Hello,
I've been a teacher on and off for years (stopped for raising children). I've been working in a district for 5 years. In the beginning, I was part-time as an intervention specialist. For the last 2 years, I have been the PE teacher for the entire school. I've gone above and beyond in every position I have had and during this whole COVID pandemic, I have been taking on many different positions, in particular, an emergency sub (very short substitutes right now). I have raving reviews from the principal and my other supervisors as well as high recommendations from my co-workers. I recently interviewed as the district is hiring more teachers for the last part of the year so they can reduce class sizes. I interviewed for one of the positions and felt strongly about all the questions as I've worked in many positions in the school district. I found out that I did not get in the hiring pool. I understand how competitive it is, but really thought with all the hats I have worn to keep the school afloat during this COVID time and all the extra duties I have assumed on my own to help out, that the district would be excited to have someone that has so much passion and drive.
It's really hit me personally, and I'm really trying not to have it affect me.
I love the kids at my school so much, so I just don't want to try other districts just yet (no one hiring anyway) and I feel like I would be in the same boat of proving myself. Thoughts have crossed my mind that it is age discrimination.Or the fact I don't have a Masters degree.
Any advice on how to stay motivated and positive after I have been passed up yet another time?
I have joined committees and am taking a university course in 21st-century teaching strategies.
Any advice or knowledge appreciated.
Is the position (or positions?) just for the rest of the year or are they permanent? If you would have gotten a classroom position, would they then have to find a teacher to fill your current position?
They weren’t looking for someone who has done so much but for someone with classroom experience, maybe? Did their questions and your answers show you know how to follow curriculum and plan engaging lessons?
Either way, it hurts when we don’t get something we feel like we should have gotten. I am sure your school is happy to have you!
For the district, it's a question of checking off boxes. It sounds like you have been flexible, reliable, and "useful." I had a friend once who subbed, including many long terms, for six years before being hired. She was too "useful" and was "used." She was also a little older and not the cute young thing.
I agree with ConnieWI. Call and ask HR. It is a little harder getting hired after raising children. Many years ago, I got lucky with a hiring boom and the fact that I liked a grade level that many don't go for.
Keep at it, and keep meticulous records of the great things you're doing. Don't assume that the district knows. Emphasize your innovations and flexibility.
Hi!
Yes, just until end of year because they are reducing class sizes in certain grades so that kids can return to campus face to face all together (currently in hybrid). Yes, they would have to replace me as PE teacher. Many "specials" teachers have resigned this year. Also, I a the designated emergency sub, since we sub shortage.
Yes, I know. I've been keeping the school afloat as I'm also the designated emergency sub since we have a sub shortage and can walk into any class without sub-plans since I know the school so well and I know all of the students since I teach them all. If that is the truth, then it will be interesting what they say when I talk to them about feedback. It's definitely hard to stay motivated!!
That is true about not assuming they know. The Assistant Superintendent interviewed me and already knew who I was because of all the things I was doing during this COVID time. So yes, at times I may not have sold myself enough. It just would be a no brainer if I took the newly formed class at my school because I know all the kids, parents and grade level teachers that it would go smoothly.
That is true. It is probably a common mistake with the "specials" teachers when they interview-we talk too much about our current position experience and not enough like we are classroom teachers.
I am on our building hiring committee and have worked in a career center helping with resume writing and interviewing strategies.
There could be outside things at play like you mentioned, or others have responded.
One thing that you can consider that you have control of is your interviewing. I would suggest reflecting on the questions you were asked and how you answered them. I have sat in on lots of interview committees and have seen qualified candidates be passed over for a person who on paper seems less qualified based on the quality of interview answers and the way the candidate presents themself (seeming extremely anxious, defensive, bragging, etc).
The main area where most candidates can improve their interview answers is in offering examples. Most teachers can answer common teacher interview questions, but very few (IME) follow that answer with an example from their teaching practice. Ex: how do you manage your classroom? Anyone can give a 'teacher answer' about respecting kids, setting expectations, being consistent, but then follow that up with an example. Or if you don't have an example, a hypothetical example.
If you don't give examples, it can come off as just spouting what you want the panel to hear.
Sometimes it comes down to being a good match for the committee or team. If the position is to join a strong team, they may want someone who is going to jump in and go with the flow. If the team is young/inexperienced, they may be looking for someone who is more experienced and will be a leader, etc. In terms of being a good match, I was part of a committee that interviewed three people this fall for a long term 1st grade sub position. At the time we were fully remote and a few weeks out from moving to hybrid. One of the candidates came in very confident in his tech skills, he sold that hard because we were remote, and it was definitely impressive. But he had no experience working with kids below 4th grade and wasn't able to tell us much in terms of teaching foundational reading, which is obviously a big deal in 1st grade. We selected a different candidate, and I'm sure he was surprised to not be selected.
Good luck to you as you continue looking for positions. I hope something in this rambling reply helps. =)
Thank you. Yes, all that is very true. It just seems that I have a proven track record and come in highly recommended -even my principal wrote he would hire me in a heartbeat. It becomes disheartening when candidates that haven't even worked in the district get hired-no one has seen them teach or work with others. It's easy to sell yourself, but much harder to prove it in person. Thank you for the reply! I guess it's God's way of saying "Stay where you are".
I don't have anything to add to others' insights about why you might not have been selected.
However, at least around here, it was definitely NOT because of your lack of a master's degree. In my area, a good strong candidate without the master's degree would be preferred because they come in lower on the pay scale.
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12-26-2020, 05:14 PM
