[sterlingsun]

Today I had an interview today with an IU/Intermediate Unit (basically an non-profit entity that works with public schools to staff them with special educators, related services, etc). When I applied it was for a pool of positions under "Special Education Teacher." So the interview went very well. I had them smiling and laughing at the end and they've even started checking up on my references. The problem:

I asked if they could let me know what areas they were hiring for (learning support, emotional support, life skills, etc). They said they had two positions open a K-2 Early Intervention position and a K-2 Multiple Disabilities Support position. I am not certified in those grades and don't have a background in either. I know they have copies of my resume and certification on file, so it states what cert I have on there and I double checked the posting and it didn't say anything about elementary grades or any grades for that matter specifically.

I didn't raise the question there that I wasn't certified in those grades and what they would look like. I know waivers and emergency certs are sometimes common if they need teachers, so that could be a possibility. If I get a second interview I'll dig deeper and make sure to mention my cert grades. I can't imagine that they only have two positions open. They're always strapped for teachers in all areas and grades. Just a shame if it really is only the two because I wouldn't take either position.

[jazzer]

It is still somewhat early in the summer and many schools might be hiring later than usual as they are trying to navigate how next school year will go given the pandemic situation.

Maybe those are the only current openings, but they anticipate more coming and are preparing ahead of time with possible candidates.

[GraceKrispy]

I agree with Jazzer on both comments!

They may offer emergency cert if they are hard-to-fill positions. Or they might be just building up their pool of potential teachers to fit them in as positions become available. I haven't heard of a non-profit that staffs publics schools (just the staffing companies that are definitely for-profit), so I'm not sure how it works, but make sure you see whether you are employed by them or the district and how it all works. Some agencies won't let you work for the local school districts for a certain number of years after you leave. Maybe a non-profit would work differently, though.