Calling All Teachers! - Woodbridge,VA

I think your approach is good. However, you need to realize that they hire teachers for the fall in March and April. You've somewhat missed your window of opporunity. IF there were any positions open (that they knew of), the principal would have interviewed the MANY candidates in the spring. As the year ended, they would have known almost all of the open positions, and continued to hire for the fall from the pool of spring candidates. Then as the fall approached the principal may have had 1 surprise opening left and filled it with any of those candidates.

If I were in your shoes really needing a position, I would put together a resume folder that included your resume, cover letter, and even your Philosphy of Education. I would include in my cover letter that I have a portfolio that I would be able to show at an interview. I would leave the folder in an envelope (resume type) with the secretary addressed to the principal. If he/she responds in any way, send a thank you card for their time. Then, don't be pesty.

In the mean time, you need to get as many sub positions as possible and aim for one that is a long term one (maternity leave). These are the people who will get the most notice, especially if they can prove their stuff.

With all of the cuts in education there are many teachers who work for a year and then are laid off. It is not an easy market. As well, many of the older teachers have retired already. There are less and less openings.

Good luck with your search. Decide how important it is to get into the classroom, and work at doing it. :)

My friend's daughter is having the same issue. The school districts just aren't hiring right now. She is on the sub list and just went through training. She is also in charge of the community ed program at one of the schools. She has applied for both city and county school districts.

I think you are limiting yourself. You need to go in person to the District office and talk with HR there as well. Be proactive!!!! Good luck!!!

I think you should email your resume and letter of interest to any school would would be interested in working at.

Also - contact your school district and get signed up to be a substitute. If you are not hired this fall, accept as many sub assignments as you can at your desired schools. (oops - just saw that in your post).

You can also look into volunteering at school's you are interested in working at - it could be anything from helping shelve books in the library to reading in small groups with students.

Finally - if your school district has job fairs, attend the job fair.

I know of people who were certified, and had experience in high needs areas who applied online, but were never contacted by a school for an interview. I also met teachers with little to no teaching experience and/or a temporary certification who were hired at a job fair. Just applying online is not enough.

Principals have SO MUCH going on that an email (or multiple emails) is totally appropriate.

Contact schools about becoming a substitute teacher for them. That is the best way to get exposure. If you are good, they will want to hire you full time as soon as they have an opening.

Go to the schools in person with a resume and a letter of interest . Attach a small picture. Emailing isn't as good as speaking to them in person. After speaking to them, send a note thanking them for their time and consideration. Do it now, before it gets too busy. Keep in mind that schools do hire the week before school starts because their real numbers come in (after new kids register) and they realize they need to hire someone. If you attach a picture, when they flip through the resumes, they will put a face with the name. If you made a good impression when you spoke with them, you will get a call for an interview before someone who just emailed their stuff.
If you don't get hired, definitely get on the sub list. Give your name and number to everyone in the building you want to be in, including the
secretary. Also, tell them you would love to do long term sub jobs. They are the ticket to getting hired. I have been hired twice because of long term jobs.

Good luck!!

Everyone is talking about going to the schools. Aren't teachers hired through the school district? I would think that you should go to the school district office to introduce yourself and leave your resume.