I’m trying to find a high school teaching job in southeast Michigan. The frustrating thing is that I’m currently waiting for my transcripts to arrive in the mail so I can apply for my Michigan teaching license and actually apply for more jobs. I don’t like not having vital documentation that I need to get a job.
I know I will be a great teacher and it frustrates me that I might not have an opportunity to prove it because of the economic conditions this region (and really, the whole country) is facing.
Also, I really do intend to write some posts that talk about my student teaching experience. Every time I sit down to write about it I get overwhelmed and end up doing nothing. It was such a big experience I think I’m having trouble deciding what to write about. I’ll figure it out eventually, I promise.
Mr. Spurlin,
I believe you have a nice “blogumentary” here -talking about your journey of becoming a teacher- and you also provide a first hand account for many others who want to become teachers and work in the education field. I do like your blog. This is the way to go.
I would suggest that you not wait for your certificate to start applying. I still don’t have my certificate yet (it’ll be processed once my transcripts for my final middle school classes comes through), but I was able to get a job without having it in hand, albeit at a small rural district here in Illinois. You may find that there are districts who will be willing to look at applicants without certification as long as they understand that it is pending; I assume that most teaching contracts (at least in public schools) involve stipulation that the contract is null and void in case you at any point will not be certified to teach. This might count you out of really competitive searches where there are hundreds or thousands of applicants, but it never hurts to try and get your name out there.
Good luck; I know that the job hunt sucks, but I’m sure that you’ll find something if you persevere (as cliché as that sounds).