, diplomacy and speak from the heart. I recently did this at the school I teach at part-time. My assertiveness is paying off. I now have two part-time positions!

* Focus on what is going well/right in your life. Be thankful that you have had a long-term sub position. You can draw from that experience during interviews. Furthermore, you know that you want to teach because you have been the teacher. Most who are starting out can't say with certain "Teaching is what I want to do."

* I can't close without addressing the age factor question. Does your age matter? I would say that in most cases, if not nearly all, the answer is NO. I was hired for a full-time position at the age of 45. I'm now 48. What your package looks like or its age is not what counts. That's all superficial. What matters is your qualities. Relax and allow your qualities to radiate outward. Be yourself, don't try to fit in to get hired. Let the interviewers know who you really are so they can truly determine if you and their school are a "good fit."

* One more thing: Expand your resume horizons. Apply to districts outside your immediate area if possible. You know what they say about putting all your eggs in one basket!

Hope others will respond with helpful tips! GM

In short, DON"T GIVE UP if teaching is what you really, really want to do.