New Teacher/Graduate wants job as an elementary school teacher in the Freehold Twp. Jackson area (Elizabeth: middle school)

[searchingforpeace]

I have put my resume into the following districts:
Jackson (4x), Freehold Twp.(4x), Freehold Boro, Howell, Wall, New Egypt, Lakewood, Toms River, (about as far South as I would like to go), Belmar, Manalapan, Marlboro, Rumson, and others I can't think of right now. I am wondering if anybody knows of an opening in the surrounding Freehold/Jackson area or 20 miles or less radius where they might be willing to mentor a new teacher... I have a CEAS (Certified w/advanced standing) K-8, so it's provisional... It just seems impossible if you don't have a connection (or relation) ! Does anyone else find this to be true?

[spotlight114]

i am having the same issue, but i have a BA in english, a CE and im trying to get into high school english. Its hard all over jersey unless you have a connection. My best friend was in the program at Rutgers getting her masters in education and alot of the people from her class did not have jobs for the following school year. Its tough out there for those who are highly qualified w/experience so i knew it would not be easy for me coming in with no experience and the min certification. i applied to districts all over b/c i need to get my foot in the door...someone told me my best bet would be a charter school or private school (they pay significantly less but have different hiring criteria)...we shall see

[hrjersey]

I know this has come up before. I live in Toms River and commute all the way to Elizabeth where I've been for 2 1/2 years because I love teaching. I recommend substituting in the one or two districts that you are most interested in. You should get to know a few of the principals that way and can be ready to jump in for any long term LOA's that may lead to a perm position. I wish I could afford to do that but I can't give up the benefiss so for now I commute.

Good luck.

[tahiti]

i know someone who applied to all those same districts as you (she wanted to be within a certain radius of jackson), and the only way she was able to get in was to sub for a teacher on maternity. she impressed the principal, and was eventually hired after about 18 months when a position opened. it's not easy. have you investigated doing that sort of thing?

[juliann1977]

Originally Posted by searchingforpeace

I have put my resume into the following districts:
Jackson (4x), Freehold Twp.(4x), Freehold Boro, Howell, Wall, New Egypt, Lakewood, Toms River, (about as far South as I would like to go), Belmar, Manalapan, Marlboro, Rumson, and others I can't think of right now. I am wondering if anybody knows of an opening in the surrounding Freehold/Jackson area or 20 miles or less radius where they might be willing to mentor a new teacher... I have a CEAS (Certified w/advanced standing) K-8, so it's provisional... It just seems impossible if you don't have a connection (or relation) ! Does anyone else find this to be true?

Most of the districts to which you've applied are highly desirable... People don't "cut their teeth," so to speak, in Rumson or Marlboro. Elementary positions are difficult to find in so-so districts even with connections and great creds. I would encourage you to expand that radius and flood the market.

And, yes, it is insanely difficult to find a teaching job (unless you're a special Ed, secondary math, science, or foreign language major). I was a Secondary Lang. Arts major with two years of teaching experience in another state, the top student in my major at a well-known and regarded university, and a 197 Praxis when I flooded the market 7 years ago. I sent out 40 or so resumes, did 8 interviews, and got 5 offers (4 of those were at private schools with unacceptable salaries). It isn't easy.

Edited to add : tahiti offers good advice. Subbing is one of the best ways to get in the door, especially as far as teaching at the elementary level goes. Teachers go on maternity leave all the time, and many never come back, so there are often opportunities in that regard. That's how my replacement went on to score a position, actually.

[spotlight114]

Originally Posted by juliann1977

Most of the districts to which you've applied are highly desirable... People don't "cut their teeth," so to speak, in Rumson or Marlboro. Elementary positions are difficult to find in so-so districts even with connections and great creds. I would encourage you to expand that radius and flood the market.

And, yes, it is insanely difficult to find a teaching job (unless you're a special Ed, secondary math, science, or foreign language major). I was a Secondary Lang. Arts major with two years of teaching experience in another state, the top student in my major at a well-known and regarded university, and a 197 Praxis when I flooded the market 7 years ago. I sent out 40 or so resumes, did 8 interviews, and got 5 offers (4 of those were at private schools with unacceptable salaries). It isn't easy.

Its just crazy b/c everyone always says "oh you want to be a teacher...there is always a need for teachers..they are always in demand...you'll find something" and i really want to tell people it is not as easy as they think. Its actually very competitive. My friend teaches deaf children at a school in newark and it was actually the only job she was offered in the state (she was offered a position at a school in BK)...I cant afford to take a a position w/out benefits so i have broaded my job search and will look for positions at nonprofits

[juliann1977]

Originally Posted by spotlight114

Its just crazy b/c everyone always says "oh you want to be a teacher...there is always a need for teachers..they are always in demand...you'll find something" and i really want to tell people it is not as easy as they think. Its actually very competitive. My friend teaches deaf children at a school in newark and it was actually the only job she was offered in the state (she was offered a position at a school in BK)...I cant afford to take a a position w/out benefits so i have broaded my job search and will look for positions at nonprofits

Not so much in New Jersey--elsewhere, sure. Everyone wants to score that badass state pension.

[brook2ga]

It's a bit easier to get a position in an urban district. As said, try subbing. It's all about who you know. Good luck!

[ottomobeale]

>Everyone wants to score that badass state pension< QFT. High pay + ***insane*** bennies = everyone wants the same job you do.

Unless you are willing to teach in the 'hood you better know someone. "corruption for the win"?

NJ pays a comparative ton and the benefits are even better. Good luck.

[spotlight114]

I applied to East Orange...got a letter saying my certification was inappropriate. I even applied to newark (they called but were looking for middle school english and im certified for high school)...i would be willing to work in an urban district (nervous but willing)