Teach in Denver (Englewood, Sheridan: employment, school districts, license)

[kcstudent]

Hello. I have looked over all of the threads and I did not find any answers on this topic. I would like to know about employment in Denver Public Schools. I graduate with a degree in elementary education in December and want to start my teaching career in Denver. It appears to me that other people who inquired about teaching in Denver were more concerned about finding a job in the suburbs or 'nicer' schools where jobs are typically more competitive anyway. I am interested in working in a Title 1 school in Denver beginning in January. On the DPS website, there were several positions available for elementary teachers. Is this normal or is this a fluke? Will they likely be filled by January? What is the teacher turnover like in DPS? What is working for DPS like or its general perception? I have also read that it can take up to six months for Colorado to process the certification application for out-of-state teachers. Assuming there was a position available, would I be able to begin teaching on a provisional license or something similar, or would I have to wait until the fall to get a contract because of the long certification process? I do know that I will meet all of the qualifications to teach in Colorado. I suppose a lot of this depends on what happens with the economy in the next six months. If you could answer any of these questions, that would be greatly appreciated.

[WilliamPacker]

My guess is that the majority of the jobs currently on DPS' website will be filled by the beginning of the school year. Your odds of getting a full time position mid-way through the school year isn't going to be very good. You might be able to find a long-term substitute position which would increase your chance of getting a job in the future with DPS, or another district.

This year has been very difficult to get a teaching job. Next year, I think it will be a little bit better. Good luck to you and don't limit yourself to DPS. Look at all of the surrounding districts. A lot of people forget about districts like Englewood, Sheridan and some of the Adams county school districts.

[kcstudent]

Thank you for your reply. Like most soon-to-be graduates, I was hoping to step right into the classroom after graduation. However, I may have to sub before I get a contract. Worse things have happened. I will look into those areas as well. Thank you again.

[ellaphant]

I'm looking for a teaching job (just finished my student teaching) and it's a tough market right now. More than likely, you'll end up subbing in Jan until the end of the semester.

Good luck!

[kcstudent]

Thank you for your comment. You're probably right.