Is it true? (find a job, school, salary)

[cool_mommy]

I heard that they have enacted a hiring freeze for teachers in GA for this year. What will this mean to the teaching industry? I am currently an education student and fairly close to graduation. I'm not concerned about the salary situation but I am concerned about my job prospects. I would really appreciate any input on this subject. Thanks.

[southgeorgia]

i don't know for sure.

i do know that they just voted to increase the classroom size limit a couple of weeks ago, making it possible to cut teaching positions, so i'm sure there won't be many new hires if any.

[midgeorgiaman]

Statewide hiring freeze...no. Some districts, yes. Increased class sizes for next year have been approved as well as a state pay freeze meaning this year's state salary scale will be next year's as well.

In a nutshell, there will be some hiring as teachers will still leave the field or retire, but with increased class sizes (as well as a push in many districts to reduce central office positions sending these folks back into the classroom) there will be fewer positions. My recommendation is to use the last bit of time you have in school to make your resume shine. Join and be active in teacher organizations, volunteer with education initiatives, and if you are doing student teaching: make as many connections as possible and do your very best to get great recommendations. Whatever you do, don't just cruise through your last year of school thinking a job is a shoe-in without hard work.

In this economy, you may have to work in a school or district that is not at the top of your wish list, but if you have proof that you will be an asset to the school and not just a certified warm body, you should be able to find a job.

Additionally, consider taking additional GACE tests to add content fields or try to get endorsements. This allows versatility and greatly improves your chances of landing a position. Indeed, getting a job has become more difficult, but poor economy or not, the number of children continues to grow. Good Luck!

[cool_mommy]

Originally Posted by midgeorgiaman

Statewide hiring freeze...no. Some districts, yes. Increased class sizes for next year have been approved as well as a state pay freeze meaning this year's state salary scale will be next year's as well.

In a nutshell, there will be some hiring as teachers will still leave the field or retire, but with increased class sizes (as well as a push in many districts to reduce central office positions sending these folks back into the classroom) there will be fewer positions. My recommendation is to use the last bit of time you have in school to make your resume shine. Join and be active in teacher organizations, volunteer with education initiatives, and if you are doing student teaching: make as many connections as possible and do your very best to get great recommendations. Whatever you do, don't just cruise through your last year of school thinking a job is a shoe-in without hard work.

In this economy, you may have to work in a school or district that is not at the top of your wish list, but if you have proof that you will be an asset to the school and not just a certified warm body, you should be able to find a job.

Additionally, consider taking additional GACE tests to add content fields or try to get endorsements. This allows versatility and greatly improves your chances of landing a position. Indeed, getting a job has become more difficult, but poor economy or not, the number of children continues to grow. Good Luck!

That sounds like some solid and sound advice, thank you. I will take this advice to heart when going forward in this career track.