Administrators only hire bad teachers??? (college, public school, pay, graduates)

[histo320]

Has anybody else heard this saying?

I graduated in Dec '07, and I am Highly Qualifed in all areas of Social Studies. Had several interviews and nothing. In one interview I did very well, both the administrators really liked me and even said so. I want to coach so I talked to the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. Well they asked one question, "did you play college football," I said no. They lost all interest right there.

So one of my classmates got the job, which is great for him but...he barely passed most of the classes in our program, and from observations in methods class, not a very effective teacher. But he played college football.

Another example.

I currently work at a hotel along with substitute teaching. We had a Elementary Teacher Retreat, they were by far the worst group we have ever had in the hotel. We had to call the cops, and we had to evict 3 rooms for loud, obnoxious behavior, and smoking pot. And I can't get a teaching job!

[bluebelt1234]

I haven't heard that saying but I have heard that administrators only hire the teachers they know or who know someone on the school board. It doesn't matter what kind of recommendations these teachers have as long as they know someone. This is true for states like Indiana. I was trying to get a job there earlier this year. I have good recommendations and a good resume and couldn't get a job there. Yet, when I was working in a school there, one of the teachers got busted for meth, another one yelled at a student, another teacher called a student a wimp. Yet, I can't get a job there and have a clean record and my students love me. As a matter of fact, they cry whenever I have to be gone.

[SXMGirl]

Most schools prefer to hire someone who can coach or direct extra-curricular activities. Many also like to hire graduates of the school. Something to keep in mind is that many teachers have no experience in any job except teaching. I am not making excuses, but we see it every day. I was in industry before I began teaching and those of us who did have other careers seem to have different behavior and expectations than those who go to college and then start teaching at age 22. For example, industry has certain standards for dress, but public school does not. If you really want to teach and coach, certainly you have played a sport even if it wasn't on your school's team. Tell the administrator that you have played--it isn't a lie as long as you have played. Also, there are sports where it is hard to get a coach such as the swim team or tennis. Maybe that would work for you. Additionally, be certified in more than one subject. That really helps. Good luck.

[CA central coast]

What I've seen, the school board hires the wrong administrators. But in any regard, the school system is so darn political. And if sports is a big part of the culture in that community, I can see that happening.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by histo320

In one interview I did very well, both the administrators really liked me and even said so.

This is just something that people say. No offense, but it means nothing. If they really liked you, you'd be hired. But you are not; catch my drift?

Originally Posted by histo320

I want to coach so I talked to the Head Football Coach and Athletic Director. Well they asked one question, "did you play college football," I said no. They lost all interest right there.

"Uh yes, I am a highly qualified recent graduate and I am interested in teaching here at your aviation school." "How many hours have you logged flying?" "Uh, none. I just think that planes are neat."

Seriously, what did you expect them to say?

Originally Posted by histo320

So one of my classmates got the job, which is great for him but...he barely passed most of the classes in our program, and from observations in methods class, not a very effective teacher. But he played college football.

And you should make another observation of your friends' example and apply to a position in which you have some actual experience. Quit whining.

[histo320]

Originally Posted by K-Luv

"Uh yes, I am a highly qualified recent graduate and I am interested in teaching here at your aviation school." "How many hours have you logged flying?" "Uh, none. I just think that planes are neat."

Unlike my friend, I actually have experience coaching football and played the game for 8 years.

It is somewhat hard to get experience if you can't get job for what you went to school for and have a degree.

[charz]

It is difficult to find a teaching job when you have no experience or connections. While you saw some bad behavior and witnessed less qualified teachers hired over you, you can't generalize that administrators only hire bad teachers. I've never done drugs or witnessed other teachers do drugs. I've been teaching for 17 years and was just hired in a different school system, and I am not a bad teacher. If you are not highly qualified to coach football (despite your willingness to do it), don't mention it on your application. Push your teaching qualifications and have great references. Continue subbing in schools so you can meet principals and network with teachers. Attend recruiting fairs. Good luck in finding a teaching job.

[kaedebonsai]

I am with K-Luv on this one...very logical answers! You had a bad experience, chalk it up! Starting a thread saying that admin's only hire bad teachers is comical.

Admins are accountable too...if they hire bad teachers for the positions open, ultimately that comes back on them i.e. the board or superintendent will call them out on it.

Don't let this one bad experience keep you down, keep on pushin' along and I am sure you'll find a good job in a district you like.

[histo320]

I mostly say that "admin hire bad teachers," because in my experiences in school, doing observations, cooperating with teachers during student teaching, and substitute teaching, I have seen some terrible down right horrific teachers. I know it was wrong to make a sweeping generalization.

I have chalked it up and am keeping my head high. I am subbing and meeting principals but from what I have experience, principals do not seem to value their substitutes and just brush them off when subs try to speak to them. I have seen this done to several subs.

It's bad that it's all about who you know not what you know.

[kaedebonsai]

Good plan...just stay positive.

And yes, I agree that most principals won't pay much attention to subs, and a lot of teachers won't either. Sad, but true.

Its initially who you know, then it becomes what you know.

All the best!