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5 Job Search Tips For Teachers

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Trying to land that first (or second) teaching job can be a nerve-wracking experience. While some areas are in desperate need of qualified teachers, other markets are flooded with candidates. Having a professional, attention-grabbing cover letter and portfolio can make all the difference when trying to impress a hiring committee.


Here are five job search tips for teachers:

    1. Be Persistent And Personable

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    As a teacher, you want districts to remember you. Education Week surveyed a group of teachers for advice on obtaining a teaching career. When applying for a job, it is more personable to drop off your application in person and introduce yourself to an administrator, if possible. This puts a face with a name.

    As far as being persistent, send out resumes monthly so you are less likely to be forgotten. Call to ensure that districts have received your applications and write thank you notes when given interview opportunities.

    2. Write A Disruptive Cover Letter

    Teacher writes a disruptive cover letter during his job search

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    Disruptive cover letters are essential in any job search. For teachers, it is important to personalize each cover letter for the school to which you are applying.

    Your disruptive cover letter should be formal, addressed to the person responsible for hiring with the appropriate title and his or her name (Mr., Mrs., etc). Make the cover letter personal, so that it expresses your enthusiasm and passion for the teaching profession. Make it clear that you are knowledgeable about the school that you are applying to and sincerely desire to work there.

    Also, be meticulous with checking your grammar and spelling. Errors can prevent you from getting an interview.

    3. Carefully Complete The Application

    Teacher completes a job application during her job search

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    The Guardian emphasizes that your application be neat and thorough. Since teachers should be technologically literate, type your application, unless you are specifically asked to hand-write it.

    Make sure all of your employment history dates are correct and that you do not leave any gaps. This is actually a common mistake and could send your application to the bottom of the pile. If you have gaps in your employment history, explain why.

    4. Have A Professional CV, Resume, And Portfolio

    Teacher creates a CV, resume, and portfolio for his job search

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    Have a polished and professional curriculum vitae or resume when applying for a teaching position. Anything longer than two pages is usually too much for a hiring committee to review.

    Your resume or CV should have a clean, reader-friendly format with up-to-date information. Include your identifying information at the top, types of certifications with endorsements and certificate numbers, teaching experiences with job titles, locations and related experiences.

    Also, having a portfolio can give you an extra edge during the interview. In your portfolio, include your teaching philosophy and evidence of work that you have completed.

    5. Practice Your Interviewing Skills

    Teacher interviews for a position at a new school

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    The teachers surveyed by Education Week offered the following tips:

    • Study the school where you are interviewing and practice mock interviews with peers or family members.
    • Dress professionally and express your gratitude for being given the interview opportunity.
    • While you should be prepared to answer a variety of questions, be sincere with your answers so you do not sound rehearsed.
    • Most importantly, be yourself and let your passion show.
    Download Work It Daily\u2019s free job search checklist

    If you're a teacher looking for your next job, these job search tips will help!


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    This article was written by Social Media Outreach Coordinator, Sarah Fudin, on behalf of Work It Daily-approved partner, 2U, and was originally published at an earlier date.


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