Question for job searching SA teachers... (San Antonio, Roma: elementary schools, living, moving)

[lwood64]

I've been skeptical of the "long-term substitute" route myself. While I can see its obvious benefits, I can also see the drawbacks, such as spending a significant time at a campus which may not yield any vacancies in the near future. The time you've invested would be wasted as you've limited your exposure. It's really a gamble.

One thing I think that would be really helpful is if there was something in place at the ESC for teachers (especially first year teachers or seasoned teachers who haven't had to job hunt in awhile) where candidates could come and bring their resumes and go through mock interviews for constructive criticism/feedback. Does anyone know whether anything like this exists?

Throughout college we kept being told about the percentages of new teachers that leave the profession within the first few years for various reasons. One thing they didn't mention was the fact that many may leave before they even begin because they can't get a job! I know principals would prefer to have the most experienced teachers working for them, but how is a new teacher supposed to gain that experience if he/she is never given that chance?!!!

Hopefully, my day is coming soon. Until then, I will continue to substitute, where I can let my talents shine!

[loves2read]

I have not taught in the SA area--my most current experience was in HEB ISD around Fort Worth
what I saw was that principals often don't like to hire subs because they don't respect that job slot--they think if you are subbing you are not "teacher" material--
whether you are doing a good job in a very difficult situation is neither here nor there with them--
many times teachers for a day to day type sub spot leave busy work or make-do since they often don't know what qualifications the sub will have--thus being a sub does not really allow you to do any planning or prehaps certification teaching...
sometimes people DO wind up getting jobs because of their subbing but I have seen it go just as often the other way
but if you need a job you don't have much choice--subbing usually pays better than other types of clerical work/temp work...

[amye1158]

That is indeed frustrating to me. In NY, if you are not certified, you can only teach 30 days a year. So, it becomes very easy to see who are the "professionals" simply by how often they are in the school. The major obstacle to perm employment there was that the populations were fairly stable, if not decreasing, and teachers pretty much stayed in their school/district until retirement.

I am also very frustrated with being the "worksheet warden". Up north, even with review sheets, etc., there was more leeway to do actual teaching. Here, I mostly assign and collect work and, in the case of elementary school, move them from spot to spot.

[lwood64]

I can sympathize with you on being a "worksheet warden." I do know that many districts are trying to get away from that, as the universities here are emphasizing "Hands-on", "Critical-thinking", and engaging activities, not to mention increased use of technology. The problem is that many seasoned teachers may not have formal training or exposure to these new methodologies and are used to teaching "old school". (Some are reluctant to change, because they have to re-write lesson plans, rather than using the same ones from previous years.) I was very surprised at the number of teachers who have very little technological skills and are not keeping up with the latest trends. One of our family members has been teaching in SA for years and is trying to move to a district closer to home. Her computer and job hunting skills are so lacking, that she's at a disadvantage and has been unable to get hired in another district.
Substituting has really helped me see the things I want to incorporate and also avoid when I get my own classroom someday. Some of the schools where I routinely work really do value their substitutes. They have the assistant principal walking around and checking to see that everyone has what they need, etc. During the morning announcements they welcome the subs and tell everyone which classrooms they are covering. While most of the districts use automated systems, the schools often keep their own "preferred sub" list. The subs who get put on this list are either certified and/or are trusted individuals who have proven their skills and effectiveness. Often, they will call these individuals first, before entering a job into the system. Most schools I've been to make it a point to thank the subs for coming in, and many thank-yous come from the grade level teachers. One thing I have noticed, however, is that many subs ignore the rules they were given at orientation. They're told to arrive 15-30 minutes before the assigned arrival time and to stay 30 minutes after the assigned departure. I would have to say that 99% of the time, I'm the only sub to be found on campus at the end of the day. Many bolt out the door as soon as all of the students are gone. I've had a principal ask a co-teacher how I was doing and whether I was one of those people that bolted at student dismissal. When she told him that I stay late and that I was a "natural" in that classroom, he stated that my resume would be among those that will get looked at first. (Unfortunately, that particular school had declining enrollment and teachers getting displaced.) It is really important to make yourself stand out from other substitutes. Also, make sure you leave detailed notes for the teacher before you leave and ensure his/her classroom is left as neat and clean as possible.

