Increase Your Marketability
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the teaching profession will grow considerably in the next decade, with more than 1.5 million jobs for elementary, secondary and special education teachers. With such big demand, it’s easy to get lost in the mix when you’re applying to be a teacher. This is why marketability goes a long way in the hiring process.
-Choose a certification area that is needed
On average the number of EC-6 certifications earned each year is far higher than the available positions in the most applied to districts.
82% of special education teachers and SISPs report that there are not enough professionals to meet the needs of students with disabilities
Between 2014 and 2024 the number of STEM jobs will grow 17 percent as compared with 12 percent from non-STEM jobs.
Consider getting certified in these areas as there are consistently more job openings in the following:
- Math
- Science
- Technology
- Special Education
- Bilingual, ESL
On average, each school hires no more than 1 art teacher, that does not leave a lot of openings for hirable positions. The number of limited-English speakers in the state has grown by nearly 50 percent in the last decade with about 1 in 5 students struggling with the language. But in that same time, Texas had a dramatic 20 percent drop in the number of educators working in bilingual and ESL classes.
-Choose a high need district
High need districts have more job openings and offer great experience for novice educators. We always advise up to a 30 mile radius when considering districts to apply to. In time, when applying to another district, the experience you earned these high need districts makes you more valuable and adaptable in the classroom.
-Get more than 1 cert area and volunteer to do help in other areas: coaching, clubs, etc.
If you have more than 1 cert area, you’ll appeal to more districts because they might need someone who can teach more than one subject or area.
For example, if you are , as well as an elective or science, you may be able to begin teaching in either one of those subjects and then eventually add the other if a position opens up at the same school. This happens most in districts and schools with a greater need for school teachers.
Make sure to add other experiences to your resume. Have you played sports? You are far more marketable as an English teacher who can also help coach the track team or lead the book club.
-Classroom experience
Districts are looking to hire candidates with some kind of classroom experience. This can include volunteering throughout the school year, or substitute teaching.
Help during school events (fair, convention, etc.,) in whatever way you can. This way you’re gaining knowledge and experience with one of the many things teachers participate in. As well as getting your foot in the door at a school and make sure you introduce yourself to the administration and staff.
-Networking
While getting involved, make new contacts. Tell people who you are and what you want to accomplish. Get your name out in your community. Ask them for advice or referrals that they may have.
In the meantime, strengthen your old contacts. Keep in touch with people who know your experience and you’ve worked with in the past.
Reminder, make sure these are good relationships and a good contact for a reference.
-During the Interview
Hit the highlights. A lot of resumes tend to be structured the same, so during the interview, talk about the best parts of your resume/experience.
Don’t tell your life story. This way, once you mention a highlight worth discussing, this will give you the opportunity to elaborate.
Fallon Laughlin
Marketing Manager
Texas Teachers