General Education & Teaching Tips : How to Interview for a Teaching Job

[drummer78]

Here is my issue, I have a Master's Degree in Ed and have done student teaching yet I really haven't had much expereince beyond that. I try to sell schools on my student teaching but I didn't have a good student teaching experience. Also, it seems many schools want teachers with some years of classroom experience. How does one become a teacher if they haven't been a classroom teacher before? I just have student teaching to go by. Might you have any tips?

[kbear22]

Are you elementary ed? If so, I have heard that it is harder to get interviews if you don't have experience and a master's. Districts see a larger payscale for you and without the experience they see it as a risk. It would be easier for them to hire someone with a bachelors and little experience.

[kbear22]

As far as the experience issue: try subbing. I know it's difficult, but the more you are known in a district (and in particular principals) the more you will get called for jobs, and perhaps long term positions. I earned my bachelors in May 2007, completed my internship April 2008, and so far I have had 3 long term positions and taught 2 sessions of summer school. You just have to make yourself known.

[drummer78]

I have subbed for 2 years and have also worked as a teaching assistant.

[drummer78]

I have a Master's in Education and also my teaching certificate. Still, I have only worked as a teaching assistant so my actual classroom experience is limited.  It just seems like once you get your Master's in Ed., you are kind of thrown into a job market where these schools want teachers who have 3 years of teaching experience. How are people to get their first year of teaching if schools aren't willing to take a rookie?