[amye1158]

I have always left very detailed notes (2 or more pages). I have found that often, particularly at the middle school level, the teachers don't care about all this info (and sometimes don't want it). I did have one teacher, however, who, after she read my notes about the behavior/respect issues of her middle school English class, specifically requested that I return because she knew that I would hold them accountable. She also made it a point to greet me whenever she saw me on campus. I do have several teachers who will request me, either contacting me directly or specifically requesting me on the automated system. As far as technology goes, the subs in my district are not given access to the computers, so unless the teacher leaves a username/pw, or another teacher logs on for me, that is not an option. (I have actually had teachers tell me to "have the students follow along in their books with the audio CD, not realizing that I could not do this.)

(I have also often left a classroon cleaner than when I found it.)

I do also want to state that I know of several teachers who have gotten permanent positions after long-term subbing. I just wanted to make the point that this is not a given, as most people seem to believe. It doesn't always work out that way (as you can see by what I've just written).

[tyandliz]

Well my wife went to the interview and just found out today that they picked someone else for the position. She was told that they picked someone that had fourth grade experience. I find it utterly ridiculous that, that would be the only reason they picked the teacher. My wife taught fifth and sixth grade in Montana before being relocated here. I somewhat feel guilty for accepting this K-9 position with the Air Force to get stationed at Lackland. My wife is very much down and really has a heart to teach. She was offered her job in Montana for this year, but turned it down to follow me. She would have tenured if she would have taken it. I don't understand how everyone says time and time again that it won't be hard to get a job down here when I read time and time again on here how many people just on here are trying to get jobs and have no luck. My wife has a teaching certificate in Illinois, Montana, and Texas. She is also persuing her Master's degree. I don't see how much more qualified you can get from there. Any advice to tell my discouraged wife?

[AR Newbie]

Originally Posted by tyandliz

Well my wife went to the interview and just found out today that they picked someone else for the position. She was told that they picked someone that had fourth grade experience. I find it utterly ridiculous that, that would be the only reason they picked the teacher. My wife taught fifth and sixth grade in Montana before being relocated here. I somewhat feel guilty for accepting this K-9 position with the Air Force to get stationed at Lackland. My wife is very much down and really has a heart to teach. She was offered her job in Montana for this year, but turned it down to follow me. She would have tenured if she would have taken it. I don't understand how everyone says time and time again that it won't be hard to get a job down here when I read time and time again on here how many people just on here are trying to get jobs and have no luck. My wife has a teaching certificate in Illinois, Montana, and Texas. She is also persuing her Master's degree. I don't see how much more qualified you can get from there. Any advice to tell my discouraged wife?

That is a hard one. Very frustrating. My husband interviewed for a really great job within NISD and was denied due to the same reason - not the exact experience they were looking for. Even though he had taught high school before. I know it is hard right now to understand, but I always say that is because there is something better for her out there. God has a plan for her and the perfect teaching job will come along with time and patience. Sorry I do not have better advice

[tyandliz]

Originally Posted by AR Newbie

That is a hard one. Very frustrating. My husband interviewed for a really great job within NISD and was denied due to the same reason - not the exact experience they were looking for. Even though he had taught high school before. I know it is hard right now to understand, but I always say that is because there is something better for her out there. God has a plan for her and the perfect teaching job will come along with time and patience. Sorry I do not have better advice

Thank you for the advice. It is reassuring hearing another believer say the encouraging words that I was always saying and let slip aside when I saw her in tears for the fear that she won't get a job. Those little words mean a lot! Thank you!

[sinsativ]

My wife got her Teaching certificate in 2003, taught for a year at one of the Charter schools, got 5 years of experience there, then I found her a job with one of the smaller school districts just outside of SA, and she loves it. She has now taught for 3 years in Natalia, and is really happy. The pay is a little less than SA, but, the classes are smaller, and the familiarity and closeness of the people is worth it to her. So, try the small burbs nearby. They are not that far when you really look at them. She drives 30 miles, but her commute, is shorter than when she drove across town, 20 miles, took an hour and 15 minutes, compared to 30 minutes now.

[tyandliz]

She has applied to almost all the small burbs around the area...just still haven't got a job offer or even an interview. The only interview she had she didn't get the job. Just kinda stressed because all I hear is that it is good to network with other teachers/principals. When you just get in the area and don't know anyone how do you get in that network? I know that whatever school does pick her up won't regret it. In Montana she had to sub for the first year and then the following year had 4 principals fight to get her in their school. Granted it was a smaller school district, but I think that speaks very highly of her qualities as a teacher.