Teaching Jobs (San Antonio, Post, Trinity: home, elementary schools, university)

[slaleman]

Originally Posted by buffy888

I would love to come back down to San Antonio for another week to set up interviews, but financially that just isn't feasible right now. I am about to give up on the thought of moving back down to San Antonio because this just doesn't seem like it's going to work - it is a cliche, but it feels like we are in a Catch-22. We don't have the means to move down there without having jobs in place, but I don't feel I am going to get a job there unless we have already physically moved there.

I have applied with all of the districts that have internet applications. I received 2 calls a couple of weeks ago from schools in NISD that wanted in-person interviews. I had a phone interview set up with a school in ECISD, but the call never came. I do have a phone interview set up with a school in Edgewood ISD for later in the week, but that is really on the opposite side of town from where we would like to live. My preferences would be SCUCISD or Judson ISD - I graduated from Judson and have a friend who teaches there, but also have a friend who has taught in SCUCISD for many years and loves it. My husband has a few family members that live in that area as well. Location-wise, NEISD and possibly NISD would also work well.

I am just frustrated and don't know what to do. We haven't put our house up for sale because we feel like we are just in a waiting game to see if we will even be able to move.

I felt the same way when I lived in Chicago. After the first year there, I was ready to move back, applied for a position in Northside, got a call to interview, and when I told them that I lived in Chicago, they actually asked me if I was going to move to San Antonio whether I got the job or not. I told them no, and they said they'd call me back for an interview, then never did.

I guess it's just a matter of finding a place that really wants you and your skills and is willing to do the interview over the phone.

I'd love to tell you that we're hiring a ton of people in Schertz, but I think we've filled most of the positions already. HOWEVER, we will be opening a new elementary next year, so there should be more positions opening up then. I know that's not what you're looking for right now, but just an FYI.

I'd try shooting an email to some principals to see what kind of response you get from them. Making first contact can be risky, but it can also pay off big time if you're tired of sitting and waiting.

[JaneEvans]

It was so interesting to read the posts. I just moved, bought a house in May, submitted my app/resume/AZ certificate, for High School English with 3 years experience. Made a favorable impression at the job fairs, then interviewed twice. I thought they went well, but then...nothing. I'm discouraged. All this talk about teacher shortages and I still don't have a teaching job. I'm highly qualified, even taught Spanish, and Drama...sigh...I'm trying to be patient...but sheesh! This is getting ridiculous! (Thanks I needed that! lol) Jane

[JaneEvans]

I totally commisserated with people that are just "hanging out, being patient" waiting for the schools to get back to them. I moved here in late May, went to a couple Job Fairs, credentialed 8-12 English, and highly qualified. I made a good impression during the two job fairs (which were like sardine tins, except for Judson which was very classy) handed out over thirty resumes, got only two interviews, they seemed impressed...(who really knows)...and then nothing...sigh. I am a patient person, but where I came from in Arizona, you submitted one application on line, and checked off the districts you wanted it to go to...then sat back and let the email pour in. I'm beginning to be very discouraged. All the talking up about hiring "X" number of teachers, and then I have two interviews, and no return phone calls when I call back to check on my status. I guess when school starts I will know I haven't been hired?! It's extremely frustrating! (lol...thanks, I needed that!)

[slaleman]

It should pick up in the coming weeks. All of the 220 day folks are back to work, and principals should be coming back soon if they're not back already. Remember, the school year starts a week later this year, so that's an extra week the principals have to hire folks.

[buffy888]

I definitely understand your frustration! I read about the districts hiring X number of teachers and thought that certainly meant they might possibly need someone with my qualifications - and I did get a few calls from those districts, but those were the ones who wanted me to come in person (I am still out of state) - but nothing much materialized.

Did you apply with all of the districts in S.A. or just some? I know you said you went to job fairs, but wasn't sure if those were district-specific fairs or others...

It seems to have a lot to do with timing. At the job fair I attended, the ONLY positions they were trying to fill were high school, bilingual, or special ed (I have elementary and middle school certifications, from EC to 8th grade, generalist plus English and Social Studies certificates).

My only suggestion would be to widen the range of districts to which you have applied (if you haven't already done so) - you might not get a district you love, but maybe you will get a district you can at least stand for a school year (and maybe you will end up loving that district anyway). I was just offered a position in what is perhaps not my ideal district - more because it is a bit of a drive from where we want to live in order to be close to friends and family - but I actually think I will end up being happy there and hopefully doing good work.

Good luck - hope it works out for you.

[PomonaMex]

I moved here from Los Angeles a couple of years ago thinking that my degrees would lift me to better job opportunities, but I still find myself substitute teaching like I did back in California. You would think that a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Anthropology would open lots of doors for me somewhere. I guess there is such a thing as being over-educated.

[JaneEvans]

Originally Posted by slaleman

It should pick up in the coming weeks. All of the 220 day folks are back to work, and principals should be coming back soon if they're not back already. Remember, the school year starts a week later this year, so that's an extra week the principals have to hire folks.

I appreciate the news. School starts Aug. 27th correct? I also have a conditional ESL endorsement...just lack a linguistics course and a practicum...hopefully that piques some interest. I guess I have no choice but to be patient...At least all is not lost...!

[pobre]

Originally Posted by JaneEvans

I appreciate the news. School starts Aug. 27th correct? I also have a conditional ESL endorsement...just lack a linguistics course and a practicum...hopefully that piques some interest. I guess I have no choice but to be patient...At least all is not lost...!

Yes, all of the districts will start 8/27. For some districts, that is one week later; for others, it is two weeks later. I know that some schools will re-open 8/6 (mostly ES), but I don't know about MS/HS.

The magic date (last day to resign a contract is 45 days before the start of school. That put it around the second week of July (Slaleman, correct me if I'm off). So, there is still a HUGE possibility.

Also, with the growth of many schools (esp NE, NS), many of them actually add classes right after the start of school.

I'm still waiting myself. There is that fine line between being patient, and bugging principals to death!!

[JaneEvans]

Originally Posted by pobre

Yes, all of the districts will start 8/27. For some districts, that is one week later; for others, it is two weeks later. I know that some schools will re-open 8/6 (mostly ES), but I don't know about MS/HS.

The magic date (last day to resign a contract is 45 days before the start of school. That put it around the second week of July (Slaleman, correct me if I'm off). So, there is still a HUGE possibility.

Also, with the growth of many schools (esp NE, NS), many of them actually add classes right after the start of school.

I'm still waiting myself. There is that fine line between being patient, and bugging principals to death!!

Thanks Pobre, Pomona Mex, and Buffy...I've resigned myself reluctantly waiting and hoping...you have all been a big help...I'm less anxious now...I'll keep you posted! I have typed two different messages, and for some reason they don't post! GRRR...I'll try this again!

[bigbill]

Jane,
I know what you are going through. I went through an alternative certification course (ACT) and went to a job fair on Tuesday and was somewhat disappointed. Even those with openings in my certification were less than eager to talk. All said, "Apply online and we will get back to you." The only nibble I got was from Somerset ISD and they are opening a new 5th and 6th grade school this year. I decided to stick with what I was already doing, but if you haven't looked into Somerset and don't mind the drive (unless you already live down that way) you might give them a try. Of course if you aren't looking at the middle school level, this is of no help. Hang in there though.